Empty Parking Lots as Dubai Goes Car-free

DUBAI — It was a small step for Dubai, but a giant leap for Dubai Municipality.

The first Car Free Day observed by the civic body turned out to be a huge success for Dubai Municipality, with more than 1500 officials and employees ditching their cars for the Metro and public buses to report to work on Wednesday.

The parking lots in Municipality’s compound remained empty for the first time on a working day. At the same time, paid parking zones in nearby areas witnessed unusual rush.

Some members of the public also joined hands with the municipality in introducing the novel concept aimed at reducing air pollution. However, the environmental initiative did not show visible impact in reducing heavy traffic on city roads.

The Municipality has pledged to continue observing car-free days in future. But it is not certain if it will pay heed to residents’ plea to offer free parking on such days to ensure more participation from the public.