Smart Parking Collaboration by IACAD and Parkin to Simplify Vehicle Access to Mosques Throughout Dubai
In a move aimed at enhancing the religious experience for worshippers, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai has signed a strategic partnership with Parkin Company PJSC. This collaboration, set to roll out in August 2025, seeks to streamline and improve access to mosque parking across the city [1][2][4].
Under this partnership, Dubai's largest paid public parking provider, Parkin, will manage and operate approximately 2,100 parking spaces across 59 mosque sites. This initiative will provide worshippers with one hour of free parking during prayer times, easing the challenge of finding parking during these busy periods [1][2][4].
Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, has noted that the collaboration aims to improve accessibility to mosque parking areas. H.E. Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, stated that the partnership reflects Dubai’s efforts to deliver smart and proactive services to the community [2].
The parking zones will be designated as Zone M (standard) and Zone MP (premium) [1]. This partnership aligns with Dubai’s smart city and mobility vision, ensuring fair and efficient use of mosque parking facilities while potentially scaling to cover more mosques in IACAD’s portfolio [1][2][4].
Outside of prayer hours, the parking spaces will operate on a paid model, available 24/7. The collaboration is aimed at preventing misuse of mosque parking areas by non-visitors [2].
This partnership will expand Parkin's total private parking portfolio to about 20,800 spaces [1]. It marks the first of its kind and is intended to improve not only parking organization around mosques but also oversight, maintenance, and the readiness of mosque environments [2].
The collaboration sets a precedent for future collaborations focused on public convenience and urban efficiency [2]. This initiative is part of Dubai's vision for smart, inclusive city services, continuing to support its efforts in this area.
References: [1] Khaleej Times. (2023, March 15). Dubai’s largest paid public parking provider partners with IACAD to manage mosque parking spaces. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/transport/dubais-largest-paid-public-parking-provider-partners-with-iacad-to-manage-mosque-parking-spaces
[2] Gulf News. (2023, March 15). Dubai's IACAD partners with Parkin to manage mosque parking spaces. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/dubais-iacad-partners-with-parkin-to-manage-mosque-parking-spaces-1.1678909959538
[4] Zawya. (2023, March 15). IACAD partners with Parkin to manage mosque parking spaces in Dubai. Retrieved from https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/press-release/companies-news/iacad-partners-with-parkin-to-manage-mosque-parking-spaces-in-dubai-nta75s8
The government of Dubai, through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD), is collaborating with Parkin Company PJSC to manage and operate mosque parking areas, aiming to improve accessibility for the community during prayer times and beyond. This partnership aligns with Dubai's vision for smart, inclusive city services, setting a precedent for future collaborations focused on public convenience and urban efficiency.
