Discover how to navigate Abu Dhabi’s parking system effortlessly with the Abu Dhabi parking SMS service! This guide covers everything from sending an Abu Dhabi parking message to understanding fees, zones, and extensions. Learn how to send parking SMS in Abu Dhabi in 5 simple steps, explore cashless payment benefits, and get tips on securing reliable car insurance in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, master stress-free parking today.
What Is Abu Dhabi Parking SMS (Mawaqif)?
The Abu Dhabi Parking SMS service, also called Mawaqif SMS, allows drivers to pay for their parking without internet. By simply sending a formatted text message to 3009, users can reserve parking in standard or premium zones using only their phone.
To facilitate parking throughout the city, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched an SMS system that allows residents and visitors to pay for their parking zone only by text message. This enables cashless payment without an internet connection.
Car parking in Abu Dhabi, as with any big city, is sometimes a challenge; so, read this quick and complete guide and you’ll never have to worry about it.
How to Send Parking SMS in Abu Dhabi
Using Abu Dhabi parking SMS services is quite easy and can be done by following the steps below:
- Find a parking spot and make sure it is not a no-parking zone.
- Compose an SMS in the following format:
City and Plate Code + [space] + Plate Number + [space] + Parking Type + [Space] + Duration (number of hours)
- Send the SMS to 3009 and wait for confirmation. After receiving the conversation you’re good to go.
Note 1: City code refers to the abbreviation used for each city and AUH is the city code for Abu Dhabi.
Note 2: Parking type refers to standard and premium. For parking in a standard zone type S and for premium P.
Example of the Abu Dhabi Parking Message
Here is an example of a properly composed SMS for two hours of parking in a premium zone for a car with the plate number below AUH20 30214 P 2
Speaking of parking, Dubai parking SMS guide will be a life-saver for you if you live there or go there.
How to Extend Parking by SMS
You’ll receive a reminder SMS 10 minutes before your parking expires. To extend:
Reply with: E
This starts a new paid parking session.
Abu Dhabi Parking SMS Guide
| Field | Value Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City Code | AUH | Abu Dhabi |
| Plate Code | 20 | Two-digit code on plate |
| Plate Number | 30214 | Your car’s number |
| Zone Type | S or P | S = Standard, P = Premium |
| Duration | 1–4 (in hours) | No long-term in Premium zones |
| SMS Number | 3009 | For all Mawaqif messages |
Parking Timings in Abu Dhabi (2025)
| Zone Type | Timings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard & Premium | 8:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight (Mon–Sat) | Free on Sundays & Public Holidays |
| Residential | 9:00 PM – 8:00 AM (Permit Holders) | Others allowed outside this time |
Benefits Of Using Abu Dhabi SMS Parking
Here’s a list of benefits for using Abu Dhabi SMS parking:
No Internet
One of the benefits of the Abu Dhabi parking SMS system is that for using it you will not need to be connected to the internet which makes it quite convenient for senior citizens who might not be quite comfortable with online services.
Direct Cashless Payment
With Mawaqif parking SMS all you will need to do is a text message containing the relevant information to the designated number and wait for a confirmation message. The parking fee is instantly deducted from your mobile balance (postpaid via bill, prepaid via credit). No cards, cash, or digital wallets needed!
Easy Time Extension
In the first SMS, you must include the number of hours you intend to park your car. If you need to extend your parking duration, all you need to do is send another SMS with the changed number of hours.
Instant SMS Confirmation
Receive a verification Abu Dhabi parking message within seconds – your digital proof to avoid fines during inspections.
Zero Apps Required
Skip downloads and registrations. How to send parking SMS in Abu Dhabi is device-agnostic: any mobile phone works.
Types of Mawaqif Parking And Fees
There are two main categories when it comes to parking in Abu Dhabi:
- Standard Parking (Blue and White Curbs): applies to most public parking available in residential and commercial areas, costing AED 2 per hour and AED 15 per day.
- Premium Parking (Blue and Black Curbs): these are often found in busier areas of the city such as downtown. The hourly fee for parking in these zones is AED 3 and no long-term parking is allowed there.
- Residential Parking Zones: located near residential areas and available only to people who live in those zones. The fees for these parking zones are paid every year and are as follows:
- AED 800 per year for the first vehicle.
- AED 1,200 per year for the second vehicle.
Note: Parking in residential zones is limited to residents with permits only during the time period between 9 PM and 8 AM, and after that, non-residents are allowed to park there after paying the proper fees.
Checking Abu Dhabi black points is also an important part of your driving experience if you live or work there. If you live there and want to make a more informed decision, you might find the car insurance companies in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi useful.
How To Register for Mawaqif Abu Dhabi SMS Parking
Fortunately, you do not need to register prior to using Mawaqif parking SMS services. All you need is a mobile number registered with a local provider such as Etisalat, and you are good to go.
How To Get An Extension On Mawaqif Parking?
Other than a confirmation message verifying your parking request and payment, you will receive another message 10 minutes before your session expires. If you need to extend your parking, you can reply to the message by sending the letter “E,” which will start a new process.
How To Pay for Mawaqif Parking in Abu Dhabi
You’ll find 4 methods below for paying for Mawaqif parking in Abu Dhabi.
Payment via the SMS method
If you reserve your spot with SMS, the payment is quite easy as the fee will be automatically charged to your phone bill or deducted from your prepaid account.
Payment via rechargeable parking cards
To pay for your parking using rechargeable cards, you first need to activate it, which can be done by following the steps below:
Online Activation
Enter your Mawaqif account on the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) website
Go to “Link Rechargeable Card”.
Enter your card details after which you will receive a confirmation message.
Activate Via SMS
Send an SMS to 3009 with the following format and wait for a confirmation message:
Link [space] Card Number [space] CVC
Conditions For Mawaqif Abu Dhabi SMS Parking Service
- Make sure you have sufficient credit if you are using a prepaid plan.
- Your SIM card must be from a local telecom provider for you to be able to use this service.
- To extend your parking session, make sure you do so before your current session expires.
- Ensure you compose the message in the correct format and keep the confirmation message for reference.
We hope you never get into such a situation, but if you ever do, learn how to report accident in Abu Dhabi so you can take control of things.
Car Insurance in Abu Dhabi: Essential Protection for Drivers
While mastering the Abu Dhabi parking SMS system ensures convenient and compliant parking, securing reliable car insurance in Abu Dhabi is a fundamental legal requirement and a critical layer of financial protection for every driver in the emirate. Just as understanding parking zones and fees prevents fines, having valid insurance safeguards you against significant costs arising from accidents, theft, or third-party liabilities on Abu Dhabi’s busy roads.
Key Takeaways for Stress-Free Abu Dhabi Parking
The Abu Dhabi parking SMS system revolutionizes urban parking with its cashless, internet-free convenience. By mastering how to send parking SMS in Abu dhabi, you save time and avoid fines. Remember to keep your Abu Dhabi parking message confirmation handy and extend sessions proactively. As you optimize your parking strategy, ensure compliance with local laws by securing comprehensive car insurance in Abu Dhabi. With this guide, parking in the city is now simpler, faster, and worry-free!
Frequently Answered Question
1: Is there free Mawaqif parking in Abu Dhabi?
Free parking is available in Mawaqif parking zones only at certain times such as national holidays, on Fridays, and for people with disabilities.
2: What are the charges for SMS parking in Abu Dhabi?
Standard Zone: AED 2 per hour
Premium Zone: AED 3 per hour (no daily cap)
Residential Zone (permit only): AED 800–1,200 per year
3: How to charge parking in Dubai by SMS for the Abu Dhabi plate?
For cars not registered in Dubai, please use this format: plate code, plate number, zone number, duration, and send it to 7275 (PARK). You will receive a confirmation message, and the fee will be deducted from your mobile credit or postpaid account.
4: How do I send a parking SMS in Abu Dhabi?
For using SMS parking you need to send an SMS containing the information below in the exact formatting and send it to 3009. After receiving a confirmation text the fee will be charged to your phone bill or deducted from your prepaid plan.
City Code + [space] + Plate Number + [space] + Zone Number + [Space] + Duration (number of hours)
5: How to identify residential parking in Abu Dhabi?
Residential parking zones in Abu Dhabi are marked by specific signage which you must pay attention to avoid fines. It is important to note that parking in residential zones is restricted to permit-holding residents from 9 PM to 8 AM. Outside of these hours, non-residents may park there after paying the appropriate fees.
6: Is SMS parking available without internet?
Yes. Abu Dhabi SMS parking works via text only — no app or internet needed. Ideal for low-data users or when mobile internet is unavailable.
7: What are the different types of parking in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, there are 5 different parking zones which include: Standard Parking Zones, Premium Parking Zones, Residential Parking Zones, Commercial Vehicle Parking Zones, Handicapped Parking Zones
