A comprehensive guide to parking in Abu Dhabi

• Overview
• Parking Permits
• Payment Methods
• Charges
• Parking Fines

There is a set of Abu Dhabi parking rules implemented by the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) that both visitors and residents should know and follow. The paid parking system of the capital city, Mawaqif, makes finding a parking spot in the city easier and faster. Aside from a few exceptions, motorists need to pay a particular fee for parking in Abu Dhabi.

Are you wondering how Mawaqif works? Or how much do you have to pay for parking near your office or home? If yes, then read on as we have covered everything you need to know about parking in Abu Dhabi.

OVERVIEW

Mawaqif is a public parking system implemented by the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi. All public parking zones in the emirate are paid zones. However, free parking in Abu Dhabi is available on Fridays and national holidays. There are thousands of parking meters installed throughout the city ensuring easy access to parking spaces in the city.

TYPES OF PARKING PERMITS IN ABU DHABI

Mawaqif has a diverse range of parking options. Users can apply for a parking permit that suits their needs. Here’s a list of different parking permits available for motorists.

Residential Parking Permits

Tenants and residential property owners can apply for a residential parking permit. This permit can also be issued to the first degree relatives (mother, father, wife, sons, brothers and sisters) of the owner or tenant only if they are residing in the same home. It allows the residents to park their vehicle in the paid parking places located within the applicant’s residential area without paying any extra charges.

Emirati families residing in apartments are entitled to four free parking permits. Keep in mind, each permit only serves one vehicle. Residents can get residential parking permits from any of the Mawaqif service centres. The process of applying for a permit is quite simple and easy.

• Fill the application with the required documentation
• Make the required payment
• Receive the parking permit from the Department of Transport

Fee Structure for Residential Permits

Areas designated for residents can easily be identified through Mawaqif signs that read “Resident Permit Only” and is enforced from 09:00 pm to 08:00 am. Here is a rundown of the fee structure for the residents of apartments and villas:

• Fee for UAE nationals in apartments – Free for 4 vehicles
• Fee for UAE nationals in villas – Free

Fee requirements for non-UAE nationals residing in villas and apartments for rent in Abu Dhabi are:

• First vehicle: AED 800
• Second vehicle: AED 1,200

Some of the new residential areas in Abu Dhabi come with dedicated parking spots. Most buildings in Al Reem Island are known to provide underground parking for residents.

Tenants of apartments in Sigma Towers, Al Reem Island can avail of free parking. Other popular buildings with rental apartments in Abu Dhabi that comes with free parking include Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid WTC in Al Khalidiyah and Nation Towers in Corniche Area. 

For more information regarding Mawaqif registration, renewal, cancellations and payments, visit the Department of Transport website or call the customer service centre:

• Mawaqif contact number: 800-88-888

Limited Term Public Parking

Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre also offers limited-term public parking permits for residents. Customers, individuals and companies can use the limited parking permits in standard surface public parking spaces. The standard parking spaces are marked with black and blue paint in the capital city and Al Ain. Here are the details for parking charges and duration.

HOW TO APPLY FOR LIMITED TERM PERMIT?

Apply for the permits online via www.itc.gov.ae and browse through the E-services section. Motorists are required to provide accurate information and documents such as the Emirates ID and vehicle registration card.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR LIMITED TERM PARKING

• It’s essential to note that Mawaqif’s limited-term permit will not replace resident parking permits but replace the daily parking ticket for standard parking that costs AED 2 per hour and AED 15 for a day.
• The limited-term parking permit forbids users to reserve parking or use reserved parking spaces and parking in prohibited areas.
• The limited-time permit doesn’t allow users to park in residential areas, villa areas and premium parking spaces marked with white and blue paint.
•  If a permit holder is travelling out of the city or the country, they need to submit a request to park their vehicle in a dedicated parking spot. It will avoid the car being considered abandoned or be towed away.

MAWAQIF MULTI-STOREY PARKING

Mawaqif regulates public multi-storey parking in Abu Dhabi as well. The parking slots are scattered across the capital city. There are eight public multi-storey car parks within Abu Dhabi that include:

*Please note that Madinat Zayed multi-storey parking is managed as surface parking area.

MAWAQIF MULTI-STOREY PARKING TARIFF

ABU DHABI PARKING PAYMENT METHODS

ITC offers several ways to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi. Opt for a payment method most convenient to you. Let’s explore the multiple ways to pay for parking in the capital city.

Mawaqif Rechargeable Cards

To make parking payments when required, the service provides motorists with the option to purchase Mawaqif Rechargeable Cards. Parking fees are automatically deducted from your Mawaqif account (stored value account), which you must first register for. You can also pay for parking through SMS. Read about Mawaqif parking by SMS for more information.

The card is available for AED 50 with a balance of the same value. The balance will be added to your Mawaqif account once you activate the card by linking it to the account.

HOW TO ACTIVATE MAWAQIF RECHARGEABLE CARD?

Follow these steps to activate your rechargeable card online.

• Visit ITC’s official website to apply for a Mawaqif account
• Login to your Mawaqif account if you already have one
• Click on “Link Rechargeable Card” and enter your card details
• Once the card is linked, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS and the current balance on your card.

If you wish to activate your Mawaqif rechargeable card through SMS, all you need to do is send an SMS in this format to 3009: 

LINK<SPACE>CARD NO<SPACE>CVC 

Its important to note that the card number consists of 16-digit. Card Verification Code (CVC) is a 3-digit number listed on the right side of the card number. 

Linked to a motorist’s registered Du or Etisalat mobile number, this account is an essential requirement for Abu Dhabi parking payments. Once your Mawaqif account is created, you will need to top it up with the funds necessary for paid parking in the city. This can be done through secure credit card transactions online, through dedicated kiosks or by visiting Customer Happiness centres.

M-mawaqif Service

Your official Mawaqif account will also help you to use the M-mawaqif service — a value-added service which allows motorists to pay parking fees through their registered Du or Etisalat numbers.

• Send an SMS (in a predefined format) to 3009
• Receive a parking permit via text message with your parking details
• Parking attendants will validate your details via their handheld devices

Terms of use for Mawaqif and M-mawaqif service

Here are the Abu Dhabi parking rules regarding the Mawaqif and m-mawaqif accounts:

• Private plate vehicle owners are required to register for a Mawaqif account.
• Registration for Mawaqif is necessary for using M-mawaqif online services.
• Users need to have registered UAE Etisalat or Du mobile numbers for using m-mawaqif and Mawaqif.
• Registration of M-mawaqif is mandatory for all motorists.
• Only residents who own private plate vehicles can use the m-mawaqif service without vehicle registration.
• Charges for M-mawaqif depend on tariffs.
• Additional standard SMS charges apply for sending text messages to 3009.

Charges for Public Parking in Abu Dhabi

It’s always a good idea to keep public parking charges in mind before heading out, especially if you intend to park in areas that are outside your residential zone. Mawaqif parking timing in Abu Dhabi is from 08:00 am to 12:00 am from Saturday to Thursday. Here is a review of parking fee in Abu Dhabi:

• Standard Parking Spaces (black and turquoise curbs): AED 2 per hour, AED 15 for 24-hour parking
• Premium Parking Spaces (white and turquoise curbs): AED 3 per hour

Parking Fines Abu Dhabi

After going in-depth on parking in Abu Dhabi, let’s now talk about the prickly subject of parking fines. Mawaqif offers a 10-minute grace period for vehicles that are parked illegally. Motorists who are caught violating Mawaqif regulations are required to pay fines. You can also check your Abu Dhabi traffic fines to know if you have any liable penalties including tailgating fines in Abu Dhabi. Here’s a brief list of parking violations and fines that motorists should be aware of:

• Parking in prohibited areas: AED 200
• Abuse of parking space: AED 200
• Parking vehicles on pavements: AED 200

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS PARKING IN ABU DHABI FREE?

Free parking in Abu Dhabi is available in Ramadan and Eid holidays. In Ramadan worshippers can park for free in parking places surrounding mosques for the duration of the Taraweeh prayers. Public holidays are exempt from parking charges if announced by ITC.

HOW TO GET YOUR PARKING PERMIT IN ABU DHABI?

You can visit www.itc.gov.ae to apply online. Another option is to visit any of the Mawaqif Customer Service Centres or the Department of Transport’s Customer Service Centre. Fill the application at the centre and submit the required documents. Pay the applicable fees and your parking permit process is complete.

WHAT IS DARBI?

Darbi application by ITC is a convenient app that provides live data on traffic conditions, road works, airport location, flight information and much more. It can also be used to find and pay for parking in Abu Dhabi.

WHAT ARE THE CHARGES FOR PUBLIC PARKING IN DUBAI?

If you are residing in one of the apartments in Dubai or are visiting from the capital city, you should be aware of the parking charges by the emirate’s Road and Transport Authority. The RTA parking charges in Dubai range from AED 2 to AED 4 per hour, depending on the zone that you park in. You can also get a seasonal parking card from RTA to enjoy discount rates.

That’s a wrap on our guide to Abu Dhabi parking rules you should be aware of. For those who rely on public transport to get around the capital, here’s our detailed guide to public transport in Abu Dhabi, containing information about taxis, buses and Hilafat smart cards.

Salik or DARB in Abu Dhabi is another initiative by ITC that aims to reduce road congestion by making it convenient to pay the toll. Our comprehensive guide to driver’s license in Abu Dhabi will come in handy if you wish to apply for one.