Dubai’s parking management operator Parkonic has implemented significant revisions to on-street parking regulations specifically affecting residents of the Zen Cluster within Discovery Gardens. The adjustments come following initial confusion regarding eligibility for complimentary parking permits among studio apartment tenants in this distinctive residential zone.
The Zen Cluster, alternatively referred to as Pink Buildings (Structures 1-20), maintains a unique parking configuration distinct from other Discovery Gardens sectors due to divergent building ownership patterns and architectural design considerations. These particular buildings fall under private ownership rather than Dubai Holding jurisdiction and feature independently managed basement parking facilities.
Parkonic officials have clarified that the revised approach does not constitute an alteration of fundamental parking entitlements but rather represents an alignment strategy to accommodate capacity limitations. Each residential unit retains eligibility for one complimentary parking tenancy, consistent with the overarching policy framework applied throughout Discovery Gardens. However, due to basement parking capacity constraints that don’t perfectly correspond with unit numbers, Parkonic has coordinated with building management entities to allocate limited on-street parking spaces per structure.
The allocation breakdown specifies: Buildings 1-6 and 8-10 receive 80 on-street spaces each; Buildings 13-20 obtain 68 spaces; while Building 7 (functioning as hotel apartments) and Buildings 11-12 remain excluded from the on-street allocation program. These supplementary spaces are intended to bridge capacity gaps during the transitional phase, with access governed through building-level registration protocols to ensure equitable distribution and prevent system exploitation.
Residents who previously registered via PIN authentication will experience temporary disablement of digital parking cards effective January 24, 2026, to facilitate realignment with the new building-specific allocation framework. The operator has emphasized this procedural interruption does not imply rejection or penalty. Furthermore, tenants who purchased paid parking memberships during the transition may qualify for one-time refund consideration, subject to verification and management coordination, with all refund petitions requiring submission before January 30, 2026.
Tenant responses reflect cautious optimism, with residents expressing relief tempered by practical concerns regarding implementation specifics. The resolution addresses financial anxieties for many tenants for whom the alternative monthly payment of Dh945 would have represented significant economic burden.
