Discovery Gardens paid parking from 15 January 2026: permits, costs, and what to do next

Paid parking in Discovery Gardens began on 15 January 2026. Residents, visitors, and nearby service providers are now adjusting to new rules around permits, paid bays, and hourly parking.

This guide summarises what is currently known, what households should prepare, and where to check official updates.

Discovery Gardens paid parking rules: what changed on 15 January 2026

Discovery Gardens now operates as a managed parking area, with marked bays and paid parking controls. Enforcement also started from 15 January 2026.

The change mainly affects residents in buildings that do not have enough private parking, along with households that own more than one vehicle. Visitors and delivery drivers may also need to use paid visitor parking, depending on signage in each cluster.

Because parking policies and bay markings can vary by street, drivers should always check on-site signage first and confirm any city-wide permit options through official RTA information.

Official reference (Dubai):

• RTA parking permits information: https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/driver-and-carowner/parking/SeasonalParkingCard

One free parking permit per home in Discovery Gardens: who it applies to

Reports indicate that eligible residential units can receive one free permit per home. This permit is typically linked to one vehicle number plate, which means it is not designed to be swapped between cars.

Households with two vehicles should plan for a paid option for the second car, even if the first vehicle is covered by the free permit.

Applicants may be asked for:

• Tenancy and unit details
• Emirates ID details (as required)
• Vehicle registration and number plate details
• Contact mobile number and email address

How to apply for the free permit (and what to do if it is pending)

Applications were reported to have opened from 24 December 2025 through the relevant tenant registration portal for the parking operator.

If an application is still pending after enforcement begins, residents are advised to keep proof of submission (confirmation email or screenshots) and avoid long stays in paid bays until approval is confirmed. For case-specific issues, residents should contact the parking operator support channel shown in the app or on local signage.

Discovery Gardens parking costs for second vehicles and visitors

For households with additional vehicles, reported subscription prices include monthly and quarterly packages (figures vary by vehicle type, including separate EV pricing in some reports). Visitor parking has been reported as an hourly rate, with higher peak rates in some periods where shown on signs.

Prices can change by zone and time. Drivers should confirm the current fee in the payment app or at the sign before paying.

Typical payment methods include:

• Parking app payments (where enabled)
• QR codes displayed on signage
• SMS parking (where available in the area)

What this means for local businesses in Discovery Gardens and nearby areas

Service businesses operating in Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali, Al Furjan, JLT, Dubai Marina, and Ibn Battuta area may need to plan for paid visitor parking during call-outs, deliveries, and appointments. Clear parking instructions in booking messages can reduce delays for customers.

For visibility with residents and nearby companies, businesses can add a free profile to the UAEThrive directory and share updates via the UAEThrive blog:

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• https://uaethrive.com/blog

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