Parking fees refunded? Sounds like a fantasy, right? Not this time. Parkin is introducing a new initiative starting May 1 that lets you get your parking fees in Dubai back when you shop at small businesses. The details are already out, so you can plan ahead.
“Spots for Shops” links parking to what you spend at nearby businesses. Here’s how it works:
- Park in a Parkin space near a participating business
- Pay the parking fee
- Make a purchase at the shop
- Ask the merchant to validate parking through the Parkin app
- Receive the amount back as credit in the Parkin wallet
Participating businesses include cafés, grocery stores, salons, tailors, key shops, and shoe stores.
Here are some of the businesses that already joined “Spots for Shops” initiative:
- Al Embratoor
- Beirut Blendz
- Cycle 2 Cycle
- Damyati Plus
- Naif Baker
- Ravi Restaurant
- San Diego Key Cutting
- Soam Vegetarian
- The Laundry Hub
As more names are added, you’ll have more places where you can support local businesses and get your parking back.
If you run a small business or know someone who does, there’s still time to join the Spots for Shops initiative.
Over the past month, support and unity have taken many forms across the UAE, especially with large companies backing small businesses. A couple of weeks ago, talabat announced it would give 100 rent-free spaces for UAE restaurants, and Majid Al Futtaim introduced free retail spots for small businesses.
