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Abu Dhabi's a fantastic place to visit, but parking can be a confusing maze. Figuring out zones, fees, and payment can waste your precious exploring time. This guide gets straight to the point and helps you park like a local.

We'll cover the super-easy SMS payment system and show you how to find all-day parking options. No more circling blocks. Get ready to hit the sights!

What is Mawaqif?

Mawaqif is the official system that governs parking throughout the city. Think of them like the friendly neighborhood parking police, but instead of giving tickets, they make it easy to find a spot and pay the fee. Mawaqif designates different parking zones with clear color-coded curbs and set fees. We'll break down the types of zones and how to pay in a flash, so you can spend less time parking and more time exploring the wonders of Abu Dhabi.

Understanding Parking Zones and Fees

Abu Dhabi has two main parking zone types, each with different fees:

• Standard Parking (Black and Blue Curbs): Ideal for longer stays, standard parking costs AED 2 per hour, with a maximum daily fee capped at AED 15.

• Premium Parking (White and Blue Curbs): Perfect for quick errands, premium parking zones charge slightly more at AED 3 per hour. There's no daily maximum here, so watch the clock.

Paid parking applies Monday to Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM. Sundays and UAE national holidays offer free parking citywide.

Resident Parking Permits in Abu Dhabi

Living in Abu Dhabi comes with its perks, and a residential parking permit is definitely one of them!  Mawaqif offers this program, allowing residents to park for free within their designated zone.  Say goodbye to the stress of searching for a spot and paying hourly fees in your own neighborhood.

Here's a breakdown of the resident parking permit program:

Who Qualifies?

The program is open to a wider range of residents, including:

• Property Owners: If you own your residence in Abu Dhabi, you can apply for a permit.

• Tenants: Renting an apartment or villa? You're eligible for a permit too.

• Close Relatives: Living with family in Abu Dhabi? As long as they reside in the same paid parking zone, they can apply for a permit on your behalf.

There might be limitations on the number of permits issued per residence. It's always best to check the latest guidelines on the ITC website.

Applying for Your Permit

The application process is designed to be user-friendly and can be completed online through the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) website. Here's what you'll likely need to have on hand:

• Proof of Residency:

• Non-UAE Nationals will need a passport with a valid residency visa.

• Everyone else can provide a tenancy contract or proof of property ownership.

• Verification Documents: Recent utility bills (water or electricity) will help verify your residency address.

Once you've gathered the necessary documents, head over to the ITC website and follow the application instructions.

Benefits of a Resident Permit

• Free Parking: Park freely within your designated zone 24/7, eliminating the need for hourly payments.

• Peace of Mind: No more circling the block searching for a spot. Park near your home with confidence.

• Convenience: Enjoy the ease of knowing you have a dedicated parking space readily available.

• With a resident parking permit, parking in Abu Dhabi becomes a breeze, allowing you to spend less time managing your car and more time enjoying the city.  Remember to check the ITC website for the latest information and any potential updates to the program.

  While a resident permit offers unbeatable convenience, there are still plenty of parking options for visitors and non-residents in Abu Dhabi. Public parking zones with meters are readily available throughout the city, marked with black and blue curbs for standard parking or white and blue curbs for premium options.

  Location	Total Multi-Storey Parking Slots	Parking Slots Reserved for Ladies	Parking Slots for People of Determination
  Behind LIWA Centre	394	26	4
  Madinat Zayed*	722	0	4
  Corniche	723	18	4
  Behind Zakher Hotel-opposite Maria Cinema	437	18	1
  Behind Health Ministry	487	18	6
  LIWA Street	305	26	4
  Behind Al-Noor Hospital	857	26	8
  Al Dana Multi-Storey Parking	583	42	6

  
  

  Parking Payment Option

  The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers a variety of convenient payment methods to suit your needs. Here's a breakdown of your options:

1. Mawaqif Rechargeable Card.

Perfect for: Frequent parkers who prefer a physical card.

Details:

• Purchase a card (AED 50) at any RTA customer service center or authorized retailer.

• Top up your card balance online or at top-up machines conveniently located throughout Dubai.

• Link the card to your online account for easy activation and balance management.

• Pay for parking by tapping the card on designated machines at parking zones.

2. SMS Parking.

Perfect for: Occasional parkers or those without access to smartphones.

Details:

• Register your mobile number with the RTA.

• Send a specific SMS format (details provided in the full guide) to 3009, including your parking zone number and desired parking duration.

• You'll receive a confirmation SMS with parking details and charges.

3. Darb App.

Perfect for: Tech-savvy drivers who want a seamless experience.

Details:

• Download the Darb app from the App Store or Google Play.

• Register and create an account.

• Find available parking spots in real-time and view parking fees.

• Pay for parking directly from the app using your linked payment method (credit card, debit card, etc.).

• Receive parking notifications and manage your parking history easily.

Parking Fines in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, parking fines can vary depending on the type of violation. Here's a breakdown of some common parking violations and their corresponding fines:

• Parking in a prohibited area: AED 1,000 (around $272 USD) with a 60-day license block. This is the most severe penalty and applies to parking in areas with clear no-parking signs.

• Parking in a no-parking zone: AED 500 (around $136 USD) with a 30-day license block. This applies to areas with yellow curb markings or designated no-parking zones.

• Parking in a handicapped spot without a permit: AED 1,000 (around $272 USD) with a 90-day license block. Parking in spots designated for disabled individuals without a valid permit carries a hefty fine and a lengthy license block.

• Parking in a fire lane: AED 1,000 (around $272 USD) with a 90-day license block. Blocking a fire lane is a serious offense and comes with a significant fine and license block.

• Parking on pavements: AED 400 (around $109 USD). Parking on sidewalks or walkways meant for pedestrians can obstruct their movement and is subject to a fine.

It's important to note that these are just some examples, and the full list of parking violations and fines can be found on the websites of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) or the Abu Dhabi Police.

Here are some resources where you can find more information:

• ITC Abu Dhabi: https://www.itc.gov.ae/ 

• Abu Dhabi Police: https://www.adpolice.gov.ae/en 

Remember, these are general guidelines, and specific parking regulations can vary depending on the location. It's always best to check the signage in the area you're parking in to ensure you're following the rules.