Dubai Salik Expands Parking Services Outside Emirate for the First Time. Dubai’s iconic toll gate operator, Salik, has made a groundbreaking move by expanding its parking services outside the emirate of Dubai. This strategic development marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, as it partners with private parking operator Parkonic, a key player managing parking services across 107 locations in the UAE. This collaboration underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering smart city initiatives and delivering seamless technological experiences to residents and visitors alike.
Salik and Parkonic
On Thursday, Salik signed a five-year agreement with Parkonic, a leading AI-powered parking management service. This partnership positions Salik as the preferred payment channel for Parkonic users at all existing and future locations. With this collaboration, motorists can enjoy a seamless and convenient payment option for parking services through the Salik eWallet.
- Coverage: Parkonic will integrate Salik’s payment solution across its extensive network of over 135,000 parking spaces in the UAE.
- Revenue Sharing: Parkonic will share a percentage of its parking revenue generated through Salik’s eWallet system.
- Timeline: The new service is expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2025.
According to Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, the collaboration is a testament to Salik’s ability to leverage its unique technology beyond its core tolling business.
“This partnership accelerates the growth of Salik’s ancillary revenues and underscores our commitment to building innovative parking payment solutions that enhance convenience for users,” Al Haddad said.
Where Will the New Services Be Available?
Parkonic’s operations span multiple emirates, providing parking solutions at high-traffic locations. Some key locations where the collaboration will take effect include:
Location |
Emirate |
Global Village |
Dubai |
The Beach – JBR |
Dubai |
Central Park |
Dubai |
Arc Towers |
Abu Dhabi |
Sheikh Zayed Festival (P4) |
Abu Dhabi |
Marsa Al Bateen |
Abu Dhabi |
Khorfakkan Beach |
Sharjah |
Al Suhub |
Sharjah |
Heart of Sharjah |
Sharjah |
Umbrella Beach |
Fujairah |
This extensive coverage ensures that motorists across the UAE can experience enhanced convenience and efficiency in parking transactions.
How Parkonic Works?
Parkonic employs an advanced AI-powered parking management system to provide seamless parking experiences. Imad Alameddine, CEO of Parkonic, highlighted the simplicity and efficiency of their system:
- Automatic Transaction Recording: When motorists enter or exit a Parkonic-operated location, their parking transactions are automatically recorded.
- Integration with Salik: Parking fees are directly deducted from the motorist’s Salik account, eliminating the need to use other parking apps. This system mirrors the efficiency of the Dubai Mall parking transactions operated by Salik.
- User-Friendly App: Motorists must download the Parkonic app, create an account, and register their vehicle.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): Upon entering a Parkonic location, cameras capture the vehicle’s licence plate, and barriers open automatically.
- Expense Tracking: The AI-powered system provides users with a summary of their weekly or monthly parking expenses.
- Payment Flexibility: Non-Parkonic app users can still pay through alternative payment methods before exiting.
This advanced system not only enhances the parking experience but also aligns with the UAE’s vision for a smarter and more connected transportation network.
Empowering Communities and Supporting Smart City Initiatives
The collaboration between Salik and Parkonic reflects a shared vision for innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Alameddine stated:
“This partnership is about more than improving parking solutions. It’s about empowering communities, enhancing urban living, and supporting the UAE’s ambition to lead global smart city initiatives.”
By integrating cutting-edge technology, the partnership aims to set new benchmarks in mobility solutions while contributing to sustainable urban development.
Why This Partnership Matters
The Salik-Parkonic partnership represents a significant shift in the UAE’s parking ecosystem. Here’s why this development is crucial:
Aspect |
Benefits |
Convenience |
Automated payments through Salik eliminate the need for manual transactions or multiple apps. |
Efficiency |
AI-powered systems save time and provide detailed expense summaries. |
Sustainability |
Streamlined operations support the UAE’s sustainable urban development goals. |
Innovation |
Enhances the country’s reputation as a global leader in smart city technology. |
Future of Smart Parking in the UAE
The integration of Salik’s payment solutions into Parkonic’s AI-driven parking system sets the stage for future advancements in smart mobility. As the partnership grows, it is expected to:
- Introduce additional features that enhance user convenience.
- Expand services to new locations across the UAE.
- Foster the development of innovative technologies that align with the UAE’s vision for 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
Salik’s expansion beyond Dubai through its partnership with Parkonic marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s journey toward becoming a global leader in smart city solutions. By integrating advanced technology and user-centric services, this collaboration offers unprecedented convenience, efficiency, and sustainability for motorists across the UAE.