Paid and free parking time in Abu Dhabi is based on the Mawaqif parking system, which divides the city into four key zones: Standard (AED 2/hour), Premium (AED 3/hour), free permit-based zones for residents and people with disabilities, and time-restricted free parking on Fridays/holidays. Fees, timings, and Abu Dhabi car parking rules vary significantly by zone—park in the wrong line or miss payment, and fines range from AED 100 to AED 1,000. Below, we map out exactly how each zone works, where and when free parking in Abu Dhabi applies, and how to avoid penalties.
Understanding Free Parking Time In Abu Dhabi
Free parking time in Abu Dhabi operates during specific windows, such as free parking in Abu Dhabi Eid:
- Sundays & Public Holidays: It’s common to wonder: is parking free on Sunday in Abu Dhabi? All public zones free citywide, and there is free parking time in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan.
- Is Friday free parking in Abu Dhabi: it is free except in Premium (blue/white curb) zones.
- Overnight (Standard Zones): 12:00 AM–8:00 AM daily.
- Residential Zones: Free for permit holders 9:00 PM–8:00 AM.
Always verify via the Mawaqif app or roadside signage, as Premium zones and events may override rules.
Abu Dhabi Parking Overview
Abu Dhabi operates the Mawaqif system—a unified scheme for Abu Dhabi car parking timings managed by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). Parking zones are classified by curb color and purpose, with standard (black/blue) and premium (white/blue) zones operating from 8 AM–12 AM, Saturday through Thursday. Parking free in Abu Dhabi includes Sundays and public holidays are designated as Abu Dhabi parking free day, offering free car parking in Abu Dhabi citywide. The Mawaqif system also manages the Abu Dhabi car parking rules.
Types of Parking Zones in Abu Dhabi
| Zone Type | Curb Color | Cost | Duration | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Blue/Black | AED 2/hour | Up to 24 hours | 8 AM–12 AM (Sat–Thu) |
| Premium | Blue/White | AED 3/hour | Max 4 hours | 8 AM–12 AM (Sat–Thu) |
| People of Determination | Blue/Yellow | Free | Unlimited | 24/7 |
| Resident Permit | Varies | Free (nighttime) | Night only | As per permit |
Standard Abu Dhabi Car Parking Rules and Cost (Blue & Black Lines)
- Cost: AED 2/hour or AED 15/day
- Timings: 8 AM – 12 AM (Saturday to Thursday)
- Purpose: General parking in commercial and residential areas.
Premium Parking (Blue & White Lines)
- Cost: AED 3/hour (max 4 hours)
- Timings: 8 AM – 12 AM (Saturday to Thursday)
- Purpose: High-demand areas like malls and business districts.
Parking for People of Determination
- Cost: unlimited free parking time in Abu Dhabi with a permit.
- How to Apply: Submit proof of eligibility via TAMM or ITC service centers to follow Abu Dhabi car parking rules.
Resident Permit Parking (Permit Zones)
How to Apply: Register via ITC’s website or TAMM per Abu Dhabi car parking rules.
Cost: Abu Dhabi car parking is free for residents with permits during nighttime.
Parking Fees in Abu Dhabi
Paid and free parking time in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan is based on the Mawaqif system, dividing the city into 4 key zones: Standard (AED 2/hour), Premium (AED 3/hour), free permit-based zones for residents/People of Determination, and time-restricted parking free in Abu Dhabi on Fridays/holidays. Fees, timings, and rules vary sharply by zone—fines for violations range from AED 100–1,000.
Standard Paid Hours
- Paid Days: Saturday to Thursday (8 AM – 12 AM).
- Abu Dhabi Parking Free Day: Parking free in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan, Fridays, UAE National Holidays, and free parking in Abu Dhabi Eid holidays (confirmed via ITC announcements).
Pro Tip: Follow ITC’s social media pages or Abu Dhabi car parking app for real-time updates on parking changes.
Public Holidays And Free Parking in Abu Dhabi
- 2025 Free Parking Days:
- Free parking in Abu Dhabi Eid Holiday (Eid Al Adha): Free parking from June 12–15 (4 days).
- Ramadan: Free parking after Iftar (evenings only); confirm via Mawaqif app.
- Other holidays: UAE National Day (Dec 2–3), New Year’s Day, Islamic New Year.
- Key Rules:
- Fridays: Free in Standard zones only; Premium zones (blue/white curbs) remain paid.
- Residential areas: Free overnight for permit holders after 9 or 12 AM. Visitors require SMS permits 2 am–8 am.
- Event Exceptions:
- Major festivals (e.g., F1 Grand Prix) may extend free parking—monitor ITC social media for announcements
is parking free on Sunday in Abu Dhabi: All public zones are parking free in Abu Dhabi on Sundays.
Shopping malls & hotels: Many provide free car parking in Abu Dhabi, independent of Mawaqif free parking time
Parking Violations And Fines
Mawaqif enforces strict Abu Dhabi car parking rules and penalties to ensure Abu Dhabi car parking compliance. Key violations include:
- Common Violations & Penalties
| Violation Type | Fine (AED) | Additional Penalties | Penalty Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-payment | 100 | Vehicle clamp (AED 100 release fee) | 5 |
| Overstaying paid time | 100–300 | Clamping after 3+ unpaid fines | 57 |
| Illegal parking (handicap/fire lanes) | 1,000 | 6 black points + 7-day impoundment | 78 |
| Blocking traffic/sidewalks | 400–500 | 4 black points | 37 |
- Grace Period & Enforcement:
- 10-minute buffer after parking expiry.
- Fines increase for repeat violations; unpaid fines block vehicle registration renewal.
- Payment Methods:
- Online: ITC portal, Darb app, or TAMM.
- Offline: Post offices or bank transfers within 30 days to avoid extra charges.
Valet Parking Services In Abu Dhabi
Available at malls, hotels, and Abu Dhabi Airport. Rates: AED 10–30/event. Abu Dhabi airport car parking includes secure, covered parking.
How to Pay for Parking in Abu Dhabi
If you’re driving an Abu Dhabi-registered vehicle in Dubai, you can still pay for RTA parking via SMS. The Dubai parking SMS format for Abu Dhabi cars follows a different structure from Mawaqif.
Here’s how to do it:
- Step 1: Open your SMS app
- Step 2: Type the message in the following format:
AUH<space>PlateNumber<space>ZoneNumber<space>Duration
Example:AUH 12345 A123 2 - Step 3: Send the SMS to 7275 (PARK)
✅ The AUH prefix indicates your car is registered in Abu Dhabi.
✅ Duration is in hours (e.g., 2 = 2 hours).
✅ Zone numbers are clearly marked on Dubai parking meters or signs.
🧾 You will receive a confirmation SMS from the RTA. Make sure to park only after receiving it to avoid fines.
This method makes it easy to handle car parking in Dubai even when using an Abu Dhabi car — no Abu Dhabi car parking app needed. It’s quick, straightforward, and accepted across all paid RTA zones in Dubai.
Pro Tip: Save the format as a template on your
Mawaqif App
- Download the Abu Dhabi car parking app on iOS or Android.
- Features: Auto-renewal, balance top-up, and parking history.
Parking Meters
- Use coins or cards at meters near zones.
TAMM Portal
Manage permits and payments online at TAMM.
| Zone | Location | Total Parking Spaces | PoD Spaces |
|---|---|---|---|
| SW2 | Between Al Qalayid St (east), Al Marmouq St (west), Al Murahibeen St (south), Theyab Bin Eissa St (north) | 523 | 17 |
| SE45 | Etihad Plaza (between Al Ibtisama St and Al Mireef St) | 1,283 | 17 |
| SE48 | Al Mireef St (Etihad Airways HQ) | 694 | 3 |
Note: New paid parking zones are regularly added under the Mawaqif system to improve traffic flow and driver convenience. Always check the ITC website for updates.
Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking
Abu Dhabi International Airport is among the busiest airports in the UAE. Of course, as someone living in Abu Dhabi, going to the airport without your vehicle might be a bit inconvenient.
Short-TermAbu Dhabi Airport Car Parking Charges
Short-term parking in Abu Dhabi airport is suitable for people who are either dropping someone off or picking someone up, or in case you have something quick to do at the car park Abu Dhabi Airport. This Abu Dhabi airport car parking option is designed for stays that last just a few hours. Short-term parking makes it easy for such drivers to park their cars with no hassles and worries in mind, offering a reasonable and cost-effective solution. Standard Abu Dhabi parking fees for short-term parking are as follows:
- 6-15 minutes, AED 15
- 16-30 minutes, AED 25
- 31 Minutes – 2 Hours, AED 35
- Up to 3 Hours, AED 55
- Up to 4 Hours, AED 65
- Up to 24 Hours AED 125
These rates are inclusive of 5% VAT.
Long-Term Abu Dhabi Airport Car Parking Charges
Long-term parking is for drivers who aim to travel and leave their cars at the car park Abu Dhabi Airport. This Abu Dhabi airport car parking option is usually cheaper hourly; however, there is an additional AED 100 for each day, adding up to the stay.
Mawaqif Resident Parking Permits
Residents can apply via ITC/TAMM for parking in their neighborhood:
- Apartment/Villa Permit: Fee AED 800–1,200/year; allows free Abu Dhabi car parking timings at night and resident zones 24/7.
- Villa Visitors Permit: Valid 6 hours early morning, free for UAE nationals, AED 2/hour for others
Parking Tips For Abu Dhabi Drivers
- Double-check curb color and zone signboards.
- Use SMS or
Abu Dhabi car parking app in advance to avoid meter queues. - Avoid peak times (8–10 AM, 5–7 PM).
- On free parking days, confirm zone layout.
- Permit holders benefit from vehicle renewal Abu Dhabi style convenience.
- Double-check curb colors and signs to avoid violations.
- Use the Mawaqif app for live zone availability and parking free in Abu Dhabi.
- Opt for Park & Ride facilities near busy areas.
Final Thoughts on Free Parking in Abu Dhabi
Free parking in Abu Dhabi simplifies exploring the city, with Sundays, Fridays (non-Premium), and holidays offering cost-free access. Always verify zone types via curb colors and the Mawaqif app to avoid fines. For free parking time in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan or major events, check ITC updates for temporary changes
Abu Dhabi car parking timings are an important matter when it comes to the capital city of the UAE. Abu Dhabi parking fees are set to help drivers have a better experience while driving, as well as ease the traffic flow. As a driver, you must learn about the Abu Dhabi car parking rules and different parking free in Abu Dhabi, paid parking zones, and know the regulations, fees, and all the other information. Remember, you car can be covered with car insurance Abu Dhabi even when it’s parked, so make sure you’re protected before you leave your car.
Informational Blogs:
Frequently Answered Questions
1: What is the free parking time in Abu Dhabi for residents?
Resident Parking spaces (marked by turquoise lines or “Resident Permit Only” signs) are standard parking spots in residential areas. Permit holders can park here free of charge from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Unauthorized use outside these hours incurs fines.
2: Is parking free on Sunday in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Abu Dhabi car parking is free on Sunday, except for premium zones. Mawaqif free parking time in Abu Dhabi in standard parking zones is on Sundays and national holidays.
3: How does Abu Dhabi car parking work?
There are particular parking zones all across the city. These zones are separated into two categories: standard and premium.
4: What is the format for parking in Abu Dhabi?
Here is the SMS format for car parking in Abu Dhabi: City and Plate Code category <space> Plate number <space> Parking type <space> Duration
5: How do you pay for street parking in Abu Dhabi?
There are different ways to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi. You can pay via SMS, the Mawaqif application, and cash.
6: How to do guest parking in Abu Dhabi?
If you are a guest of an Emirates or Abu Dhabi resident, that person can request a parking permit for you as a visitor by sending an SMS from their registered number in the system.
7: is Friday free parking in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, Free Parking in Abu Dhabi is available on Friday as well.
