Abu Dhabi Car Parking – A Tourist Guide To Mawaqif Service

Abu Dhabi is one of the frequently visited travel destinations by the globetrotters to stop by at the attractive and world famous landmarks to explore the diverse flavours & traditions of this energetic city. Predominantly, the tourists love to see every nook and corner of this appealing capital city of UAE by preferring to travel in a private transport such as rental cars over the public transportation. Because it offers a better privacy and an enhanced comfort rather than sticking to the timings of buses or metro stations during their vacation which is carried out for relaxation from their bustling routine. And if you are planning for a trip fixed with the idea of traverse in a private transport then this is your ideal explorer’s digest regarding the parking system and regulations that is followed in Abu Dhabi’s updated parking management which is called as “Mawaqif Service”.

What is Mawaqif?

Abu Dhabi has one of the well-organised and a structured system called “Mawaqif Service” that is designed and implemented by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Since the city is highly populated with the four wheelers, they opted for a systematic approach to manage them and they launched this Mawaqif Smart Parking Services in 2009. From their official website we came to know that it regulates the parking, helps to reduce the congestion, which further leads to a smooth flow of your uninterrupted journey on the road. So, if you’re a tourist then you need to pay for the parking as long as you stay there using the Mawaqif mobile app/SMS services/parking meters. And you need not worry about the cost because it is reasonably priced about which you will get to know in detail in the following part of the article. The Mawaqif Parking System looks stand alone due to its appealing access makes the people with disabilities effortless through dedicated spaces and advanced technology. It is a stress-free parking system with clear signage and easy payment methods. 

(Image Source – TAMM)

Types of Mawaqif Parking and their Fees

Mawaqif Service became a successful parking system and their idea attracted the other international countries because they maintain the amity that are tourist friendly with proper regulations. But fines will be imposed for both tourists and residents of Abu Dhabi if they observe any illegal parking/fake permits/parking in a restricted areas. It helps majorly to exclude the chance of blunders by the individuals even unknowingly. On account of these different types of parking it reduces chaos and confusions for any city newbie. So, you can give your quick glance into these following four various types of Mawaqif Parking Service and their fees. In addition to that if there’s one thing, a kind of jack pot for both the budget travelers and the new visitors which should be known is that ‘Parking is free on Sundays and Public holidays’. 

1.Public Parking Types

This is the most vital type that every traveler or a tourist must be aware of since the vehicle you utilise will fall under this category. It is further classified into two sub-type the Standard Parking and Premium Parking based on the cost & the variations in the colour pattern used to indicate them.  

Types	Colour	Fees	Schedule	Maximum Stay
Premium Parking	White & Turquoise	AED 3 [Per hour]	8 am to 12 am	4 Hours
Standard Parking	Black & Turquoise	AED 2 [Per hour]AED 15 [Whole Day]	8 am to 12 am	24 Hours

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UAEUPTODATE (@uae_upto_date)

2.Resident/Villa Parking

Under the Mawaqif Service this Resident Parking aids the residents to have easy access to the parking spaces that have been allocated that are near to their homes. The inhabitants are benefited with the clearly marked turquoise lines and the sign boards which indicates that the parking slot belongs to the residents. So that it avoids further congestion & unlawful parking in such areas. This parking type will be applicable and eligible for the tenants, property owners and the first & second degree relatives living in the same residence. So, they are classified as UAE Nationals and Non-UAE Nationals, even though the fees vary based on this division. Look into the table for a clear perception.

Types	Colour	Fees	Schedule	Maximum Number of Permits
UAE Nationals	Turquoise	Free	9 pm – 8 am	4 – Apartments & according to inspector’s report Villa – As per the inspector’s report
Non-UAE Nationals	Turquoise	First Vehicle – AED 800 per yearSecond Vehicle – AED 1,200 per year	9 pm – 8 am	2 & additional permits is allocated based on the report of inspector

Travelers’ Guide to the Attractions in Abu Dhabi

How To Pay Parking Fees?

Thus, you will be aware of Abu Dhabi’s high-tech parking system and their types. And you can feel relaxed because here is the clear guide specifically for the tourists regarding the process or the method of paying the respective fees based on the types of parking service you choose. Mawaqif Parking system caters five different methods for completing your payment and chooses according to your convenience. 

1.Cash

• Find a nearest Mawaqif Parking Meter
• Enter the your Vehicle Number and the parking period 
•  Insert the exact amount since the parking meter doesn’t give change
• After the successful payment ticket will be printed
• You can now receive the ticket 
• Beneficiary: Residents & Tourists

2.Darb Application

• Download the Darb app either from the Google Play or Apple Store
• Register with Emirates ID & your vehicle details
• Choose Parking Services & Select Pay for Parking
• Again Enter the Vehicle Details & Duration
• Then finish your payment with Credit/Debit card
• You will now have the digital parking ticket 
• Beneficiary: Residents 

3.Rechargeable Card

• If you are new you can get the card from Customer Happiness Center/Authorised Stalls in Abu Dhabi
• You can top up your cards via Mawaqif Service Centers/Selected Retail Outlets/Abu Dhabi Mobility(online platform)
• You can insert this card in the Parking Meter and retrieve once accepted
• Beneficiary: Residents & Tourists

4.Direct Mobile Phone Payment

• It is done through SMS Payment Service
• Type the City Code (AUH for Abu Dhabi), Plate Code (eg:1,2,3/single letter), Plate Number, Duration of Parking
• Send this SMS to the number “3009”
• Immediately you will receive a confirmation message
• Then the respective amount will be deducted from your balance automatically
• Beneficiary: Residents & Tourists

5.Mawaqif Payment Machines 

• Find the nearest machines 
• Choose English or Arabic for Payment
• Give the parking duration 
• You can proceed with the payment via – Cash/Coins/Credit/Debit Cards/Mawaqif Rechargeable Cards
• You will receive the printed parking ticket
• It is available for the use 24/7
• Beneficiary: Residents & Tourists

What is the Fine for Parking Violations?

Committing mistakes in our day to day life is common but it becomes life threatening if you do it on the road. As per the reports given by the Government of Dubai Media Office, the vibrant city Abu Dhabi is recorded with 57% of increase in license plate scans in the year 2024 than the previous year and this is due to the stratified parking violations. To reduce these numbers significantly, the government of UAE has made initiatives in the amendments that deal with the parking violations, traffic, and transport system. The below mentioned information are the list of parking violations and its fines in AED/Emirati Dirham.

Parking Violations	Fine
Abuse of Parking Space	AED 200
Parking Cars on Pavement	AED 400
Blocking the space allocated for fire hydrant place, ambulance, people’s special needs	AED 1,000
Blocking the movement of other vehicles	AED 500

• If one repeats the violations then their vehicle will be impounded.
• The fine must be paid within 60 days, if done the driver will benefit with the discount of 35% in the fine.
• The fines can be paid via – https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/individual/DriveTransport/Parking/PayParkingFines

So, it is paramount to know a country’s basic rules, especially the roadways and the penalties for violations for any tourist who visits a foreign land for the first time.

FAQs

1.How to top up the Mawaqif online?

You can top up your cards via Mawaqif Service Centers/Selected Retail Outlets/Abu Dhabi Mobility(online platform)

2.How many times can we get the parking tickets?

You can receive multiple tickets and each time if you are found violating the rules repeatedly you will be fined accordingly.

3.Is Parking free in Abu Dhabi on weekends?

Yes, but it is free only on Sundays and on public holidays & you need to pay for your parking even on Saturdays.

4.How to check the fine on the car?

You will be notified with a notice of parking fine to your mobile and you can cross check the fine by visiting the Darb App or Website/Abu Dhabi Police Website or visit any of the Integrated Transport  Centre (ITC). 

5.How to find the nearby Mawaqif Machine?

You can find the Mawaqif Machines within the walking distances near the parking zones. Meanwhile, you can use the Darb app to locate it easily and reach the zones timely with map features attached to it.

Don't miss out on the Latest Updates! Join our official WhatsApp channel and follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok for Breaking News.

Send your press releases to: pressrelease@traveltodubai.com