Dubai: You now have one more reason to support local businesses in Dubai – free parking.
An initiative launched by Parkin, the largest provider of paid public parking facilities and services in Dubai, is supporting local businesses by encouraging more customers to shop locally.
Here is all you need to know about how to get your parking fees covered if you shop locally.
What is the initiative?
The ‘Spots for shops’ initiative launched by Parkin aims to solve one of the biggest challenges small businesses may face – customers not stopping to shop because there is no free parking near the shop.
By allowing shops to pay for the customer’s parking, the initiative is helping boost sales for local businesses.
A video posted by the parking operator says: “In a city built for the road, parking decides where people stop.... What if our 250,000+ parking spots become welcome mats for small businesses?”
So, from cycle shops, to restaurants, key cutters and locksmiths, small business have a chance to boost their business by offering free parking to their customers.
Which outlets can I get free parking at?
The initiative started on May 1, and some of the first business participating in the promotion are:
- CycleToCycle in Karama
- Beirut Blendz in Jumeirah
- Al Embratoor in Deira
- San Diego Key Cutting in Deira
- Ravi Restaurant in Satwa
- Soam Vegetarian in Karama
- Al Damyati Plus in Karama
- Manouche N’ Bites in Jumeirah Lake Towers
- Kavala Mane in Karama
How do you get free parking?
If you are shopping at a participating outlet, here are the steps you need to follow to get free parking:
- First, ensure you have the Parkin app installed, and you have registered your car in the app.
- When you are out shopping, park in any paid Parkin space near the participating business.
- Make sure you pay for the parking first.
- While shopping at the store, ensure you meet the minimum spend requirement.
- At the check-out counter, you can then ask for your parking fees to be paid for.
- The business will validate your parking through the Parkin app, using your registered mobile number.
- Once the parking is validated, the parking fee amount will be credited to your Parkin wallet.
Don’t have a Parkin account? Here are the steps to follow
- Download the Parkin app from the Apple App Store, Google Playstore or Huawei AppGallery
- Open the app, select your preferred language (Arabic or English) and enable notifications and location services.
- Select your account type as ‘Individual’.
- Sign up with your UAE Pass.
- Once you use your UAE Pass to sign in, the account will automatically fill in the details as per your records, including your email address and registered mobile number.
- You can then use the app to pay for parking, and get your parking amount refunded if you shop at one of the participating outlets.
How to register your business for the service
If you are a local business that wants to participate in the Spots for shops initiative, here are the steps to follow:
- Download the Parkin app.
- Open the app and tap on the profile icon on the top right corner of the screen.
- Click on ‘Login/set up’ at the bottom of the screen, and select on ‘Register’.
- Select your account type as ‘Business’, and tap on ‘Create an account’.
- Then, enter your business registration details, like which authority your company is registered with (Dubai Economy and Tourism, free zone etc.), your licence number, business name and owner’s email address and mobile number.
- Next, upload the following documents:
- Stamped copy of your trade licence
- Copy of the admin’s passport
- Business card of the admin with the name, title and business logo.
- Owner’s passport copy/Emirates ID copy
- Create a username and set a password for your account.
You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile number and a separate one on your registered email address. Enter both OTPs to complete the application.
The application will then be sent for approval, and you will receive an update through email and as an app notification within five working days.
You can also sign your business up through the Parkin website, here: https://parkin.ae/business-signup
There is no registration fee for business to participate in the Spots for Shops initiative.