A car park at Dubai Mall has officially closed — here's what to know
One of the world's biggest malls has announced that a major parking area has now closed.
As of Monday June 16, Grand Parking P1 and P2 at Dubai Mall have temporarily closed as part of the mall's ongoing expansion plans.
With 694 parking slots, Grand Parking is the smallest of four car parks at the world's busiest mall.
The car park, which can be found on the Financial Street side of Dubai Mall, has closed ahead of the opening of New Grand Drive in August.
Fashion Parking, Cinema Parking and Zabeel Parking remain open, and shoppers are encouraged to park there instead.
Earlier, Dubai Mall had also revealed that several internal roads and access points have been closed or redirected as part of the expansion plans.
If your route includes the Lower Financial Exit Ramp or the Upper Financial Exit Ramp then you'll now need to find an alternative way of getting there.
Anyone who uses Grand Drive Valet services will also need to keep this in mind when visiting the mall.
Traffic for these access routes will be rerouted via Grand Drive and Cinema P3 during the closure.
Visitors are encouraged to follow signage in place and to allow extra travel time.
Last year, Dubai Mall introduced paid parking for the first time. A ticketless parking system using vehicle plate recognition now deducts fees from Salik accounts of drivers.
The mall smashed its own attendance record in the past year with more than 111 million visitors arriving through the mall's doors in 2024.
(Credit: Dubai Mall)
Dubai Mall is currently home to more than 1,200 retail spaces, including two anchor department stores in Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's, and more than 200 food and beverage outlets.
In 2024, Dubai Mall operators Emaar also announced plans for a massive Dhs1.5 billion expansion, which will bring a whole host of new shops and restaurants to the site.
It is unclear whether the expansion plans that require the temporary closure of Grand Parking and the closure of access routes are part of the plans announced last year.
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Time Out Dubai
4 days ago
- Time Out Dubai
A car park at Dubai Mall has officially closed — here's what to know
One of the world's biggest malls has announced that a major parking area has now closed. As of Monday June 16, Grand Parking P1 and P2 at Dubai Mall have temporarily closed as part of the mall's ongoing expansion plans. With 694 parking slots, Grand Parking is the smallest of four car parks at the world's busiest mall. The car park, which can be found on the Financial Street side of Dubai Mall, has closed ahead of the opening of New Grand Drive in August. Fashion Parking, Cinema Parking and Zabeel Parking remain open, and shoppers are encouraged to park there instead. Earlier, Dubai Mall had also revealed that several internal roads and access points have been closed or redirected as part of the expansion plans. If your route includes the Lower Financial Exit Ramp or the Upper Financial Exit Ramp then you'll now need to find an alternative way of getting there. Anyone who uses Grand Drive Valet services will also need to keep this in mind when visiting the mall. Traffic for these access routes will be rerouted via Grand Drive and Cinema P3 during the closure. Visitors are encouraged to follow signage in place and to allow extra travel time. Last year, Dubai Mall introduced paid parking for the first time. A ticketless parking system using vehicle plate recognition now deducts fees from Salik accounts of drivers. The mall smashed its own attendance record in the past year with more than 111 million visitors arriving through the mall's doors in 2024. (Credit: Dubai Mall) Dubai Mall is currently home to more than 1,200 retail spaces, including two anchor department stores in Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's, and more than 200 food and beverage outlets. In 2024, Dubai Mall operators Emaar also announced plans for a massive Dhs1.5 billion expansion, which will bring a whole host of new shops and restaurants to the site. It is unclear whether the expansion plans that require the temporary closure of Grand Parking and the closure of access routes are part of the plans announced last year. Dubai nostalgia 8 pictures of what Global Village used to look like from the 90s car park to today The history of Dubai's favorite family day out 19 pictures showing what DXB Airport used to look like From 200 passengers a day to Emirates launch 20 pictures that show how much Dubai has changed from the 1950s to today. Take a look at these unrecognizable photos of the city
Time Out Dubai
10-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
How parking actually works at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, BurJuman and more
It's no secret that Dubai is home to some of the world's best malls and, more often than not, you'll want to take your car. In recent times, some of the city's biggest malls have removed parking barriers to make it quicker to get in and out of car parks. But even though the barriers have been removed, that doesn't necessarily mean that there won't be any fees, so make sure you don't get caught out. In 2024, Dubai Mall began charging fees for the first time for visitors – but you can still park for free within certain time frames. As long as your timing is right, you can make some major savings on parking at some of the city's biggest malls and focus, instead, on grabbing bargains. Below, we outline some of the malls where how you park has recently been updated and what you need to do to avoid paying hefty fees. Recent mall parking changes BurJuman (Credit: BurJuman Mall) One of the city's oldest malls, BurJuman Mall has introduced Automatic Number Plate Recognition to calculate fees. Cameras will scan your number plate upon arrival. The mall introduced a ticketless system in May 2025. While tickets are no longer necessary, you still need to pay at the machines. However, you can still park for free depending on how long you're staying at the mall. Free for the first three hours Free for an additional three hours if you're a VOX Cinema customer Free on Sundays and public holidays Re-entry for free parking only allowed after six hours of exiting Dhs20 per hour for every additional hour Overnight parking is prohibited, Dhs350 fine per day City Centre Deira City Centre Deira introduced a barrierless parking system in early 2025. The system, operated by Parkin, can be paid for via the Parkin app, with Apple Pay, a credit/debit card or a Parkin wallet. If you go over the allotted free period, you will be sent a notification to the phone you registered with Parkin. It's free to park on Sundays, public holidays and for the first three hours between Monday and Saturday. Parking is completely free on Sundays and public holidays Monday to Saturday 0 – 3 hours: Free 3 – 4 hours: Dhs20 4 – 5 hours: Dhs40 5 – 6 hours: Dhs60 6 – 7 hours: Dhs100 7 hours+: Dhs150 24 hours: Dhs350 Lost ticket: Dhs150 Overnight parking (4am – 6am): Dhs200 City Centre Mirdif (Credit: Supplied) Similarly to City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif is a barrierless parking zone. However, parking is completely free at all times throughout the year. So, no worries about getting caught out here. Dubai Mall (Credit: Emaar) Free parking used to be one of Dubai Mall's most-loved perks — right up there with the dancing fountains (which are currently getting a summer glow-up) and late-night Zara runs. But times have changed. Last summer, Dubai Mall introduced a paid parking system that started on Monday July 1, 2024. The city's largest mall now also uses vehicle plate recognition, but fees only apply to Grand Parking, Cinema Parking and Fashion Parking. Monday to Thursday 0-4 hours: Free 4-5 hours: Dhs40 5-6 hours: Dhs60 6-7 hours: Dhs80 8-12 hours: Dhs100 12-24 hours: Dhs500 24 hours+: Dhs1,000 Friday to Sunday 0-6 hours: Free 6-7 hours: Dhs80 7-8 hours: Dhs100 8-12 hours: Dhs200 12-24 hours: Dhs500 24 hours+: Dhs1,000 Mall of the Emirates Mall of the Emirates (Credit: Mall of the Emirates) Mall of the Emirates introduced barrierless parking earlier in 2025 to cut down on congestion, particularly during peak hours. Shoppers no longer have to wait for a ticket to be provided at the barrier on their way into the car parks. Instead, Parkin's advanced cameras automatically capture your vehicle's license plate and automatically track your car. The system, operated by Parkin, can be paid for via the Parkin app, with Apple Pay, a credit/debit card or a Parkin wallet. If you go over the allotted free period, you will be sent a notification to the phone you registered with Parkin. Mall of the Emirates parking fees Free parking on weekends and public holidays Monday to Friday 0 – 4 hours: Free 4 – 5 hours: Dhs20 5 – 6 hours: Dhs40 6 – 7 hours: Dhs60 7 – 8 hours: Dhs100 8 hours+ : Dhs150 Overnight: Dhs350 Making plans? Dubai's best outdoor restaurants, bars and clubs Visit these spots to cool off Dubai's newest restaurants to try The latest openings to tempt your taste buds 12 underrated Dubai restaurants and cafés (that are not tourist traps) Some of our favourite eateries that aren't always in the limelight
Time Out Dubai
10-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
15 fantastic free things to do indoors in Dubai
There are lots free things to do indoors in Dubai. From excursions to experiences, and plenty of pursuits to plan that will help you beat the heat and look after your bank balance at the same time. You might also like: 45 brilliant pool day passes and deals for 2025 For bargain hunters who love a freebie, here's a round-up of fabulous free things to do indoors in Dubai. Fantastic free things to do indoors in Dubai Get your art fix at Alserkal Avenue If you are after a one-stop spot to feast your eyes, then a trip to Alserkal Avenue is a must. With a long list of art galleries and performance spaces to enter for free, you can spend a whole day at the Al Quoz location. Well worth a visit to get a dose of culture without having to spend a dirham, making it one of the best free things to do indoors in Dubai. Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, (04 333 3464). You might also like: 5 must-visit museums in Dubai Discover old treasures at the Antique Museum (Credit: Supplied) If you find objects from years ago interesting you will find a trip to the Antique Museum (which is a bit of a treasure trove nestled in Al Quoz) fun. Admire treasures from the past as you look at the different stalls selling antiques, ceramics and hand-made wares. If you do want to part with some cash you can take home something very unique. Open daily 9am-8.30pm. Al Quoz, (04 347 9935). Watch a free film at Cinema Akil Cinema Akil is one cool spot to sit back and catch a movie. The cute cinema – kitted out with red velvet seating and walls lined with vintage film posters – sometimes puts on free screenings so it's worth keeping an eye on the website for when free events are on. Timings vary. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Check out the underwater zoo at Dubai Aquarium (Credit:Supplied) Marvel at marine life at the Dubai Aquarium inside The Dubai Mall. Make the most of the air-conditioned shopping centre as you check out the different fish swimming about behind the glass tank. You may even spot a shark, or two. While you have to pay to enter the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can spot plenty from the outside. A winner for anyone with kids. Open Mon-Fri10am-10.15pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11.15pm. The Dubai Mall, (800 382 246 255). Admire the resident dinosaur at Dubai Mall (Credit: Supplied) Sure to go down with aspiring archaeologists and Jurassic Park fans is a visit to see the 24-metre-long dinosaur skeleton that lives inside Dubai Mall. Visit the Souk Dome to see the 155 million-year-old Diplodocus longus named Dubai Dino. One of the best free things to do indoors, especially with kids, you can see the artefact any time during the mall's opening hours which is an added bonus. Mon 10am-midnight, Tues-Sun, open 24 hours The Dubai Mall. Stroll around Chinatown in Dubai Mall (Credit: Supplied) While you're in Dubai Mall, head to the first floor opposite the Dubai Ice Rink with direct access to Address Fountain Views, as the new destination promises to offer an authentic Asian experience that you can stroll around for free. Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Explore the creative hub at Jameel Arts Centre (Credit: Supplied) Make your way to Jaddaf Waterfront to immerse yourself in everything Jameel Arts Centre has to offer. The creative centre has three floors waiting for art enthusiasts to check out the exhibitions and installations. Make sure to also pop into the Art Jameel Shop, the Artist's Garden, the seven desert gardens, and Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park. Open Sat-Mon 10am-8pm, Tues, closed, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm. Jaddaf Waterfront, (04 873 9800). Learn about the classical Arabic poet at Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili (Credit: Supplied) If you love to see old artefacts and discover more about Arabic history then a trip to the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili could be right up your street. Visiting the free museum, which is a homage to Mubarak Bin Al Oqaili (1875–1954), will allow you to understand the pioneering poet and to see some of his original, handwritten work as well as the pens and tools he used to pen his poems. Open Mon-Thu 9am-2pm, Fri 9am-noon, Sat-Sun, closed. Al Ras, Deira, (04 515 5000). Visit Souk Madinat (Credit: supplied) If it's feeling too hot to wander around the Gold or Spice Souks in Deira, try heading to Souk Madinat instead. All created within the comfort of air-conditioning, you can wind around the alleys – decorated as if you're in one of the historic markets. Filled with traditional Arabic perfumes, sweets and gifts, take a browse for no cost at all. Daily 10am-11pm. Al Sufouh 1. (04 366 8888). See the summer shows at The Foundry If you didn't know already, The Foundry is one of the best places in Dubai to see art. With free shows all summer, there's loads to explore. Not only free to attend, you can view a series of new works every few weeks from the creative community, including local and international artists. Free. Daily 10am-10pm. Dubai Downtown Boulevard, (04 367 3696). The Old Library: Take the kids for story time Every Monday morning little bookworms are invited to attend story time at The Old Library. A storyteller reads to the tots from 10am and the first time is free for non-members to take their children to. After the first complimentary session, the parent/guardian must join as a member. Mon-Friday 10am-6pm, Sun noon-4pm, The Old Library, Gold & Diamond Park. Looking for another library to explore? Fiker Institute is also recommended: it has over 15,000 books, spanning over 40 categories. Listen to live music at Time Out Market Dubai Foodie hotspot Time Out Market Dubai is one of the best indoor places in town to head to during the warmer months. With free entry into the trendy market (you will have to part with cash to eat but with so many tasty options you will be happy too) as well as live music three nights of the week, and free entertainment for kids every Sunday, it must be on your summer to-do list. You might also like: The best desserts at Time Out Market Dubai Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Keep busy by volunteering Why not give something back this summer by helping others in need. There are lots of non-profit organisations in Dubai that will welcome people wanting to use their free time to help out. Check out a list of places to donate your services here. Various locations across the UAE. Try a new fitness class Want to get back into exercising? Keen to work up a sweat doing something new? ClassPass allows you to discover a new fitness session without you being committed long-term. A great way to find what is right for you without having to spend your hard-earned cash. Various times and locations. Other free things to do indoors in Dubai The 56 best things to do indoors in Dubai Your ultimate guide to beat the heat How to summer indoors: picnics, wildlife walks and yoga under the sea Our AC-approved places to play 10 must-try indoor attractions in Dubai Don't worry – they all have air conditioning
