Time to top up your Salik account
From today, Monday, 6 July, visitors heading to Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Marina and West Yas Plaza will notice a brand-new parking system that promises to make arriving and leaving quicker than ever.
In partnership with PARKONIC, the UAE’s leading smart parking provider, the three destinations are introducing a fully digital, ticketless parking experience that uses automatic number plate recognition technology.
In other words, you simply drive in, enjoy your visit and drive out again; no paper tickets, payment machines or barriers in sight.
The system is also integrated with Salik, meaning parking charges are calculated automatically and paid digitally, creating a seamless experience from start to finish.
How much does parking cost?
If you’re visiting Yas Bay Waterfront or Yas Marina, parking starts at AED20 for the first hour, followed by AED10 for every additional hour.
However, there are plenty of ways to avoid paying the full amount.
Dining at one of the participating restaurants or cafés? You’ll receive up to three hours of complimentary parking, provided you validate your visit.
Heading to the gym or spending the day at the beach? Eligible visitors can enjoy up to six hours of free parking each day, again subject to validation at participating venues.
Over at West Yas Plaza, the pricing is slightly different. Drivers can park free for the first hour, with AED10 charged for every additional hour, making it ideal for quick shopping trips, grabbing a coffee or running errands.
A smoother visit
The new technology has been designed to remove some of the biggest frustrations associated with traditional parking systems.
Instead of collecting a ticket on arrival or searching for a payment machine before leaving, cameras recognise your vehicle’s licence plate as you enter and exit, with everything processed automatically in the background.
The move is part of a growing trend across the UAE, where barrier-free, cashless parking systems are becoming increasingly common as destinations look to improve the overall visitor experience.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Yas Island this week, don’t forget to top up your Salik account.
