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Entrepreneur
09-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Braving the Storm: How UAE-Based Bookends' Grace Karim and Somia Anwar Turned a Final Page Into a New Chapter
A little over a year ago, in the aftermath of the most devastating rains the UAE has witnessed, UAE-based Bookends saw 14,000 of its books get destroyed. To the co-founders themselves, the extent of the damage felt like a point of no return. But against all odds, here's how the little bookstore trudged on and emerged stronger than ever. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Sitting across Grace Chaoul Karim, the co-founder of UAE-based Bookends –and online and physical marketplace for used and "pre-loved" books– in a dimly lit, cosy nook of the bookstore located in Dubai Silicon Oasis, there is a sense of tranquility that one can perhaps find only in spaces filled with novels and stories. But sitting right in the middle of the short wall that separates Karim and I is a framed photograph– it is one where she and her co-founder Somia Anwar are facing a mountainous pile of books drenched in water; all placed haphazardly among one another. That moment was photographed in April 2024, when Dubai experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, and it would later be revealed that a devastating 14,000 destroyed books made up that pile. "I was standing with Somia over there and wondering, 'Oh, my God, what are we going to do?' and then Abby, one of our team members who was behind us, said, 'Ladies, sit down. I want to take a picture,'" Karim recalls. "But I didn't imagine it would come out so expressively like that. I love it. I get goosebumps every time I see it. Because when I look at this picture, it makes me think of how our lowest moment was a lesson towards resilience. When I look back at it, I know we built resilience from that. Because to stand up again is not an easy task. At that time, our inventory was about 30,000 books. So almost half our inventory was gone. But we felt we have a responsibility towards our community, you know, and so we had to stand up again. So I'm in love with this picture because it speaks a thousand words." That spontaneous decision to showcase a moment of intense vulnerability, and their internal commitment to rebuild for the sake of the community they'd built thus far, culminated into an outcome neither Karim nor Anwar even mildly expected. "When we put up an announcement on our social media that we are closed, you cannot imagine…the phone never stopped, and the messages on Instagram were unending!" Karim explains. "We constantly got messages saying 'Guys, how can we help you? We are here for you. We want you to stand up again.' And I remember telling Somia how can we consider closing if this is our impact on people? We had to stand up no matter what. We had sellers telling us not to worry about their payment balance, and also telling us to use all of it to get back on our feet again. And even here, at the store, when we were taking the rainwater out from inside, we had strangers who came to help us and look after us. It was only then that we realized that our impact is huge. You know, readers…our community is beautiful. This is something I always talk about. If there is something I love about the business, it's connecting with the people." In April 2024, in the aftermath of Dubai's heaviest rainfall in 75 years, Bookends faced a severe tragedy: more than 14,000 of its books were destroyed. Image courtesy Bookends Here, Karim reveals that although Bookends hasn't gotten its operations back to optimal levels, the support it's received has been just enough to keep the store up and running again. "Those new shiny shelves you see now were replaced only in December, because even up until then things were quite tough," she adds. "Imagine, our loss was around AED200,000 during those floods, when we'd started Bookends with all of just AED25,000." Indeed, the initial capital Karim refers to is the amount she and her co-founder received when the pair participated in a Startup Weekend event staged at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) in 2019, where they won third place and received a grant of AED25,000 to launch their business. But the seeds of inspiration behind Bookends had been sown much before this competition– in 2016 to be precise. "Grace and I are friends to begin with," shares Anwar via email. "So our kids used to be in the same class, and we'd often meet across different events like birthday parties, coffee mornings, mom get-togethers and so on. And every time we met, we would discuss how expensive books are. So around 2016, we started a pilot– we started collecting books from friends, other moms, and even through school fairs. Grace even went to different economic departments in Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai and our idea at the time was to do a mobile bookstore. But we soon found out that the ecosystem did not even have that category in their system; they did not understand our concept back then. But now you can see how food trucks are everywhere, right? So we decided that while this idea may not be feasible, we could instead consider having a shop. We did a small study and found out something interesting: the idea was never going to make us any money! The plan we had back then wouldn't have even covered the cost of running a store, so we decided that this isn't something we want to continue with." Grace Chaoul Karim, co-founder, Bookends. Image courtesy Bookends But all that changed when the aforementioned competition by Sheraa came Anwar and Karim's way in 2019. "The premise was that Sheraa was on the lookout for book-related ideas which are tech enabled, and so we said 'Why not present Bookends as an online platform?" recalls Karim, "At that time obviously we were not entrepreneurs, we were not business people, nothing. I remember I was driving my kids to school at seven o'clock in the morning and Somia called me to say that we had to present a one-minute pitch that day, to which I said "What is a pitch?" That was how little I knew about entrepreneurship! I was also so worried about how much we could talk in one minute, you know? But now I believe there is a lot that you can say in that one minute. Anyway we pitched the idea on a Thursday, and by Saturday we were shortlisted. There were more than a hundred ideas, they shortlisted 15 and Bookends was one of them!" Having thus got their first taste of what it takes to run a business that weekend in November 2019 –including being introduced to concepts like minimum viable product, business plans, and marketing– the duo's plunge into entrepreneurship was thus sealed through their third-place win. "That was when reality hit us," Anwar says. "The first strike of reality was when we realized 'Oh my God, our idea is good; it is validated!" The second moment of realization was where we realized that this idea wasn't just talk anymore–we had to get serious. So that was the beginning." With the AED25,000 bagged through the contest, Bookends was officially launched in January 2020 out of one of the rooms in Anwar's house, with the brand's website serving as the main medium of buying and selling used books. But less than two months later, in March 2020, the world went into social lockdown because of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. "My first thought when that happened was 'Oh my God, we've barely begun the business!'" recalls Karim. "Plus, at the time it was just Somia and me running Bookends. We were entering books into the system, we were fulfilling orders and running operations, Somia was running the ads on Instagram and Facebook…we were doing all of it by ourselves. So the lockdown felt like a huge, huge challenge to overcome." But as is often the case with seemingly perilous situations, a sliver of hope emerged. "What we found was that people were very tired of constantly using screens at home and just wanted an escape– and that escape was through books," Karim explains. "So the business actually started growing, and we had the comfort of running it from my house. You know, for someone like me whose childhood was the civil war in Lebanon, even though the pandemic brought its challenges, I was grateful and counted my blessings. Despite the lockdown, my children could still continue their schooling online, and it reminded me of how there were days I would go to school and not know if I was going to be able to continue my day; if I was going to be back home safe. I remember there were two school years that we did in just a few months in summer. So with everything happening with Bookends, instead of looking at the empty half of the cup, I was looking at the full half of the cup, you know? I took advantage of being in a situation like that and we just kept moving forward." Somia Anwar, co-founder, Bookends. Image courtesy Bookends The resilience shown during those initial few months of launching the business resulted in Bookends' successful growth– both as a business and as a haven of book lovers. Along the way, an additional AED25,000 won through a startup competition hosted by Bank of Sharjah, as well as a COVID-19 grant of US$10,000 offered by Sheraa, helped the business stay afloat. "Eventually the inventory of books we had got too big to run out of Grace's house, so we decided to rent out a two bedroom apartment which worked both as an office and storage space for us," Anwar explains through her written responses. "Like I mentioned earlier, the pilot test we'd done had shown us that running an actual bookstore wouldn't be profitable for us. More importantly, we didn't want to compromise on the prices– books are the only revenue stream for us, but raising their prices would have rendered our business model meaningless. So we were never considering opening a physical store." That staunch stance however melted away when, following an ease in social distancing restrictions in mid-2022, Bookends' customers themselves started to express a keen demand for a physical store. "We kept getting constant messages, especially in the second half of 2022, with customers saying they wanted to actually actually touch and smell these books instead of just checking them online," Karim shares. "At the same time, the flat we were operating out of became too small for us, because by then we had 20,000 books on our platform. So I told Somia, 'I think it's time to consider opening a store.' Of course, shifting 20,000 books that have to be in a specific sequence was not going to be an easy job to do. So after searching different locations, we came here, to Silicon Oasis, in July 2023 and found that they were accommodating. So we have at the moment four spaces here— three of them are used as storage facilities and an office, and the fourth is the main bookstore for walk-in customers." The launch of a physical location –completely bootstrapped using the co-founders' own savings– opened doors for Bookends to widen its community impact in more ways than one. In February 2024, the brand was able to set up an unmanned shelf of books at Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis, a hotel located just a few feet away from the bookstore. "When we collaborate with hotels and cafes across the UAE, we essentially just have the prices at the back of the books we offer, and each of them has a unique QR code," Karim explains. "So if your customers are waiting to be served, for example, they are exposed to different types of literature. They can simply take a book that they like, scan the QR code and buy the book. So it's based on honesty really, and we believe that readers will respect the book and will pay for the book. And if you have any one stealing these books, well, those people are simply not interested in actually reading a book. For us, it is about spreading the love of reading and also increasing the exposure to different literature, across the country." But just as things started to look up for the bookstore, Karim and Anwar were faced with the biggest challenge of their entrepreneurial journey yet– the April 2024 rains mentioned right in the beginning of this feature. "The store wasn't even a full year old yet at the time, and in fact, I remember we used to have conversations about how we should celebrate our first anniversary– but then the April floods happened…," Karim says. "In literally less than 12 hours, we were submerged. And I couldn't have imagined how awful it would be; not until the next day when I came and I saw the amount of water. It was so much that we were not allowed to step into the store for four days. Plus no electricity! So just imagine how awful the situation was. That was when we thought, 'This is it. This is our end, Finished.' Because, really, there was no way we could have stood up again. Every penny Somia and I had was in that shop, and at the time we were still paying from our own pocket. Because, you know, opening the store…we had to increase the number of books on our shelves, we had to increase our manpower as well. So our expenses increased along the way. But we kept believing that with time, and with people knowing us more, they would buy more books and the store would keep growing. 'We will get there, but we need to be patient,' is what we used to tell ourselves. But before any of that, this happens? We considered closing for good." Bookends' unmanned community bookshelf at Radisson RED in Dubai Silicon Oasis, which began in February 2024, offers 1,000 pre-loved books on an honor system, promoting trust and sustainability. Image courtesy Bookends "But we didn't realize how great a community we had built until we faced this huge challenge that took us back to zero," Karim continues. Indeed, the very community whose pleas had led to the physical bookstore being opened in the first place was first in line to offer support in helping put back Bookends little by little. Help also came through the tightknit team Karim and Anwar had built at the store. "Obviously, eventually the shop opened up again, but we couldn't make any sale and we still had to pay our employees salaries. But it was them who helped us to stand back on our feet. Having a good team around you is amazing– they're happy in your happiness and celebrate together, and when things get rough, we cry together. It's amazing. They were here from morning until late at night just to see the business up again. And those shelves, you see? They were changed only in December last year. Because we couldn't do it up until then. Somia and I also didn't want to take loans to rebuild the business. So again, it was a matter of taking it step by step. And honestly that photo…it always brings back different memories. For example, on that Sunday after the floods, we had to clear all the books from the stock online. Because although they were still virtually available on the site, physically they were not available anymore at the store. But again, when we had to remove them, we had our own customers come in and help us. People brought their own tools, we gave them gloves, and together we started clearing everything. Those eventually ended up becoming that pile you see in the photo. And it was during that time I realized how beautiful our community is. It didn't matter how old you are, or where someone was from, or even if you are a book lover or not– people came from all over the place just to help us out. It was really heartwarming." In the little over a year since that tragedy, Karim and Anwar have been able to build the store back to a position of stability. "At the moment we're selling somewhere from 2,000 to 3,000 books per month, on an average, but we need to sell 5,000 books to be fully profitable," Karim honestly reveals. "But we'll get there!" In a pleasant revelation, between the time this interview with Karim took place and the feature was written, it was announced that a second Bookends store was finally opening– this time in Abu Dhabi, at the Baniyas Coop Society, a UAE-based retail and shopping complex. And at the heart of this expansion continues to be the phrase that Karim says was intentionally chosen to be associated with the brand: pre-loved books. "When you say 'used books,' the perception is that it's dirty or ugly, and that it's not to be used again, you know?" she says. "But when you say pre-loved, you are highlighting that there is a story behind that book you're holding. And you'd be surprised at just how many people look for books with annotations, or highlights, and that's because they want to connect with the previous reader. It makes them wonder, 'Why did they highlight that sentence,' for example? Of course, at the same time, you have people who don't like to have anything of the sort, so we have books that cater to their preferences too. But that 'pre-loved' name came from that concept– that it is a book that has been taken care of. And as you can see around, our books are as good as new!" Here, Karim points out that the sustainability impact of such a model cannot be underestimated. "When we encourage people to use the same book, imagine how many trees we are indirectly saving and how many books are being saved from being in the landfill," she explains. "You know, people think that by throwing away just two or three books, the environmental impact is not that much. But those two or three books, if you're talking about 10 million people, imagine how many books we are throwing in that landfill! So why not give them the chance to be rehomed, find a new shelf, and a new reader? The same book can have a second home, a third home, and so on until it is ready for recycling. At Bookends, we make it a point to not send any books to the landfill. The books that are no longer able to be rehomed, they go for recycling. So, this is one of the main purposes of our store." Image courtesy Bookends Amid the efforts to put back the store at Silicon Oasis, keeping their partnerships with hotels and other public spaces running, and opening a new store, Bookends' co-founding duo also found themselves invited to pitch at Shark Tank Dubai. That journey, however, did not end in the way Karim and Anwar would've liked– but as has been typical of the duo throughout their entrepreneurial journey, they viewed this rejection too with a glass half full mindset. "It was a very big learning journey that we went through because I didn't really consider that they would not believe in our business," Karim says. "Of course I wanted each one of them [the judges] to be a part of our brand, so when all of them said 'no,' I was shocked initially. However, the Sharks are right as well because they're looking for something that is making money very fast. With us, you need patience. So I put myself in their shoes. At the same time, because our operation cost is low, you can increase your revenues with whatever your setup is. So there is a potential of making a good amount of money but it needs patience." She adds with a wry smile, "I just figured it was maybe it was too early for us to get into the show. But I don't regret it. It was a good experience to do a pitch being in front of the camera. And it's okay they didn't believe in our business; someone else might. Maybe it's not today. Maybe it's not this year. But it doesn't mean we will stop there. We will continue. 100%." At this point, stemming more from personal curiosity than anything else, I ask Karim if there's been any fictional character or story she's read that has offered her solace, and the ability to build such resilience and empathy, over the years. "Honestly speaking, no," she says. "But the books themselves, they were a great escape for me. Like when we were in the shelter [during the civil war in Lebanon], when we had bombs flying over our heads and everyone was just sitting around, I would be reading. I read in Arabic and French mainly when I was a little girl. Now I read in three languages. But I don't have an attachment to a specific character. I read everything, you know? But my most favorite book ever –one that really made my mind shift– is 'Start With Why' by Simon Sinek. But as a fiction, no, I don't have anything specific. I just read a lot of different stuff because I truly love reading." It is this love for books that Karim and her co-founder Anwar now hope to continue to spread throughout the UAE and beyond. "My vision is that when you think of a book, think Bookends first," Karim declares. "You know we want to be on every shelf of readers in the UAE. And after we are well known in the UAE, we want to go to the GCC countries. So our mission is to encourage more reading. So we want to have Bookends present in every home, every shelf. And we want people to go back to reading. Now with the fast pace of our life, people are losing their me-time. You cannot have your own time without being interrupted in any way. But if you are reading an actual book, you are forced to put your phone away. When you're reading an actual book, you're not going to have a phone call, or get a WhatsApp message, or some random notification popping out. So you're going to enjoy your time and this is ultimately what we want people to have. To enjoy their time with books." "At this point, I don't feel Bookends is Somia and Grace anymore," Karim says on an ending note. "Bookends is about Nora and Abby and Joy. Bookends is about the sellers, the customers. It's not just us anymore, you know? It's a community, and this is what I love about it. And this is why we keep going."
Khaleej Times
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Indian actor and dancer Shobhana on dancing with the universe
We are at the Sarvakalasala Art Studio at Silicon Oasis in a class conducted by one of India's biggest classical dancers and actors, Shobana Chandrakumar, whose academy is called Kalarpana Research Institution. Chandrakumar has acted in stellar films across India, including the recent super hit Mohan Lal starrer Thudarum, was conferred India's third-biggest honour, the Padma Bhushan, this year. The eminent artiste who is currently shooting for the epic film Ramayana playing Kaikesi, comes to Dubai regularly to conduct these classes herself. Unfazed by the fuss and adulation, Shobana confesses, 'I'm still in a state of shock and when people ask me when am I celebrating, I tell them, let me recover.' Her gurus, though, are extremely proud. 'They were ecstatic and I sincerely believe that I shine this way because they've been so giving to me.' In class, as a teacher, she describes Bharatanatyam as molten chocolate falling on a steel rod. ' There is a general impression that Bharatanatyam is tough to perform. That it is staccato and looks forced. But, the angular dance form it is, has plenty of room for flow. Rods are angular but it depends on what you pour into it — electricity or molten chocolate." Shobana succinctly explains how the dance form has risen like the phoenix over generations and timelines. 'Bharatanatyam originated from male dancers who taught the Devadasis (temple dancers) who preserved the dance form and taught the teachers of today. Both my gurus learnt from Devadasis,' she adds. But learning a dance form is more than just the dance, it is a great lesson in aesthetics and wisdom. 'The legendary Chitra Akka (Chitra Visveswaran) and Padu ka (Padma Subrahmanyam) have bestowed upon me their life experiences and wisdom and I feel compelled to pass it on,' adding, 'Only now have I have mustered courage to ask my gurus about their gurus and they have been most generous in sharing that knowledge.' Ask her what separates a good artiste from a great artiste? 'If you don't have humility, then you are unintelligent. Humility should be so ingrained within you that you shouldn't even know that you are humble.' But then, how does humility protect her from the deviousness of the world? ' Of course I have an ego and that arises especially when people take your naïveté for granted. That is when your ego sorts them out - it draws a strict boundary,' she adds. So, does she see her qualities reflect in her students. 'Yes I do. They don't preen with praise. That is my quality,' she laughs. How does she infuse disciple, spirit and devotion in her students? ' I don't inculcate discipline and devotion. Students either have it or don't depending on their upbringing. Yes, inculcating the spirit of performance is a teacher's job. Explaining the nuances of music is my job — telling them to bubble up, smile and pour out their emotion in their dance, telling them how would they like to be seen onstage.' So, does learning a dance form, make you sensitive to other forms of art? 'Not necessarily because art is largely interpretative. I don't get impressed by speed, acrobatics or drama. For me it is very academic. I can't enjoy a performance unless it is very different. The same extends to all art forms. Artists have that magic of going beyond grammar. Only then you be a complete artist.' Ask her what were her most trying times as a student? ' When I had to rehearse my classical dance steps while at a film shoot. Those days, we were given accommodation in small lodges. So I would wake up by 4 am, go to the terrace and practice. I remember actor Satyaraj complaining since my dancing woke the entire unit up.' Shobana's recent film Thudarum where she was paired opposite Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been a super hit and is a fond recall of Malayalam cinemas two biggest names coming together. 'Lal is fascinated by the world of art and here is how our conversation goes when we start talking of Natyashastra. Me: Natyashastra is tough because there are certain things that we don't do anymore. Lal: Why do you say so? Me: In Satvika abhinaya, there are instances when the face goes white, loses colour and you get goose bumps. It's a state of the dance. Lal: Close your eyes. Lal: Now open them! Lal shakes his hands and displays his goose bumps and says 'That's it right!' Me: There's Something about Mary. There's something about Lal. (Laughs) Shobana is currently pursuing her doctorate on Natyashastra from Tamil University. 'It is not an honorary doctorate, I'm working on it for the past 10 years,' she adds. A seeker forever.
Khaleej Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Fabyland makes its grand entrance at Silicon Central Mall
In a landmark addition to Dubai's entertainment landscape, Fabyland, one of the region's prominent family entertainment centres, has officially opened its doors at Silicon Central Mall. This highly anticipated launch introduces a world of immersive fun, multi-generational experiences, and interactive learning, all under one roof. Designed as a flagship concept, the new Fabyland at Silicon Central Mall reimagines traditional entertainment with a broader and inclusive offering. In addition to thrill rides and carnival-style arcade games, the venue features, for the very first time, bowling alleys and billiards zones, opening new avenues of entertainment for teenagers, young adults, and families seeking shared leisure experiences. With its expansive layout and engaging atmosphere, Fabyland at Silicon Central sets a new benchmark for indoor entertainment in the Silicon Oasis locale. Children's celebrations take centre stage, with customisable party rooms and thoughtfully curated birthday packages that include interactive experiences such as magic shows, clowns, and piñata games, designed to turn every celebration into a cherished memory. For schools and learning groups, Fabyland offers a curated edutainment programme blending fun with foundational knowledge across science, arts and crafts, and more. Shirazul Haq Khan, mall manager, Silicon Central Mall, remarked: "Every new addition to Silicon Central is part of a bigger story, where we are creating spaces that feel vibrant, welcoming, and relevant to the community. Fabyland brings a fresh energy to the mix, and we're excited to see how it adds to the everyday experiences of our visitors. This is exactly the kind of offering we believe the community has been waiting for." The grand opening of Fabyland coincides with a broader phase of growth and transformation at Silicon Central Mall, which continues to strengthen its position as a premier lifestyle and retail destination in Dubai. The mall recently welcomed a dynamic mix of global fashion, footwear, and dining brands, enriching its appeal to the city's diverse audience. Complementing the retail expansion are curated F&B concepts such as Tim Hortons, Cold Stone Creamery, Chinese Palace, Bazooka, and China Bistro, ensuring an all-encompassing lifestyle experience that spans shopping, dining, and entertainment. Navaneeth Sudhakaran, general manager of Line Investments & Property, Dubai and Northern Emirates, added: "With Fabyland joining our growing portfolio, we're reinforcing Silicon Central's position as a destination that blends international retail, dining, and leisure in one cohesive experience. Our focus is on a meaningful curation; bringing in brands and concepts that add value to the way people shop, connect, and unwind. This launch is a step forward in that vision." As Silicon Central Mall continues its journey of growth, visitors are invited to discover its evolving story, where every visit is an engaging and memorable experience for all.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's new parking subscriptions offer relief; residents ask for more spaces
Dubai motorists are optimistic as new monthly parking subscriptions have been rolled out, citing the added convenience, reduced risk of fines, and easier day-to-day planning. The new plan, rolled out by Parkin, allows residents and commuters to subscribe to designated public and roadside parking zones across the city, including areas like Silicon Oasis, Dubai Hills, and Wasl Communities. Many residents see it as a much-needed upgrade, while others highlight that limited parking availability and neighbourhood-specific challenges still need to be addressed. In Silicon Oasis, long-time resident Mohammed Khalid, a logistics supervisor, said the subscription brings welcome relief, especially for families with multiple cars. But his main concern isn't cost or convenience, its space. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'I live in a building with very limited indoor parking. We're a family of six, and we have four cars between us, only two of which can park in the building,' he said. 'This monthly plan will help me not worry about the ticket expiring. It's more convenient for the entire household,' he added. While Mohammed appreciates the relief the plan offers, he says the hassle of finding public parking in the neighbourhood still remains. 'Every evening, at least one of us drives around in circles, hoping someone moves their car.' Still, he sees this as a step in the right direction. 'It gives us peace of mind, but more public plots or multi-storey options would make life easier.' Motorists can avail the service through the mobile application or Parkin website. Fewer fines Over in Dubai Hills, 29-year-old HR executive Nour Al Rahma is relieved by the change. The area, known for its mix of tech offices and residential buildings, has seen high parking turnover. 'I've been fined twice just because I forgot to renew my parking. You think it's still valid, but it expired a day before,' she said. 'This subscription solves that — now I can pay for three months upfront and not stress every morning. It's also good that I can manage everything from the app.' Nour plans to subscribe to the Dh1,400 package for three months. 'It's worth it if it saves me from one or two fines — those add up quickly.' Under the new rules, up to three vehicles can be added to a subscription under the same traffic file registered in Dubai, although only one vehicle can be active at a time. Users can switch between cars every 30 minutes via the app or website. 'No more guessing games' Another resident of Dubai Hills, Egyptian expat Reem Hassan, who commutes daily to a nearby school, says the program has simplified her daily routine. 'I used to keep checking the clock during meetings or class breaks, worried I was overtime. Now it's just one flat fee, and I don't need to think about it,' she said. Residents with light vehicles in Dubai Hills can now subscribe to zone 631G. The subscription allows only one vehicle to be linked per plan, with pricing starting at Dh500 for one month. Longer-term options include Dh1,400 for three months, Dh2,500 for six months, and Dh4,500 for a full year. Parkin's variable parking rates In April, Parkin introduced new variable parking tariffs across Dubai. Under the revised rates, premium public parking spots cost Dh6 per hour during peak hours — from 8am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm — across all zones, excluding weekends and public holidays. Paid public parking in Dubai is mainly divided into four zones: A, B, C, and D. Premium areas within these zones are now marked as AP, BP, CP, and DP. These premium spaces typically offer easier access to public transport, such as being within 500 meters of a metro station, or are located in high-density and commercial zones with heavy demand.
Gulf Business
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai motorists alert: New flexible parking subscriptions launched
Image credit: Getty Images Motorists in Dubai can now benefit from new flexible parking subscription packages introduced by Parkin UAE, designed to simplify and enhance the parking experience across the city. Download the app to explore subscription options near you or check our website: — ParkinUAE (@ParkinUAE) The announcement with regards to this was made on ParkinUAE official X account. Read- The Roadside parking Motorists can access convenient roadside parking across Dubai's main streets and areas. These spaces are typically regulated by meters or zone codes (A & C) and are ideal for short-term parking during errands or brief visits. Key benefits of the subscription model Unlimited parking: Enjoy unrestricted daily parking in multiple areas without individual payments. Exclusive savings: Access special rates available only to subscribers, offering more value for frequent users. Worry-free convenience: Avoid the hassle of extending sessions or incurring fines, with seamless parking access. Available parking zones and pricing Wasl Real Estate: Park in popular Wasl-managed areas with subscriptions starting from Dhs300/month for zones W and WP. Silicon Oasis (Zone H): Convenient parking near homes and offices, with subscriptions from Dhs1,400 for three months. Silicon Oasis (Limited Area): Dedicated parking from Dhs1,000 for three months in select Silicon Oasis areas. Dubai Hills (Zone 631G): Annual subscription options available for frequent commuters and residents. Roadside and plot parking (Zones A, B, C, D): Subscriptions from Dhs500/month allow for seamless access without the need for meter payments. Plot-only parking: Starting at Dhs250/month, users can park up to three vehicles in designated plots across zones B and D. Parkin's new subscription plans are aimed at delivering a more streamlined, cost-effective parking solution for all types of motorists in Dubai. Users can choose the package that best suits their lifestyle and parking habits.
