Brace yourselves, mall-goers, Dubai Mall is getting renovated, and it’s taking a few parking spots along for the ride. In a series of updates posted across its social media channels, the shopping giant announced temporary closures and diversions as part of its ongoing expansion. Yes, it’s a bit inconvenient, but hey, progress rarely comes without a detour or two.
Ramps Closed, Routes Rerouted At Dubai Mall
If you’re headed to Dubai Mall anytime soon, expect a change of route and maybe a mild test of patience. Three key access points are officially out of service for now:
- Lower Financial Exit Ramp
- Grand Drive Valet Services
- Upper Financial Exit Ramp
Traffic that once flowed smoothly through these spots will now be rerouted through Grand Drive and Cinema P3. Visitors are strongly advised to keep an eye on the road signs, trust the traffic marshals, and most importantly, leave home a few minutes earlier.
In another update, the Grand Parking area will temporarily close in June, while a brand-new Grand Drive is set to make its debut in August. That’s your cue to mark calendars and plan mall outings with a bit more time management skills.
Pack Patience And Maybe Some Dirhams
Let’s not forget the big change from last year, parking at Dubai Mall isn’t free anymore, at least not everywhere. As of 1 July 2023, Dubai Mall partnered with Salik to introduce a barrierless, paid parking system. And yes, the charges can add up faster than your shopping spree.
Here’s the lowdown:
- Paid Parking Zones: Grand Parking, Cinema Parking, Fashion Parking
- Free Parking Zones: Zabeel and Fountain Views
- Free Hours: 4 hours on weekdays, 6 hours from Friday to Sunday
- Maximum Charge: Up to AED 1,000 if you stay for 24 hours
Also Read: Dubai Mall To Get Bigger Next Month With 65 New Shops & It’s Just In Time For Ramadan
Fountain’s Taking a Break Too
In case you missed it, Dubai Mall isn’t just tweaking parking. The Dubai Fountain, one of its biggest attractions, has gone temporarily silent. It’s under renovation for the next five months, so no music, no dancing waters, and definitely no selfies for now. But when it’s back, expect it to be better, brighter, and maybe even TikTok-worthy.
So if you’re heading to Dubai Mall in the coming weeks, leave early, park smart, and follow the signs like your shopping haul depends on it.
Cover Image Courtesy: Visit Dubai/Website
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