Dubai motorists are choosing to pay the steep Dh25 per hour for public parking over the Dh80 fees for private spaces near the Gulfood venue, despite a sixfold increase in charges. The price hike, which began on February 17 in alignment with the opening of the Gulfood exhibition, saw public parking rates around the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) surge from the usual Dh4 to Dh25 per hour.
Notices from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on their app alerted the public to the fee changes, effective from February 17 to February 21, particularly in parking zones 335X, 336X, and 337X around DWTC. These areas were marked with white boards, distinguishing them from regular parking zones.
Despite the sharp price increase, spaces around the DWTC were fully occupied by 10am on the first day of the event. Exhibitors like Mohammed Hameed, who traveled from Sharjah, found the Dh25 per hour fee more cost-effective than paying for private parking, which can range from Dh40 to Dh80 per hour. He mentioned he may opt for the metro the following day, though he preferred driving for convenience this time.
This price hike marks the first time Dubai's Congestion Pricing Policy, announced in November 2024, was implemented. The policy aims to manage traffic congestion around major event zones, such as the DWTC during events like Gulfood, with plans to expand to other areas in the future.
Gulfood, now in its 30th edition, draws more than 5,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and is expected to generate over Dh70 billion in trade deals, further contributing to the parking and traffic demand in the area.
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