Understanding Abu Dhabi’s parking regulations is essential for avoiding fines and parking with confidence across the city. From residential zones to busy commercial areas, knowing where to park and how to pay makes everyday travel easier. This guide covers everything you need to know about parking in Abu Dhabi, including designated parking areas, payment methods, parking fees, permits, airport arrival parking, free parking options and fines, helping you park safely and legally throughout the capital.
- Overview
- Mawaqif
- Parking Fees
- Parking Permits
- Airport Arrivals Parking
- Free Parking
- Paying for Parking
- Parking Fines
- Key Takeaways
- FAQ
Abu Dhabi Parking Overview
First of all, there are various parking spots for the residents of Abu Dhabi. For example, there are designated residential parking Abu Dhabi for each tower. Also, malls, airports, and many outlets offer parking lots. Explore some of the parking options below.
In addition, Abu Dhabi has its own paid parking system, Mawaqif. This system helps you pay for parking as well as find parking spots. Find out more within this detailed guide.
Mawaqif Parking Abu Dhabi
Mawaqif Abu Dhabi is the official parking system authorised by the capital’s government, more specifically by the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, this system sanctions parking fees for the lots across the city. In addition, it offers various services online. For example, it offers rechargeable balance cards to pay for parking, parking violation notifications, and parking time availability. So, if you are visiting or considering living in Abu Dhabi, then you must be fully familiar with Mawaqif.
Parking Fees
Generally speaking, there is a specific structure for the city’s parking fees issued by Mawaqif. The Abu Dhabi parking color codes mean the charges differ, as illustrated below.
- Standard Parking – black and blue curbs:
- AED 2 an hour
- AED 15 for 24-hour parking
- Premium Parking Abu Dhabi – white and blue curbs: AED 3 an hour
Explore All Available Rental Properties in Abu Dhabi
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
160,000 AED/year
Versatile 5-Bedroom Villa | Elegant Family Home
Muroor Area, Abu Dhabi
5
5
2,658 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
195,000 AED/year
Indulge in the Ultimate Luxury: 5BR Penthouse
Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
5
5
2,245 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 day ago
250,000 AED/year
Full Canal View | 4 Cheques | 1 Month Free
Canal Residence, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
3
3
1,923 sqft
-
Townhouse
Listed 1 day ago
450,000 AED/year
Coastal Luxury | 2BR+Maid TH | Excellent Condition
Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
2
3
3,221 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 7 hours ago
90,000 AED/year
Sea View | High Floor | Spacious | Balcony
Al Maha Tower, Marina Square, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
1
2
850 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
168,000 AED/year
Elite 2BR| Best Living|Prime Area |Pool+Sea Views
Tala Tower, Marina Square, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
2
3
1,528 sqft
-
Villa
Listed 3 days ago
650,000 AED/year
Water View | Marina Townhouse | Elevator Included
Marsa Al Jubail, Al Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi
3
6
5,655 sqft
-
Villa
Listed 2 weeks ago
220,000 AED/year
Rare Find: 3BR Villa | Prime Location | Spotless!
Bloom Gardens Villas, Bloom Gardens, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi
3
4
2,950 sqft
-
Townhouse
Listed 1 day ago
240,000 AED/year
Vacant| Single-Row 2BR| Unique Living| Prime Area
The Magnolias, Yas Acres, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
2
3
2,422 sqft
-
Villa
Listed 2 weeks ago
199,999 AED/year
Perfect Location |Lovely Garden | All Masters Room
Al Nahyan Villa Compound, Al Nahyan Camp, Abu Dhabi
4
7
4,200 sqft
Parking Permits
In addition, individuals can issue parking permits across the capital through Mawaqif. You can apply for a permit that meets your needs and be free of the paid parking hassle. Some of these permits include:
- Residential Parking Permits
- Free for UAE nationals living in either apartments or villas
- Non-UAE nationals living in apartments or villas:
- First car: AED 800
- Second car: AED 1,200
- Limited-Term Public Parking Permits
- 1 Month: AED 391
- 3 Months: AED 1,174
- 6 Months: AED 2,348
- 1 Year: AED 4,695
Abu Dhabi International Airport Arrivals Parking
If you are seeking short or long term parking options at Abu Dhabi Airport, then rest assured, there are plenty. Terminal A offers spacious covered parking lots for short-term parking. Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi airport parking fees are as follows:
- 6 – 15 Minutes: AED 15
- 16 – 30 Minutes: AED 25
- 31 Minutes – 2 Hours: AED 35
On the other hand, the Abu Dhabi airport parking charges for long durations differ. Also, you can leave your car parked, but note that it will be subjected to extra charges. See the long-term parking price breakdown below.
- 3 Hours: AED 55
- 4 Hours: AED 65
- Up to 24 Hours: AED 125
- Each additional day: AED 100
Discover Apartments for Rent Near Abu Dhabi International Airport
-
Apartment
Listed 6 days ago
42,999 AED/year
Modern Studio W/Balcony |No Commission | Free ADDC
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
studio
1
500 sqft
-
Office Space
Listed 2 weeks ago
85,000 AED/year
Perfect Location for Business |Fully Fitted Office
Al Taghreed Tower, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
1
755 sqft
-
Office Space
Listed 3 weeks ago
74,000 AED/year
Modern Office on Airport Road: Ideal for Professionals
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
none
689 sqft
-
Office Space
Listed 3 weeks ago
85,000 AED/year
Luxury Office on Airport Road - Prime Location
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
none
753 sqft
-
Shop
Listed 3 weeks ago
99,999 AED/year
Good shop layout | Prime location| Well-maintained
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
1
594 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
66,999 AED/year
5 Star 1BHK | No Commission | Free ADDC !!
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
1
1
800 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 3 weeks ago
67,999 AED/year
Spacious 1 BR | Prime Location | No Commission
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
1
1
800 sqft
-
Retail
Listed 1 day ago
242,000 AED/year
BRILLIANT FITTED SHOP| GREAT LOCATION| ENQUIRE NOW
Rawdhat, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
1
2,368 sqft
-
Office Space
Listed 2 months ago
74,000 AED/year
Fitted Office,Available Parking including W and E
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
2
645 sqft
-
Apartment
Listed 2 weeks ago
64,999 AED/year
Hot Offer | 1BHK + Balcony | Ready To Move
Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
1
2
900 sqft
Free Parking in Abu Dhabi
Free parking in Abu Dhabi exists only during certain times, which are on Sundays as well as other national holidays. Other than that, all the parking lots and zones in the capital are paid zones, according to Mawaqif.
How to Pay for Parking in Abu Dhabi
Paying for parking in Abu Dhabi is an easy process, especially if it is done online. So, you can pay for parking from the comfort of your own seat. See the payment methods below and choose the preferred one to avoid those bills piling up.
- Cash
- Mawaqif rechargeable card
- Mobile phone payment (m-Mawaqif)
- Credit Card (AED 15 minimum)
- Darbi application
- TAMM Platform
Abu Dhabi Parking SMS – Mawaqif
In order to pay for Mawaqif via SMS, there is a set of steps to follow. The whole process won’t take more than a few minutes. Simply send a message to the parking SMS number for Abu Dhabi, which is 3009, using the format below. Note that the parking code for Abu Dhabi is AUH.
- Emirate and Plate Code category“add space” Plate Number“add space” Parking type“add space” Duration (hours) – for example AUH5 00000 S 1.
Abu Dhabi Parking Fine
Violating Abu Dhabi parking rules means getting a traffic fine. In fact, there are various strict traffic rules across the UAE, and they are issued to ensure everyone’s safety. The traffic fines in Abu Dhabi related to parking include the following:
- Abuse of parking space: AED 200
- Parking cars on pavements: AED 400
- Blocking a fire hydrant place, space allocated for ambulances or allocated for special needs people: AED 1,000
- Blocking other vehicle’s movement: AED 500
Key Takeaways
Abu Dhabi’s public parking is managed through the Mawaqif system, with paid hours in effect from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to midnight, while parking is free on Sundays and public holidays. Drivers can pay using the Parkin app, SMS to 3009 for standard and premium bays (ranging from AED 2 to AED 3 per hour), parking meters or the Darb app. Parking zones are clearly marked with signage and pavement colours, so it’s important to check local restrictions before leaving your vehicle. Overall, Abu Dhabi’s parking system is designed to be simple and convenient, allowing motorists to pay for parking quickly and easily. For those considering a studio apartment in Abu Dhabi or any other property type, there are plenty of options available with convenient access to parking facilities.
FAQ
Darbi is a useful mobile app for residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi as it provides live data on traffic conditions, incidents, and road works in the capital. Thus helping you plan a route without any blockings.
The parking times are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Monday to Saturday.
Yes, free parking is available in Abu Dhabi during public holidays and on Sundays in most public parking zones. Some residential areas may also offer free parking at specific times, so it’s always best to check nearby signage for exact rules.
If you exceed your paid parking time, you may receive a parking fine. Abu Dhabi parking regulations require drivers to renew their parking before it expires, either via SMS or the Darb app, to avoid penalties.
