All About Public Parking in Abu Dhabi: Timings, Tariffs & Fines

Abu Dhabi: Driving a personal vehicle in Abu Dhabi is a necessity, a convenience and comfort to move around the city. This comes with an unavoidable part of parking, just part of that experience. No matter whether you are in Al Zahiyah, on the Corniche, or at Yas Mall. However, this shouldn’t necessarily be tough because Mawaqif, the capital’s official public parking system, comes to your rescue. This unique concept ensures parking is easy, reasonable, well-maintained and also quickly available. With clear signage like colour-coded kerbs, free tariffs, and the options of digital payment, Mawaqif makes parking your car in the capital city extremely easy and hassle-free without stress or anxiety. 

Understanding Mawaqif

Mawaqif is Abu Dhabi's Public Parking System, run by Q Mobility (an ADQ company) under the Department of Municipalities & Transport’s ITC, and was launched as part of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 to decongest traffic and organise on-street parking. A unique and futuristic project that has the potential to become a model around the world and make modern urban living a blissful experience. Since 2024, Q Mobility has successfully improved the system with the help of the introduction of technology, greater service, and extensive zones. The company also operates the Darb toll system, which emerged as a vital element of the city’s transport network.

What is Special About Mawaqif?

Mawaqif is way different from the usual parking system we encountered in any city. 

• Transparent pricing structure: No ambiguity as to how much you will pay. You know before parking.
• Multiple payment options: No worry for mode of payment, there are all options, including SMS, mobile apps, parking meters, or rechargeable cards
• Enforcement and accountability: Parking is monitored around the clock to make sure rules are followed.
• Free parking days: You get free parking on public holidays and every Sunday.
• Resident license: To make residents' lives easier, they are offered a special permission. 

The objective is pretty clear. To offer a public-friendly parking which is easy, predictable, accessible, and fair for everyone.

Types of Parking

It is important to get familiar with Mawaqif’s colour-coding system, which can help avoid any fines or inconvenience. To make identification easy, various parking spots are given different colours which indicate the type of parking and their pricing.

Standard Parking (Black & Turquoise):

By far the most recognised and well-spread zones across the city, you find them in commercial as well as residential neighbourhoods. The parking prices typically cost about AED 2 per hour or a flat AED 15 per day, with a maximum stay allowed of 24 hours. The paid hours are spread between Monday to Saturday. The time starts early at 8 AM and stretches up to midnight. As stated earlier, Sunday and public holidays are free to park. If you wish to park for longer hours, then the flat parking rate of AED 15 is a good deal. 

Premium Parking (White & Turquoise)

These are high-priced parking spots mostly around crowded or popular commercial and dining areas. Here, the prices start at AED 3 per hour, with a maximum stay permitted for only 4 hours. The difference in rate ensures that cars don’t occupy the parking for longer hours, and a faster turnaround can cater to greater demand.

Multi-Storey Car Parks:

There are some other options than parking on the road, like for example multi-story parking that is open 24/7, and so you don’t have any time restrictions. The prices start at AED 2 per hour or AED 15 per day, just like the standard zones, but the extras, like shade and better availability near prominent malls and offices, are a plus.

Resident Parking (Turquoise Kerbs):

These parking spots are reserved for residents who hold a valid permit. Local UAE citizens get to park their car for absolutely free for up to 4 vehicles, for an apartment owner, while a villa owner gets 10. At the same time, a foreigner will have to shell out AED 800 for the first car and AED 1,200 for the second. If you get this permit, you need to apply through the ITC website or Mawaqif centres with a valid proof of residence.

People of Determination Parking:

Remember that the determination parking spots are strictly used by valid permit holders, and unauthorised parking on such spots can invite a hefty fine of AED 1,000.

Free Parking Days

• Every Sunday: All Mawaqif zones are free for leisurely visits to the city
• Public holidays: National Day, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and other officially announced holidays

Parking Prices Table

Parking Type	Kerb Color	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate	Max Stay	Paid Hours	Free Days
Standard	Black & Turquoise	AED 2/hr	AED 15/day	24 hours	Mon–Sat, 8 AM–12 AM	Sundays & Public Holidays
Premium	White & Turquoise	AED 3/hr	N/A	4 hours	Mon–Sat, 8 AM–12 AM	Sundays & Public Holidays
Multi-Storey	N/A	AED 2/hr	AED 15/day	24 hours	24/7	Sundays & Public Holidays
Resident Zones	Turquoise (Residential)	Free with permit	Free with permit	N/A	N/A	N/A

Parking Passes for Frequent Users

For those car owners who frequent Mawaqif zones with consistent usage, there is a special pass that not only makes it convenient but also a lot affordable. Based on individual preference, you can buy 3, 6 and 12 months at prices AED 1,369, AED 2,738, and AED 5,475 for 12 months, respectively. 

Is a Pass Worth It?

• If you park for 8 hours daily at AED 2/hr = AED 16 per day
• 5 days a week = AED 80 per week
• Monthly cost = AED 320–350

A 3-month pass at AED 1,369 works out to approximately AED 456 per month. Take a call based on your need for an extended period. 

5 Easy Options to Pay

Use any of the following options to pay for your parking

1. SMS
2. Darb App
3. Parking Meter (Cash or Card)
4. Mawaqif Card (Prepaid Option) 
5. Online (TAMM / Q Mobility)

Parking Fines:

Fines are generally something one should avoid at any cost, and so knowing how Mawaqif helps you avoid them. For example, you’re allowed a 10-minute concession after your session ends before a fine is charged.

General Violations:

• Parking without paying the charges
• Overshooting the time (4 hours in Premium, 24 hours in Standard)
• Without the necessary permit, parking in resident zones
• No permit, but still using People of Determination spots (AED 1,000 fine)
• Parking in restricted or obstructive spots

How to Fines:

By using the App or TAMM portal, or visiting a Customer Happiness Centre, you can see and then proceed to pay the fine through any suitable mode of payment.

Appeals:

If you’re wrongly fined, then there is a provision for appeal through a TAMM or Q Mobility Centres with proof (always carry a payment receipt, photos, or a valid reason). If it is accepted, a refund is issued.

Mawaqif in 2025: Smarter Parking Across Abu Dhabi

Having a parking system like Mawaqif is a great step for a city like Abu Dhabi. It makes it one of the world’s most modern and futuristic concepts for people-friendly urban living. But like anything in life, nothing is perfect, and the parking system continues to evolve with time. Q Mobility strives towards making Mawaqif more user-friendly, easier, smarter and more efficient. In 2025, it received some expansion, like the Eastern Mangroves, Dolphin Park, and Al Khaleej AI Arabi Street have been added as new paid zones. Also, with the use of advanced technologies like AI-powered patrol vehicles with smart cameras keep an eye on ensuring rules are followed correctly. You will also notice that upgrades have been made for the Al Mushrif Customer Happiness Centre for rapid responses and quicker permits, fines, and payments.

What This Means for You

• More Parking Zones: It is better to always check the colour of the parking spot to make sure you are good to park..
• Advanced Tech: As technology evolves with AI cameras detecting violations instantly means there is lower scope for any error, which is helpful for the user.
• Improved Quality of Service: With constant enhancements, faster permit and account processing at Al Mushrif is achieved for overall superior service. 

Things to Consider

• Be sure about the colours before parking.
• Use the Darb app to check live parking 
• Make sure you arrive or leave before your session expires
• It is better to have the SMS payment format as a draft for any eventuality. 
• Take advantage of holidays for long parking
• Vehicle information must be the most recent and always updated
• It is always a good decision to try a resident parking permit if you park regularly.
• As a precautionary step and proof, it is always useful to have receipts or SMS confirmations.

Resident Parking Permits

Car owners who are residents of the city can use the permit to save money and time.

• Eligibility: You should have had a house in your own name with proof.
• Cost: As a local citizen of the UAE, you’re entitled to a free permit, but only 4 vehicles for apartments, 10 for villas. Non-UAE nationals pay AED 800 for the first car and AED 1,200 for the second.
• How to Apply: You can do it offline and online.
• Benefits: These parking spaces are always reserved, and you don’t need any activation

Conclusion 

We’re truly blessed to have a comprehensive automated public parking ecosystem integrated into the urban infrastructure of Abu Dhabi. A combination of the latest technology, regulation, and exceptional service quality makes it hugely convenient for car owners. Hence, knowing Mawaqif inside out on all aspects of its function makes parking hugely hassle-free and stress-free. With AI enforcement, expanded zones, and digital convenience, Abu Dhabi’s parking is now smarter than ever. So, get ready to drive smart, park smarter, and make the most of the city by driving your car around without worrying about your spot.