It has been nearly a month since paid parking was introduced in International City, and residents are saying the change is already reshaping how they travel.
Some residents who sold their cars following the paid parking said that they are now eagerly waiting for the Upcoming Blue Line metro.
For those residents who sold their cars, the Dubai Metro gives them confidence.
Selling cars, adjusting temporarily
Shahid Ali, who has been residing with his family in France Cluster for the last eight years, said paid parking pushed them to reconsider owning multiple vehicles.
“We had two cars earlier because parking was free. After paid parking started, we sold one car and decided to manage with a single vehicle until the Blue Line metro comes.”
Shahid previously depended on the metro while working near Business Bay and said the experience changed his expectations of commuting.
“I parked my vehicle at the Centrepoint station and took the metro. You know exactly when you will reach the office or home. Once the Blue Line connects this area, many people won’t need extra cars,” he added.
Blue Line Metro lifeline
Residents describe Dubai Metro as the backbone of daily movement across many parts of the city, which connects residential neighbourhoods with business hubs and airports.
Shaver Khan, who earlier lived near a metro station in Al Qusais, said commuting was easier.
“I shifted to International City last year when I brought my car. Parking was very difficult. But now we have parking, but with added expenses. When you travel by metro, you don’t worry about traffic, fuel or parking. Life used to be organised if you depended on the metro,” said Khan.
Khan has now sold his car and now relies on buses and carpooling with his flatmates but said that now the wait for metro connectivity feels temporary.
“The moment the Blue Line opens, travelling to work will become much simpler and cheaper,” he said.
Bachelors turn to carpooling
The neighbourhood is known for shared accommodation; many bachelors said that owning a personal vehicle is becoming less practical.
Azzam Shareef, who recently sold his car, said that increasing costs with paid parking were the reason behind his decision.
“Insurance, fuel and parking all add up to a lot. For now, we share rides or use buses. Once the metro arrives, most of us plan to switch completely.”
Nearly a month after paid parking reshaped parking habits in International City, residents said the next transformation they are waiting for is improved public transport access.
In Dubai, the metro is not just transport. It becomes part of your lifestyle
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Source: Khaleej Times
28th February 2026
