Searching for a parking spot at BurJuman Mall, Dubai just got smarter and slightly stricter. As of this week, the mall’s new Smart Parking System is officially live. Think ticketless tech, cleaner exits, and yes, penalties if you do it wrong. If you frequent the Bur Dubai hotspot, it’s time to get info before your next trip costs you more than just coffee.
BurJuman Mall Launches Smart Parking With New Fines, Rules & Free Sundays
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Let’s start with the good news. The new parking system at BurJuman uses ANPR tech: Automatic Number Plate Recognition for a smooth, touchless experience. That means no tickets, no barcode scanners, and no rolling your window down in the heat to punch a button.
Parking is now free for the first three hours. If you’re catching a film at VOX Cinema, you get three extra hours free, but only if you validate your visit. Sundays and public holidays? You guessed it, parking is absolutely free.
But BurJuman is keeping its boom barriers, unlike The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, which have gone barrier-less. Why? To ensure control, apparently. So while it’s smart, there’s still a gate to pass.
Fines, Timings & No Re-Entry Loopholes
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Here comes the fine print.
Once you validate or pay, you have exactly 15 minutes to leave. Miss that window? You’ll be charged extra. Also, don’t think you can do a cheeky exit and re-enter. Free re-entry is only allowed after six hours.
If you stay beyond the free hours, you’ll get charged AED 20 for every extra hour or even a part of one. And no, you won’t get reminders. You need to validate at the kiosk, either with a card or cash. If you try to pay at the exit, only card payments will work.
As for penalties, overnight parking fines have increased from AED 250 to AED 350 per day. Misuse or improper parking gets you hit with AED 250. Your car can also get towed, so think twice before ditching it for a day trip.
Private transport buses are banned from using the car park altogether. This lot’s for shoppers, not shuttle services.
Also Read: BurJuman Mall, Dubai Is Hosting A Month-Long Food Festival Starting Tomorrow!
New Signs, Clearer Paths, Better Flow
On the upside, wayfinding just got an upgrade. BurJuman has installed clearer signs to help you find your spot quickly and avoid the usual multi-level panic. There are designated spaces for People with Determination and families. The new system isn’t just about revenue, it’s built to reduce traffic inside the car park and improve flow.
So next time you plan a quick Zara run or a long movie night, make sure your parking game is on point. Or your wallet might be the one taking a hit.
Cover Image Courtesy: KTC International/Instagram
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