This month brings a series of updates that UAE drivers should be aware of
If you’re on the road in Dubai every day, June 2026 is one of those months where things start to feel a little different, especially for your wallet and how you pay for parking.
From new toll charges to fully digital parking systems and smart enforcement cameras, here’s a simple breakdown of what’s changing and what it actually means for your daily drive.
Salik now comes with a 5% VAT
Let’s start with the big one for commuters.
From 1 June, 2026, a 5% VAT will be added to Salik toll charges and tag activation fees. It’s a small percentage on paper, but for regular drivers crossing multiple gates a day, it can slowly add up over the month.
The system will automatically deduct the new VAT-inclusive amount from prepaid Salik accounts, so there’s nothing extra you need to do, but your balance may run down a little faster than before.
Parking in Dubai goes fully cashless
Still keeping coins in the car for parking? You won’t need them anymore.
Dubai is officially moving away from cash payments for public parking from 1 June, 2026, as part of its wider digital transformation push.
That means no more paying at meters with cash. Instead, drivers will need to rely on:
nol cards
Parkin mobile app
SMS parking services
Dubai Now app
RTA app It’s all about faster, cleaner and more seamless payments; but it also means getting comfortable with digital-only options.
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Smart parking cameras are taking over the city
Parking enforcement in Dubai is getting a serious tech upgrade.
Parkin is rolling out hundreds of AI-powered smart cameras across key areas like Trade Centre 1, Burj Khalifa and Al Corniche.
These systems are designed to monitor kerbside parking and improve enforcement without the need for manual checks.
More cameras are also being added across controlled parking zones, with hundreds more planned citywide.
Mall parking is getting smarter too
Even shopping trips are getting a tech refresh.
Major destinations like Dubai Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, and Marina Mall are introducing smarter parking systems to make finding a spot easier and improve accessibility, especially for People of Determination parking spaces.
June isn’t bringing one big road change, it’s bringing a full shift in how Dubai drives, parks, and pays.
From slightly higher toll costs to fully digital parking and smarter enforcement systems, the city’s road experience is becoming more automated, more connected, and definitely more tech-driven.
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