HomeCar Insurance BlogTraffic Rules & FinesGuide To Abu Dhabi Car Parking

Guide To Abu Dhabi Car Parking

As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, it’s obvious that Abu Dhabi car parking is one of the main struggles of the residents due to heavy traffic. Abu Dhabi parking fee, also known as Mawaqif, is a system designed to help drivers find parking space more easily and quickly, without having to search all around for a spot. Therefore, as a motorist in Abu Dhabi, there’s nothing to worry about anymore.

In this article from Lookinsure mag, we’re going to look at paid parking in Abu Dhabi and learn all about the fees, permits, timings, and how the system works and takes you along. Let’s get started!

Frequently Answered Questions

1: How to pay for Abu Dhabi parking by SMS?

Send a text message to 3009; in the message, type the new parking SMS format for Abu Dhabi in the field. Here’s the format: City and Plate Code category <space> Plate number <space> Parking type <space> Duration
An example of what your text should look like: “AUH8 3214 S 1”.

2: Is car parking free today in Abu Dhabi?

You have to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi as well as every other emirate. However, parking in Abu Dhabi is free on Sundays and national holidays.

3: How does Abu Dhabi 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 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.

Types Of Parking Zones in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has started a comprehensive parking system, known as Mawaqif, managed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). Like many other cooperative systems, the Abu Dhabi paid parking system is sorted into two different categories and parking zones, making them vary in fees and rules.

Premium Parking, Blue and White Curbs

These parking zones are generally located in busier areas. Due to high demand, these parking zones usually charge a higher fee for shorter-term parking. Many people pass those areas each day and wish to park their cars in these places, usually because of commercial or business districts.

Standard Parking, Black and White Curbs

These zones are usually located in residential and less busy areas of the city. Therefore, they are mainly cheaper than premium and zones and it is obvious why. There’s a lower daily demand for these zones. Speaking of parking, Abu Dhabi parking SMS and Dubai parking SMS guides will be a life-saver for you if you live there or go there.

Thankfully, Abu Dhabi parking fees are straightforward. Meaning that the premium and standard zones have two different fees and that’s it. The fees apply from 8 am till midnight, Saturdays to Thursdays. Parking is free on Fridays, as well as public holidays.

  • Premium zones: AED 3 per hour
  • Standard zones: AED 2 per hour

There are also multi-story parking facilities available all through the city in case you want to park your vehicle for a longer time. These usually start from AED 2 per hour.

Types of Standard Parking Permits in Abu Dhabi

Types of Standard Parking Permits in Abu Dhabi

The standard parking system allows drivers to park their vehicles for 24 hours. The Abu Dhabi parking fee for this method is AED 2 per hour and AED 15 for the whole day. This type of parking is also free on Sundays and public holidays.

Abu Dhabi residents can also apply for a residential parking permit. This permit is also available for first-degree relatives of tenants (in case they reside in the same home). This permit allows residents to park their vehicles in the specified paid parking spots in the city without having to pay anything extra. Residents and their families residing in apartments are allowed up to 4 free parking permits.

Non-UAE nationals, however, can get two permits. Even though more permits can be granted according to the inspector’s report. Each permit only stands for one vehicle. Residential parking permits are available for Abu Dhabi residency in any Mawaqif Abu Dhabi service center or Darb. The annual permit is AED 800 for the first vehicle and AED 1200 for the second one. There’s also a limited-term parking permit that starts from AED 391 per month.

You might find the car insurance companies in Abu Dhabi guide useful too if you live there and want to make a more informed decision. Checking Abu Dhabi black points is also an important part of your driving experience If you live or work there.

How To Find Parking in Abu Dhabi

To have a simple parking experience with little to no hassles, use the Mawaqif app. If you’re a motorist willing to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi, or truthfully any sort of driver in this busy city, having the Mawaqif app is essential for you. Through this application, you can find parking spots near you.

Just so you know, during major events, especially ones that attract tourists from across the UAE and all over the world, there’s much heavier traffic than usual. Therefore, we highly recommend you plan ahead of time and be aware that parking fees might increase.

Paid Abu Dhabi car parking has particular zones throughout the city. There are always newer zones added to the list, and the whole purpose is to enhance transportation while offering more peace of mind to the drivers. All of these zones that require parking fees in Abu Dhabi go under the Mawaqif paid parking in Abu Dhabi system. Here’s a list of some sectors and zones in new paid parking areas across Abu Dhabi.

SW2

Situated between Al Qalayid Street to the east and Al Marmouq Street to the West, SW2 is bounded by Al Murahibeen Street to the south and Theyab Bin Eissa Street to the north. This zone includes 523 parking spaces. 17 of these spaces are dedicated to People of Determination (PoD).

SE45

Sector SE45 is located in Etihad Plaza between Al Ibtisama Street and Al Mireef Street. It contains 1283 parking spaces and 17 designated slots for PoD.

SE48

SE48 has about 694 parking spaces, and it is located on Al Mireef Street at the headquarters of Etihad Airways. 3 of these spaces are dedicated to PoD.

Free Parking in Abu Dhabi

Free parking in Abu Dhabi is only possible during particular times. These times include Sundays, as well as national public holidays. Other than these occasions. Parking is not free in Abu Dhabi.

Airport Parking in Abu Dhabi

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.

Therefore, learning about its parking methods and knowing the airport parking fees in Abu Dhabi is very helpful for any resident who wants to drive to the airport. In case of dropping someone off, or traveling alone and leaving your car for some time, this information will be helpful for you.

Airport Parking in Abu Dhabi

Short-Term Airport 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 airport. This 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 Airport Parking Charges

Long-term parking is for drivers who aim to travel and leave their cars at the airport. This is usually cheaper hourly, however, there is an additional AED 100 for each day adding up to the stay.

How To Pay Parking Charges In Abu Dhabi

There are several different methods to pay the Abu Dhabi parking fee. These are all mostly easy procedures and won’t take you long. Let’s take a look:

  • Cash
  • Darb Application
  • Mawaqif rechargeable card
  • Mawaqif SMS service (send your vehicle plate number and parking details to 3009)
  • TAMM platform

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. In general, it would help you a lot to take a look at traffic fines check guide to stay prepared.

Timings For Parking in Abu Dhabi

The parking times for Abu Dhabi paid parking is from 8 in the morning to midnight, from Monday to Saturday. Parking is free on Sundays and national public holidays.

Parking Regulations and Fines In Abu Dhabi   

Mawaqif offers a 10-minute grace period for illegal parking. However, drivers who violate Mawaqif regulations after the grace period always face fines. Let’s take a look at these regulations:

  • Abuse of parking space: AED 200
  • Parking vehicles on pavements: AED 400
  • Parking in a fire hydrant access area, space allocated for ambulances or allocated for special needs people: AED 1,000
  • Parking behind vehicles and blocking movement: AED 500

Parking Tips for Abu Dhabi Drivers

To have a better experience as a driver in Abu Dhabi, it is good to know a couple of tips that might help you along the way.

  1. Use the Mawaqif app. This app is essential for anyone who drives their vehicle in Abu Dhabi.
  2. Check signagRememberber to check parking signs to avoid fines. Some places have different regulations than others, meaning you can get in trouble if you don’t pay attention to where you are parking your car.
  3. Try going for standard zones if possible. Parking your vehicle in less crowded areas is a way of saving time and also paying less.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi car parking is an important deal 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 different paid parking zones in Abu Dhabi, and know the regulations, fees, and all the other information. To have a better experience as a motorist, we recommend that you download the Mawaqif application and start using it. Have a good time driving around Abu Dhabi!

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Niloo Maghazei
Niloo Maghazei
I'm a skilled researcher and writer with extensive experience in the UAE insurance sector. I bring a deep understanding of local market trends and regulations to my articles. I'm usually known for my sharp insights and analysis and am dedicated to helping readers navigate insurance decisions with confidence. I enjoy adding a personal touch to my articles by including real-life examples and relatable scenarios.

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