Abu Dhabi Car Parking 2026 - Parking Zone, Rules, Fees, & more

Car Parking in Abu Dhabi - An Overview

Abu Dhabi offers many parking options for residents. Most residential towers have designated parking areas. Additionally, you'll also find parking spaces at malls, airports, and various commercial locations throughout the city. The city uses a paid parking system called Mawaqif, which helps manage public parking in Abu Dhabi. With Mawaqif, you can easily find available spots and pay for parking using different methods. This system makes parking more organized and convenient across Abu Dhabi.

Types of Abu Dhabi Car Parking Zones

Abu Dhabi has a well-organised paid parking system called Mawaqif, managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). The system features different types of parking zones with separate rules and fees —

• Premium Parking Abu Dhabi (Blue and White Curbs) - Found in busy areas like business and commercial zones. These spots cost more and are meant for short-term parking. The premium parking in Abu Dhabi costs AED 3 per hour. 
• Standard Parking Abu Dhabi (Black and White Curbs)- Located in quieter or residential areas. These are more affordable and meant for longer stays. The standard parking in Abu Dhabi costs AED 2 for an hour or AED 15 per day.

Abu Dhabi Parking Releted Questions -

Types of Parking in Abu Dhabi

The users of the parking areas can apply for a parking permit that suits their requirements. Here are different types of parking in Abu Dhabi. 

• Residential Parking Permits
• Limited-Term Public Parking
• Mawaqif Abu Dhabi Multi-Storey Parking

Residential Parking Permits in Abu Dhabi

Residential property owners and tenants can easily apply for residential parking permits. This permit can also be issued to the owners’ or tenants’ close relatives (father, mother, sons, wife, sisters, and brothers) if they live in the same home. This permit allows the residents to park their vehicle in paid parking spaces in the residential area without having to pay any additional charges. Emirati families are entitled to 4 free parking permits. Whereas, non-UAE nationals get 2 permits. Residential parking areas in Abu Dhabi are clearly marked with Mawaqif signs that say “Resident Permit Only.” These rules apply between 09:00 am and 08:00 pm. 

Abu Dhabi Resident Parking Rules You can’t get a parking permit if there are unpaid Mawaqif fines on the vehicle You must accept all terms and conditions to use the permit If another permit is already active for the same vehicle, you can’t apply for a new one Permit fees can be paid by credit card. Once approved, you can print the permit after your details are verified Documents Required for Resident Car Parking Permit in Abu Dhabi — Copy of the Tawtheeq rental contract Copy of utility bills If using a relative’s documents, proof of first- or second-degree relationship is needed If the rental contract is under a company’s name, a company approval letter must be provided

Here's a quick overview of the permit fees —

UAE nationals —

• Apartments – Free for up to 4 vehicles
• Villas – Free

Non-UAE nationals —

• First vehicle – AED 800/year
• Second vehicle – AED 1,200/year

Many new residential areas also offer dedicated parking spots.

Is Parking Free in Abu Dhabi? Free parking in Abu Dhabi is only available at specific times, mainly on Sundays and public holidays. On all other days, most parking areas in the city are paid zones managed by Mawaqif.

Limited Term Public Parking in Abu Dhabi

Another parking type in Abu Dhabi is a limited-term public parking permit. Individuals and companies can use these parking permits in standard parking in Abu Dhabi. 

Abu Dhabi Limited Term Public Parking Rules This service does not apply to private parking areas, floor parking, villa zones, or premium parking spots. You can get two permits for the same vehicle if their dates don’t overlap. After your information is checked and confirmed, you’ll get a notification by SMS and email. Once approved, the permit will be ready for printing.

Here are the Abu Dhabi parking fees: 

Duration	Parking Permit Fee
1 month	AED 391
3 months	AED 1,174
6 months	AED 2,348
1 year	AED 4,695

Mawaqif Abu Dhabi Multi-Storey Parking in Abu Dhabi

There are multi-storey parkings across Dubai and are regulated by Mawaqif Abu Dhabi. There are 8 public multi-storey parking spaces in Abu Dhabi. These are as follows—

Location	Total Multi-Storey Parking Slots	Parking Slots Reserved for Ladies	Parking Slots for People of Determination
Behind LIWA Centre	394	26	4
Corniche	723	18	4
Behind Health Ministry	487	18	6
Behind Al-Noor Hospital	857	26	8
Madinat Zayed	722	0	4
Behind Zakher Hotel, Opposite Maria Cinema	437	18	1
LIWA Street	305	26	4
Al Dana Multi-Storey Parking	583	42	6

The following are the charges for Mawaqif multi-storey parking —

Duration	Parking Fees in Abu Dhabi
1 hour	AED 2
1 day	AED 15
3 months	AED 1,369
6 months	AED 2,738
1 year	AED 5,475

How to Pay for Parking in Abu Dhabi?

Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) has announced several ways to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi. There are different ways to pay for parking as per your convenience. These include —

• Cash
• Mawaqif Rechargeable Cards
• SMS Parking
• Darbi Website or Mobile App

Pay for Parking through Cash in Abu Dhabi

Turquoise-coloured Mawaqif Pay & Display machines are placed near parking spots across Abu Dhabi. These machines allow you to pay for parking using cash. If you need to add money to your Mawaqif account, you can visit any Mawaqif customer service centre and top it up with cash there.

 

Pay for Parking through Mawaqif Rechargeable Cards in Abu Dhabi

Drivers in Abu Dhabi can pay parking fees using Mawaqif rechargeable cards, available at the Customer Happiness Centre. These cards link to your e-wallet and can be used for multi-storey parking. When topped up, the Abu Dhabi parking fee is automatically deducted. The starting balance is AED 50. Here’s how to activate Mawaqif rechargeable cards.

Online —

• Visit the ITC website and log in to your Mawaqif account
• Click ‘Link Rechargeable Card’
• Enter your card details
• You’ll get an SMS confirming the activation and balance

By SMS —

• Send this to 3009: Link <space> Card number <space> CVC
• You can also link the card to your e-wallet for use at payment machines:
  • Choose “Add new wallet card”
  • Enter card number, expiry date, and CVC
  • Select the e-wallet and card name
  • Once verified, the balance moves to your e-wallet for easy parking payments

You can activate —

• New cards
• Previously activated cards
• Unexpired cards with less than AED 2 balance

Please Note: Lost or damaged cards can be deactivated via the wallet card management system.

 

Pay for Parking through SMS in Abu Dhabi

Drivers with a Mawaqif account can easily pay for Abu Dhabi car parking through SMS using their Etisalat or Du mobile numbers. Even vehicles registered in other emirates can use this method The Department of Transport (DoT) allows SMS parking without needing to register with Mawaqif. It’s a quick and convenient way to pay from anywhere. To pay via SMS —

Type the message in this format –

City & Plate Code <space> Plate Number <space> Parking Type <space> Duration

Example: AUH20 98765 P 1

• ‘S’ = Standard parking
• ‘P’ = Premium parking

Send the message to 3009. You’ll get a confirmation SMS, and a reminder 10 minutes before your parking ends. To extend it for another hour, just send E to 3009.

 

Pay for Parking through Darbi Website or Mobile App in Abu Dhabi

Drivers with Abu Dhabi private plate numbers can pay Abu Dhabi parking fees through the Darbi website or mobile app.

For registered Mawaqif users —

Log in to the Darbi website or app, go to the ‘Parking’ section, choose ‘Pay for Parking’, and select ‘Registered User’.

For unregistered users —

• Choose ‘Not Registered User’ and follow these steps:
• Enter your emirate
• Select vehicle type based on city code
• Enter plate number and phone number
• Choose Standard or Premium parking
• Select the parking duration
• Enter the payment amount
• Click ‘Pay’

You can also sign up for a Mawaqif account directly through DARBI.

Mawaqif Parking Violations and Fines in Abu Dhabi

Motorists who break Mawaqif parking rules in Abu Dhabi can face fines ranging from AED 100 to AED 1,000, depending on the type of violation. A 10-minute grace period is given after which a fine will be imposed. These fines can be paid at any Mawaqif Customer Happiness Centre. Here are some common parking violations and their fines —

• Parking in residential areas without a permit – AED 200
• Parking in bus or taxi spaces – AED 500
• Taking up two parking spots – AED 200
• Using a parking ticket in the wrong area – AED 100

Our Tip for You: If you want to avoid fines, consider using public transport or follow all parking and driving rules when using your own car in Abu Dhabi.

Hacks for Smooth Car Parking in Abu Dhabi

To make parking easier in Abu Dhabi, follow these useful tips —

• Use the Mawaqif App – It helps you find available parking, pay easily, and avoid fines. A must-have for all drivers.
• Read Parking Signs – Always check signs for parking rules. Zones may be premium or standard, with different timings and fees.
• Plan for Big Events – During events like the Yas Island F1 race or National Day, Abu Dhabi parking rules may change, and prices can go up.
• Try Park-and-Ride Options – Park in quieter areas and take public transport or taxis to busy places. Facilities like these are available near Abu Dhabi Bus Station.

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