IBN Battuta Gate, 765 spaces
DUBAI, UAE
The Ibn Battuta Gate Robotic Parking Facility stands as a groundbreaking achievement and the first fully automated parking garage in the Middle East, designed and delivered by Robotic Parking Systems as a turnkey, stand-alone structure.
Developed by Seven Tides, this state-of-the-art, 765-space facility set a new global benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and urban mobility solutions. Seamlessly integrated into the 200,000 m² Ibn Battuta Gate mixed-use development—a striking arch-shaped cluster of towers across from the iconic Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai—the project anchors a landmark destination that includes premium office towers, residential apartments, the Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, and Rahala Residences, while redefining parking as a high-tech, space-saving, and user-friendly experience.
Developer: Seven Tides/Asteco | Architect: Dar Al-Handasah | Year Completed: 2009 | Operations & Maintenance: from 2009-2014
Property Type
Office Building
Parking Levels
7
Parking Spaces
765
Peak Capacity
280-300 cars/hr
IMPLEMENTATION
The Ibn Battuta Gate Parking Facility in Dubai stands as one of the region’s earliest large-scale fully automated parking systems, accommodating 765 vehicles. Built entirely above grade across seven levels, the system was seamlessly integrated into the development while carefully blending its façade with the rich architectural character of the Ibn Battuta Gate complex.
The project was designed by Dar Al-Handasah, one of the region’s pioneering architectural firms. Given that this was the first fully automated parking system in the Middle East, it posed significant challenges in securing approvals from civil defense, fire, electrical, and other authorities. The concept was entirely new to the region, but the close partnership between RPS and Dar Al-Handasah enabled the project to obtain these critical approvals swiftly, paving the way for implementation.
Designed and delivered as a turnkey solution, the facility was completed and handed over in 2009, making it a technological marvel of its time. By eliminating ramps and driving aisles, the automated system delivered over 50% savings in valuable land use compared to a conventional garage of similar capacity.
The result was a space-efficient, architecturally harmonious, and forward-looking solution that complemented the grandeur of the Ibn Battuta Gate while providing modern, contactless parking convenience. The project not only optimized urban land usage but also underscored Dubai’s vision of adopting innovative technologies to match its world-class architectural landmarks.
…a key component of the development, a premium valet parking using state of the art technology. It means your car is safe from break-ins and accidents, or the dents and scratches that are usually the risk of parking in large car parks…
INNOVATION
The Ibn Battuta Gate Automated Parking Facility was delivered as a ground-up turnkey project, where Robotic Parking Systems (RPS) brought together its most experienced teams for foundation, structural steel, and MEP works. The design adopted was not only the most efficient for the site but also engineered to be implemented within a compressed timeframe without compromising quality.
What set this project apart was the uncompromising precision in construction. Leveraging their rich expertise, RPS engineers ensured that every stage — from fabrication to erection — adhered to tolerances within just a few millimeters, a rare achievement in a structure of this scale. The facility incorporated over 1,000 tons of structural steel and nearly 500 tons of custom-engineered pallets, all installed and commissioned flawlessly.
Despite its complexity, the entire installation was completed in just 12 months, underscoring RPS’s ability to integrate innovative engineering, meticulous planning, and world-class execution into a landmark solution that set new benchmarks for automated parking in the region.
SOLUTION
As the first fully automated parking system in the Middle East, the Ibn Battuta Gate facility also achieved a global milestone by becoming the world’s first and only automated parking garage to successfully undergo and pass rigorous pre-opening performance tests. These tests were designed to replicate real-world usage scenarios under peak demand conditions, and the system consistently demonstrated a handling capacity of more than 250 vehicles per hour. This achievement not only validated the reliability of the technology but also established new international benchmarks for automated parking performance.
Following its commissioning, Robotic Parking Systems (RPS) proudly operated and maintained the facility for a period of five years under a comprehensive service agreement with the owner. This included 24/7 monitoring, preventative maintenance, and rapid-response service protocols, ensuring uninterrupted operation and consistently high availability of the system. The garage’s successful performance over this period reinforced confidence in automated parking technology as both practical and future-ready.
The positive results of the operation were further affirmed by the property management firm Asteco, which issued a formal letter commending the project. Their recognition highlighted not only the flawless integration of advanced engineering into a complex urban development but also the proven reliability, safety, and convenience delivered daily to users. Together, these outcomes positioned the Ibn Battuta Gate garage as a true landmark in innovation, execution, and sustained performance excellence.
