Dubai's Salik expands parking services outside emirate for the first time

It has partnered with private parking operator Parkonic, which operates at 107 locations in the UAE

Angel Tesorero

Published: Thu 28 Nov 2024, 9:47 AM

Last updated: Thu 28 Nov 2024, 1:27 PM

Dubai's toll gate operator Salik has expanded its services outside the emirate for the first time through a new partnership it inked with private parking operator Parkonic, which serves 107 locations across the UAE.

Under the terms of the five-year agreement signed on Thursday, Parkonic "will promote Salik as the preferred payment channel for its customers at all current and future locations, utilising Salik’s capability of providing a seamless and convenient payment option for paid parking".

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Parkonic will pay Salik a percentage of their share of parking revenue generated through the Salik eWallet. The agreement will cover Parkonic’s more than 135,000 parking spaces across the UAE beginning the first quarter of 2025.

Salik CEO Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad and Parkonic CEO Imad Alameddine

"Our strategic partnership with Parkonic will facilitate advanced parking payment solutions across approximately 135,000 spaces and 107 locations in the UAE, and marks the first time Salik has expanded beyond Dubai,“ said Salik CEO Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad.

"(This) further accelerates the growth of Salik’s ancillary revenues in leveraging our unique technology platform beyond the core tolling business. This partnership further demonstrates Salik’s commitment to continue building on the success of its parking payment solutions as a key driver of ancillary revenue growth,“ he added.

Some of the areas where Parkonic operates include Global Village, The Beach – JBR, and Central Park in Dubai; Arc Towers, Sheikh Zayed Festival (P4), and Marsa Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi; Khorfakkan Beach; Al Suhub, Al Qasba, Heart of Sharjah and Majaz Park P1 in Sharjah; and Umbrella Beach in Fujairah.

How it works

Parkonic is an AI-based parking management system, the company's CEO, Imad Alameddine, explained to Khaleej Times.

"Parkonic users don’t have to open any other app as their parking transaction will immediately be recorded once they enter and exit a Parkonic-operated location," he said.

“The parking time will be recorded and parking fees will be deducted from the motorist’s Salik account (similar to the Dubai Mall parking transaction operated by Salik). Using our system, they don’t need to use other parking apps — as they can enter the parking area and leave, and parking fees will be automatically deducted,” Alameddine added.

“Parkonic, however, is more than monitoring parking transactions,” continued Alameddine. “It will give a summary or calculation of your weekly or monthly parking expenses as it is AI-powered.”

Motorists must first download the app, create an account and register their vehicles. At the Parkonic location, the ANPR (automatic number-plate recognition) camera will capture the vehicle licence plate and the barrier will open automatically. The exit barrier will automatically open for Parkonic app users. Non-Parkonic app users must pay before they exit through any payment methods.

Alameddine said: “Both Parkonic and Salik share a commitment to innovation and excellence, and this partnership is a testament to our vision for a smarter, more connected UAE. By aligning our technologies and expertise, we are setting a new benchmark for convenience, efficiency, and sustainability in the region.

“This collaboration is not just about creating better mobility solutions—it’s about empowering communities, enhancing urban living, and taking a part in the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in smart city initiatives,” he added.

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