Dubai: Parkin, the emirate’s main public parking operator, has begun installing hundreds of AI-enabled cameras across busy districts to automate fee collection and monitor parking bay occupancy in real time.
The rollout, currently in its first phase, includes more than 500 curb- and pole-mounted cameras in high-traffic areas such as Burj Khalifa, Trade Centre 1 and Al Corniche. The system uses artificial intelligence to capture vehicle images and read number plates automatically, enabling it to track parking duration and process payments without driver input.
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Regional first for curb-side technology
Parkin said the deployment includes the region’s first curb-side camera units designed to blend into street infrastructure. In addition to on-street coverage, the company is installing a further 200 cameras in controlled parking lots across the city.
The devices are fully solar-powered, reflecting Dubai’s wider push toward sustainable urban infrastructure. By recording entry and exit times, the system enables automatic payment through the Parkin app and its integrated digital wallet, eliminating the need for parking meters or SMS-based session activation.
‘Smart step’ in mobility management
Parkin CEO Eng. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali said the rollout marks a key step in enhancing how parking services are managed across the emirate.
“This rollout marks an important step in scaling our smart parking infrastructure and strengthening how customers interact with parking across the Emirate,” he said, adding that the focus remains on delivering “seamless management for customers across every aspect of their parking journey.”
Reducing congestion through real-time data
Beyond payment automation, the system is expected to support broader traffic management goals by providing real-time data on parking occupancy. Officials say this can help reduce the time motorists spend searching for available spaces, a major contributor to congestion in dense urban areas.
The automated enforcement system is also designed to improve accuracy in violation detection, while reducing the risk of incorrect fines by ensuring charges are directly linked to actual parking duration.
App integration and expansion plans
The new cameras are fully integrated with the Parkin app, available on iOS, Android and Huawei devices, offering a unified digital parking experience as the system scales across the city.
Parkin CTO Eng. Talal Al Ajmi said the shift toward data-driven operations will improve consistency and accuracy in parking management.
“Integration with the Parkin App supports a more streamlined approach to parking management, improving accuracy and consistency across operations,” he said.
The expansion forms part of Dubai’s broader push to embed artificial intelligence into everyday civic services, as the city continues to develop its smart mobility and digital infrastructure strategy.
