Starting June 1, Dubai will officially discontinue cash payments at all public parking meters, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s 2026 Cashless Strategy. Motorists will no longer be able to use coins, as the city moves toward a fully digital payment system. Instead, drivers are encouraged to use the Parkin mobile app, which offers a more efficient experience by eliminating the extra SMS fees associated with text-based payments, while also allowing users to remotely extend sessions and track their parking history. Alternatives like Nol cards, the Dubai Now app, and the RTA app will remain fully operational for ticket purchases.

Alongside the shift to digital-only payments, Parkin and the toll operator Salik have announced that a 5 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) will be applied to parking tariffs, toll gate fees, and tag activation costs effective June 1. This change is part of a broader government initiative to streamline operations and reduce the logistics of physical cash management. With these significant adjustments approaching, frequent drivers are encouraged to set up their digital payment methods promptly to avoid any disruption to their daily commutes.