Gulfood 2025: Dubai RTA adds 4,400 parking spaces across Al Jafiliya, Al Kifaf, Zabeel near Dubai Mall, and Al Wasl Club with free shuttle during Feb 17–21, 2025

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) is boosting parking capacity ahead of Gulfood 2025, adding 4,400 parking spaces to accommodate visitors attending the event at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 17 to 21, 2025. The initiative aims to sustain smooth traffic flow around the exhibition complex by guiding drivers to dedicated alternative parking areas and by deploying a set of complimentary shuttle services that connect these lots directly to the event venue. Clear road signage and well-coordinated traffic management measures form the backbone of this effort, designed to reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and enhance the overall attendee experience during one of Dubai’s most high-profile trade shows. The RTA’s proactive approach underscores its ongoing commitment to efficient mobility during major events, balancing the needs of hundreds of thousands of visitors with the city’s broader transportation network. As Gulfood 2025 draws near, motorists are encouraged to follow posted signs and to plan their journeys in advance to maximize the benefits of these arrangements.

Expanded Parking Capacity for Gulfood 2025

The RTA’s announced expansion of parking capacity represents a strategic response to the anticipated influx of attendees for Gulfood 2025. By increasing the number of spaces by 4,400, the authority seeks to create a robust buffer between demand and existing parking supply, thereby mitigating the risk of parking scarcity near the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). This expansion is not only about creating more spaces but also about distribution across multiple sites to optimize access routes, distribute traffic more evenly, and preserve the flow of vehicles along the surrounding road network. In practice, the additional spaces are positioned at a mix of locations that are well-integrated with major traffic corridors and public transit links, ensuring that attendees have convenient alternatives that avoid bottlenecks around the DWTC precinct. The underlying objective is to streamline entry, shorten queue lengths at parking facilities, and deter gridlock that could disrupt not only Gulfood attendees but also neighboring residents and daily commuters.

The broader context of this capacity increase rests on a careful assessment of event dynamics, including projected visitor numbers, typical peak arrival times, and the correlation between parking availability and on-site dwell times. By expanding the parking inventory, the RTA is also enabling a more predictable traffic pattern around the DWTC, which is essential for a city that regularly hosts large-scale conventions and exhibitions. This approach aligns with Dubai’s wider transportation strategy, which emphasizes diversified mobility options, improved last-mile connectivity, and the ability to absorb surges in demand without compromising safety or efficiency. Moreover, the expansion supports the city’s economic vitality by reducing delays, enabling smoother transition for exhibitors, suppliers, media, and international guests who rely on punctual arrivals to maximize their time on the show floor. Beyond the immediate logistics, the RTA’s move contributes to a more resilient traffic ecosystem capable of adapting to the uncertainties of large international events and evolving travel patterns.

A key aspect of the capacity expansion is the alignment of parking capacity with real-time traffic management. The RTA plans to deploy integrated signaling and signage to guide drivers seamlessly to the new parking options, minimizing confusion and dispersing traffic more effectively across multiple access points. This approach reduces the likelihood of sudden vehicle clustering near the DWTC entrance, a common short-term risk during major exhibitions. The end-to-end strategy includes not only the physical availability of 4,400 spaces but also the operational infrastructure that supports efficient parking turnover, rapid vehicle throughput, and a coherent routing plan for both private and corporate visitors. In addition, the RTA emphasizes the importance of clear communication to the public, ensuring that motorists understand where to stage their vehicles, how to reach the designated lots, and how to transition from parking to the event venue with minimal friction. Taken together, these measures demonstrate a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to event-day mobility that prioritizes safety, speed, reliability, and a positive attendee experience.

The implication of this capacity boost extends to the broader city traffic environment. By creating more publicly accessible spaces away from the immediate DWTC perimeter, the RTA reduces congestion during peak show hours, which in turn can improve general traffic conditions on adjacent routes. This is particularly relevant for residents and workers who rely on the same major corridors during the day. The initiative also reflects best practices in event logistics, where robust off-site parking and efficient transfer services are critical components of a successful visitor experience. The RTA’s planning process likely included runoff scenarios, sensitivity analyses for weather conditions, and contingency provisions to ensure that any disruption—such as incidents on major arteries or delays in shuttle schedules—does not cascade into wider traffic disturbances. In summary, the 4,400 additional parking spaces are not just a numerical increase; they symbolize a holistic, data-informed strategy to optimize movement, support event operations, and maintain the city’s mobility standards during a high-profile international gathering.

Parking Locations and Access

The new parking capacity will be distributed across several strategically chosen locations, designed to offer convenient access to Gulfood 2025 while alleviating pressure from the immediate DWTC vicinity. The primary sites highlighted for attendee parking include Al Jafiliya, Al Kifaf, Zabeel (near Dubai Mall), and Al Wasl Club. Each location has been selected for its proximity to major road networks, ease of entry and exit, and potential synergies with existing transit options. The following subsections provide a detailed look at each site, its characteristics, and how it integrates into the overall traffic-management plan for Gulfood 2025.

Al Jafiliya

Al Jafiliya is positioned as a central parking option with strong accessibility to major arterial routes that lead toward the DWTC corridor. The choice of this site reflects its capacity to absorb a significant share of vehicles without compromising access to the surrounding urban fabric. Attendees arriving from various parts of the city can approach Al Jafiliya via well-established corridors, reducing the likelihood of detours or traffic build-up in denser neighborhoods. The site’s proximity to public transport nodes—where feasible—also invites potential multi-modal travel, encouraging some visitors to combine personal vehicle parking with onward transit to the exhibition complex. The RTA’s plan includes clear directional guidance to this lot, ensuring that drivers encounter consistent signage well before they reach decision points where congestion might otherwise occur. Efficient queuing management, lane discipline, and orderly parking flows are prioritized to expedite entry and minimize dwell times for arriving visitors.

Al Kifaf

Al Kifaf is another designated parking location that balances proximity to the DWTC with the need to spread traffic across multiple corridors. The site’s role is to provide a straightforward option for attendees who travel from the city’s northern, western, or central districts. By situating a large parking capacity at Al Kifaf, the RTA contributes to a more even distribution of vehicles across the network, reducing the concentration of cars near DWTC approaches. Access routes to Al Kifaf are optimized to avoid chokepoints at peak entry times, and the signage strategy ensures that drivers experience consistent, unambiguous directions from multiple entry points. The parking layout at Al Kifaf is designed to facilitate quick vehicle turnover, with clearly marked bays and efficient exit routes to streamline the transition from car to shuttle or to the DWTC itself for those who choose to walk or use other modes.

Zabeel (near Dubai Mall)

Zabeel, located near the iconic Dubai Mall, offers a larger-scale parking solution with the benefit of being anchored by a major retail and pedestrian hub. This site is expected to attract visitors who are already familiar with the broader Zabeel area and who appreciate the convenience of a parking option that’s relatively close to a high-traffic corridor. The proximity to a world-renowned retail precinct also means there may be enhanced pedestrian access routes, making it feasible for some attendees to combine a shopping or dining experience with their Gulfood visit. The Zabeel parking area is designed to support efficient ingress and egress, with multiple ingress points and well-lit, clearly marked parking bays. The signage system directing traffic to the Zabeel lot is integrated with the overall wayfinding framework, ensuring that drivers encounter intuitive instructions as they approach the DWTC vicinity.

Al Wasl Club

Al Wasl Club adds another layer of distribution, serving another segment of the city’s population and helping to relieve pressure on other sites. This location’s inclusion reflects a deliberate strategy to exploit varied geographic coverage, ensuring that attendees from different neighborhoods have accessible parking options without lengthy detours. The Al Wasl Club site is integrated into the network of routes that funnel visitors toward the DWTC via established corridors. The RTA’s plan emphasizes efficient pedestrian and shuttle-transfer pathways from this parking area to the event venue, recognizing the importance of a seamless door-to-door experience for attendees who prefer a direct transition from parking to the exhibition halls. As with other sites, directional signs, staff support, and safety considerations are prioritized to deliver a predictable and reliable parking experience during the event.

Across all four locations, the distribution of 4,400 spaces is designed to balance proximity to the DWTC with practicality for drivers based on prevailing traffic patterns, time-of-day variables, and expected visitor profiles. The RTA’s approach also entails continuous monitoring and potential dynamic adjustments to parking availability as Gulfood 2025 progresses. Real-time information may be disseminated through official channels to inform motorists about occupancy levels at each site and to guide them toward the most efficient options for arrival. This multi-site strategy not only mitigates the risk of overwhelming any single parking facility but also fosters smoother ingress into the Dubai World Trade Centre’s surrounding area, contributing to a more orderly and predictable event-day experience for exhibitors, media, and attendees alike.

Signage and Wayfinding: Directing Attendees to Alternative Parking

Effective wayfinding is a cornerstone of the RTA’s effort to ensure a smooth experience for Gulfood 2025 attendees. The plan emphasizes comprehensive directional signage that guides drivers to the alternative parking areas, minimizing confusion and reducing the potential for detours. Road signs, electronic boards, and on-site personnel work in concert to present a cohesive, easily understood path from the moment travelers approach the DWTC corridor to the moment they transition from parking to shuttle services or direct transfer to the event venue. The signage strategy is designed to be consistent with Dubai’s broader traffic-management conventions, using standardized symbols, color-coding, and bilingual messaging to accommodate both local and international visitors. Clear, repeatable cues help motorists anticipate turns, lane changes, and entry points, while sequential signage reduces decision fatigue during high-traffic periods.

In addition to static signs, the RTA’s approach may include dynamic indicators that respond to real-time conditions, such as occupancy levels at each parking site or temporary lane restrictions caused by adjacent events. Digital displays can offer up-to-date guidance, complementing traditional signposts and ensuring that drivers receive timely information that supports efficient routing. The signage framework is designed to be robust under varying weather conditions and lighting scenarios, ensuring legibility at dusk, dawn, and nighttime operations. Directional signs will be placed well before the DWTC approaches to give travelers ample time to adjust their planned route, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the area or visiting Dubai for the first time. By prioritizing clarity, redundancy, and proactive communication, the RTA aims to create a predictable and stress-minimized journey from the moment a visitor enters the city’s highway network to the moment they arrive at their chosen parking location.

The integration of signage with the broader traffic-management system also supports safety objectives. With clearly marked pedestrian routes and organized queues, attendees can transition from parking to shuttle services in a controlled, safe environment. The RTA’s signage strategy complements its safety protocols, ensuring that crowds move smoothly and that drivers have clear instructions on how to proceed. The overarching goal is to create a harmonious flow where vehicles, pedestrians, and public transit converge efficiently at key junctions and transfer points near the DWTC. Attendees are encouraged to observe posted directions, follow staff directions when available, and rely on the consistent messaging embedded in the sign system as Gulfood 2025 unfolds.

Free Shuttle Services: Direct Transfer to the Event

To minimize vehicle congestion and streamline the attendee journey, the RTA is offering free shuttle buses that transfer visitors directly to the Dubai World Trade Centre. These shuttle services are a critical link between the newly designated parking sites and the exhibition halls, enabling a seamless transition from car to event without a need for attendees to navigate local traffic on foot or by private transport. The shuttle program is designed to operate in alignment with the event’s schedule, providing consistent service during peak arrival and departure windows. By delivering passengers directly to the DWTC, the shuttles reduce walking distances, shorten total travel times, and contribute to a predictable, manageable flow of people around one of Dubai’s busiest event districts. The availability of free transportation reinforces the overall strategy of distributing traffic across multiple parking sites while maintaining easy access to the event facilities.

Operationally, the shuttle service is expected to feature multiple routes radiating from each parking site to the DWTC, with sequential pickup points that minimize wait times for attendees. The plan likely includes specified headways (the time between buses) during peak hours, clear boarding zones, and dedicated lanes or priority access to expedite movements through congested approaches. Shuttle operations also serve a safety function by controlling crowd movement and preventing pedestrians from encroaching on traffic lanes as attendees move between parking, buses, and the event venue. The ride experience is designed to be straightforward and comfortable, with sufficient capacity to handle large volumes of passengers as Gulfood 2025 attracts visitors from across the region and beyond. For attendees, relying on the free shuttle service offers a reliable, cost-free option to reach the DWTC quickly, while reducing the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads.

In addition to the core shuttle lines, the RTA will likely coordinate with DWTC security and operations teams to synchronize pick-up and drop-off points, ensuring that boarding areas are clearly marked and well-managed during busy periods. This collaboration helps to maintain order at transit hubs and prevents cross-traffic conflicts that could slow movement. Accessibility considerations are also integral to the shuttle plan, with provisions for families, elderly visitors, and guests with mobility restrictions to be accommodated within the service design. The combination of ample parking, clear wayfinding, and high-quality shuttle service represents a comprehensive mobility solution for Gulfood 2025, reflecting the RTA’s commitment to delivering a convenient and efficient visitor experience while supporting the city’s broader goals of reducing vehicular congestion and promoting sustainable, multi-modal travel.

Traffic Management, Safety, and Operational Excellence

The RTA’s parking and shuttle initiatives are anchored in a broader commitment to traffic management, safety, and operational excellence during Gulfood 2025. The agency’s plan includes a coordinated mix of capacity expansion, precise routing, and reliable public transit options designed to minimize disruption and optimize the flow of traffic around the DWTC complex. Traffic engineers will monitor live conditions, enabling dynamic adjustments to lane usage, signal timing, and ingress strategies as needed to accommodate surges in vehicle volume. The objective is not only to avert congestion but also to maintain safe travel for motorists, pedestrians, and event staff, particularly during peak arrival and departure periods when the risk of crowding and confusion increases. The RTA’s approach emphasizes the importance of clear communication, timely updates, and consistent enforcement of traffic rules to ensure a smooth and safe environment for all participants.

Safety protocols extend to the parking facilities themselves, where well-lit environments, clearly marked parking bays, and orderly ingress and egress paths help reduce the potential for collisions or near-misses. The staging of security personnel at key junctions and transfer points provides an additional layer of protection, guiding drivers and pedestrians and quickly addressing any incidents that may arise. By combining robust infrastructure with disciplined operational practices, the RTA aims to deliver a predictable, transparent, and safe mobility experience that supports both the participants in Gulfood 2025 and the city’s broader traffic ecosystem.

The expected benefits of these measures are multi-fold. Attendees experience shorter travel times, less stress, and a higher level of convenience. Exhibitors and exhibitors’ staff benefit from improved access to the DWTC, enabling more reliable scheduling and on-time arrivals for meetings and demonstrations. Local residents and daily commuters also enjoy improved traffic conditions, as the crowd density around the DWTC is absorbed by the multi-site parking strategy and efficient shuttle transfers. The cumulative effect is a more resilient mobility system capable of accommodating large-scale events without compromising safety, accessibility, or efficiency.

Attendee Guidance, Tips, and Best Practices

To maximize the benefits of the newly expanded parking capacity and shuttle services, attendees should consider planning ahead and staying informed about real-time conditions on event days. Some practical guidance includes:

• Identify your preferred parking site early, considering travel distance, expected traffic, and convenience. With four primary locations available, choosing the right site can greatly impact total travel time.
• Follow posted directional signs and digital boards that indicate occupancy levels, lane closures, and arrival routes. Consistent adherence to signage helps maintain smooth traffic flow and reduces the risk of detours.
• Plan for the shuttle transfer. Expect direct buses from your parking location to the DWTC, and factor in potential wait times during peak periods. Be prepared for short walk segments from parking bays to shuttle stops, if needed.
• Arrive early to secure a parking spot with relative ease. Early arrival helps avoid the last-minute rush and ensures a more predictable parking experience.
• Consider carpooling or using public transit in combination with the shuttle service. Multi-modal travel solutions can offer flexibility and reduce solo-vehicle traffic.
• Check for real-time updates as the date approaches. Signage and monitoring systems may adjust to occupancy and traffic conditions, and staying informed helps you adapt quickly.
• Allow extra time for security checks and entry procedures at the DWTC, particularly during peak hours when crowds are largest.
• Follow safety guidance from event organizers and DWTC staff. Observing safety protocols ensures a smooth, coordinated experience for everyone involved.
• Be mindful of pedestrian flow around parking areas and transfer points. Use designated walkways and obey staff directions to minimize conflicts with vehicular traffic.
• Prepare for weather conditions. Dubai’s climate can influence driving visibility and road conditions, so plan accordingly.

These practical steps empower attendees to arrive with confidence, navigate the parking network efficiently, and transition seamlessly from parking to shuttle services and into the Gulfood experience. The combination of abundant parking, clear signs, and reliable shuttle transport creates a more predictable and user-friendly environment for visitors, exhibitors, and organizers alike, contributing to the overall success of Gulfood 2025.

Local Impact, Economic Considerations, and Urban Mobility Implications

Beyond the immediate operational gains, the RTA’s strategy to add 4,400 parking spaces and provide free shuttles has broader implications for urban mobility and the local economy. The enhanced parking capacity helps maintain the flow of economic activity in and around the DWTC by ensuring that exhibitors, suppliers, and attendees can reach the venue with minimum friction. Reduced congestion around the event complex translates into better access for suppliers delivering materials, journalists covering the event, and business partners engaged in meetings and negotiations during Gulfood 2025. The approach also supports the city’s reputation as a global business hub capable of hosting large-scale events with a high standard of mobility support, which in turn reinforces Dubai’s attractiveness to international exhibitors and visitors.

From a city-planning perspective, the multi-site parking strategy combined with a robust shuttle network demonstrates a practical model for managing high-volume event traffic without overburdening a single area. It showcases the importance of distributed infrastructure, clear wayfinding, and efficient transfer systems in sustaining citywide movement during peak urban activity. The initiative aligns with sustainable mobility goals by encouraging people to use off-site parking facilities and public transit-connected options, potentially reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality in the immediate vicinity of the DWTC during Gulfood 2025. The RTA’s emphasis on safety, accessibility, and convenience also reinforces social inclusivity, ensuring that attendees with varying mobility needs can access the event with minimal barriers.

Economically, the event-day parking strategy supports job stability and business continuity for service providers, contractors, and logistics teams working in and around Gulfood 2025. The efficiency gains—measured in reduced queuing times, smoother vehicle throughput, and quicker transit to the venue—translate into tangible productivity benefits for companies preparing product showcases, media briefings, and business meetings. The local hospitality and retail sectors around the DWTC can also benefit from the increased footfall that a well-managed event day typically generates, as attendees may extend their visits to nearby dining and shopping options. In tandem with other citywide mobility initiatives, the RTA’s approach to parking and shuttles for Gulfood 2025 reflects an integrated model of urban event management that prioritizes reliability, safety, and visitor satisfaction while supporting broader economic activity and sustainable urban growth.

Conclusion

The RTA’s deployment of 4,400 additional parking spaces for Gulfood 2025, together with strategically located parking options at Al Jafiliya, Al Kifaf, Zabeel (near Dubai Mall), and Al Wasl Club, represents a comprehensive and forward-looking effort to manage traffic, improve access, and enhance the overall attendee experience for one of Dubai’s premier trade events. The use of clear directional signage to guide drivers to these alternative lots, complemented by free shuttle services that transfer visitors directly to the Dubai World Trade Centre, underscores a multi-faceted approach to event mobility. This strategy not only alleviates congestion around the DWTC but also supports safer, more efficient travel for residents, workers, and visitors during the event period from February 17 to 21, 2025.

By prioritizing multi-site parking, reliable transfer options, and robust wayfinding, the RTA demonstrates its commitment to maintaining smooth traffic flow in a busy urban environment while delivering a high-quality experience for Gulfood attendees. The combined effect of expanded parking capacity, well-planned access routes, and free shuttle transportation promotes seamless movement, reduces wait times, and fosters a more predictable journey from entry to exhibition hall. As the city anticipates high volumes of visitors, this integrated mobility solution provides a compelling blueprint for managing large-scale events with minimal disruption to daily life and maximum convenience for participants. The Gulfood 2025 experience, supported by the RTA’s mobility framework, will likely set a benchmark for future events in Dubai, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading global venue for international commerce and innovation.