Dalma Mall Implements Paid Parking to Enhance Customer Experience: A New Era in Abu Dhabi Retail
By Kirstin Bernabe (Abu Dhabi)
In a significant shift aimed at improving the shopping experience, Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi has announced that it will commence charging for parking services as of July 25. This new policy marks a strategic operational change for one of the capital’s most frequented retail destinations, which has long been synonymous with convenience and accessibility.
Under the new parking structure, visitors will enjoy complementary parking for the first three hours, a move designed to accommodate short visits and spur shopper engagement within the mall. After that window, parking fees will be assessed at AED 10 for each additional hour. Notably, patrons attending screenings at the mall’s cinema will receive an additional hour of complimentary parking upon validation of their tickets, promoting a seamless experience for moviegoers. It is also worth highlighting that no parking fees will be enforced on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, which aligns with cultural practices and leisure patterns in the region, while the parking system itself will operate continuously throughout the week.
The modernization of Dalma Mall’s parking services comes as a result of a collaboration with two technological partners, Parkonic and Salik, the latter recognized as Dubai’s premier road toll operator. This partnership aims to facilitate the deployment of an advanced ticketless parking management system underpinned by Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This innovative approach promises to streamline the entry and exit process for vehicles, as it automatically scans license plates upon arrival and departure, effectively calculating parking durations and minimizing wait times for all visitors.
In response to inquiries regarding payment methods, the mall outlined multiple convenient options available to manage parking fees. Motorists may utilize the Parkonic portal or the Salik app for seamless transactions. The Parkonic app allows users to register their vehicles, replenish their digital wallets for future visits, and navigate available parking spaces prior to arrival—all designed to enhance the overall user experience. Shoppers have the flexibility to process payments via the app or by scanning a displayed QR code within the mall. Customers can preload an e-wallet, ensuring that fees will be automatically deducted upon exit, thus facilitating a frictionless departure from the parking facility.
For those who prefer traditional payment methods, or if payments are not processed in advance, the parking fees will be deducted directly from the associated Salik wallet upon exit. However, the mall has introduced a consumer-friendly grace period of five days for those who may encounter insufficient funds, allowing them to rectify any imbalance without immediate penalties.
Dalma Mall addressed concerns regarding payment tracking, clarifying that the system will operate similarly to Salik notifications. Visitors will receive updates to inform them of any charges incurred, maintaining a transparency that is crucial to customer trust.
The rationale behind the introduction of paid parking cannot be understated. Dalma Mall has acknowledged that as foot traffic increased, so too did instances of misuse of complimentary parking spaces—often by non-shoppers or long-term parkers. This problematic engagement contributed to congestion, reducing availability for genuine customers and detracting from the overall shopping experience. By instituting a fair paid parking system, the mall aims to ensure that convenient, secure, and reliable parking is available for its most valued visitors.
As the retail landscape in Abu Dhabi continues to evolve, such initiatives signal a broader commitment among shopping centers to refine customer-centric services while leveraging technology. In an era where customer experience defines brand loyalty, Dalma Mall’s transition to a paid parking model reflects a proactive approach to enhancing shopper satisfaction amidst growing demand.
As the July 25 date approaches, shoppers and potential visitors can anticipate an adjustment period as the new system is integrated. It represents just one of many significant developments within Abu Dhabi’s retail sector, reinforcing the capital’s position as a vibrant epicenter of shopping and leisure in the Middle East.
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