When I was traveling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, I hit a snag that many first-time visitors face: figuring out the parking system. How do I pay car parking in Abu Dhabi via SMS or app? That’s when I stumbled upon Mawaqif app, integrated public car parking in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. If you’ve ever felt lost in the maze of Abu Dhabi parking rules, this guide is for you. Here’s everything you need to know about Mawaqif parking in Abu Dhabi.
What is Mawaqif?
Mawaqif, Arabic for “parking,” is Abu Dhabi’s public parking initiative, managed by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). Introduced in 2013, it regulates parking in high-traffic areas like commercial hubs, cultural sites, and residential zones. The system aims to reduce congestion, promote orderly parking, and support Abu Dhabi’s Plan 2030 for sustainable urban living. Mawaqif operates in key areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, using clear signage and modern payment methods.
How Mawaqif Parking Works in Abu Dhabi?
Mawaqif operates from 8:00 AM to midnight, Saturday to Thursday, with free parking on Fridays and public holidays.
Mawaqif Parking Abu Dhabi And Al Ain Rates
- Standard Parking (Turquoise and Black): Common in most areas, costing AED 2 per hour or AED 15 for 24 hours.
- Premium Parking (White and Turquoise): Located on busy streets, priced at AED 3 per hour with a 4-hour limit.
- Resident Parking (Turquoise Line or “Resident Permit Only” Signs): Reserved for permit holders from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM at no cost. Non-permit holders can park here outside these hours at standard rates.
- Villa Resident Parking: Exclusive to villa residents with permits, marked by “Villa Resident Permit Only” signs, free 24/7.
The system is enforced under Abu Dhabi’s parking law (No. 18, 2009). Since June 2024, stricter measures, including towing for vehicles without license plates or those misusing reserved spaces, have been implemented. Inspectors patrol regularly to ensure compliance.
READ MORE: How to Pay Parking in Sharjah via Parking SMS
How to Pay for Mawaqif Parking SMS?
Paying for car parking Abu Dhabi with SMS is user-friendly.
Send an SMS to 3009 in the format: [City & Plate Code] [Plate Number] [Parking Type] [Duration]. For example, for a Sharjah-registered car parking for 3 hours in a standard bay: SHJ 67890 S 3. Abu Dhabi’s code is AUH. You’ll get a confirmation and a reminder 10 minutes before expiry. Extend by texting E to 3009.
How to Pay for Mawaqif Parking Via Parking Meters
Pay with cash or credit card at the meter, select your duration, and place the ticket on your dashboard.
Pay for Abu Dhabi Car Parking Using Mawaqif Rechargeable Card
Like Nol cards, you can also use Mawaqif Rechargeable car to pay Abu Dhabi Car Parking. Buy a card for AED 50 at Mawaqif Customer Service Centres and use it at meters.
Pay for Car Parking Using Mawaqif or Darbi
Download the app Mawaqif Abu Dhabi car parking app from iOS or Android stores, register, and pay via e-wallet. Apps also show real-time parking availability.
Instead of app, you can also use Mawaqif Website: Pay or top up online at www.itc.gov.ae.
Since 2018, SMS payments are open to all UAE-registered vehicles without pre-registration, making it ideal for visitors. Always ensure sufficient funds to avoid penalties.
Abu Dhabi Parking Permits for Residents
Abu Dhabi and Al Ain residents can apply for permits to park in designated zones without extra costs. Permit types include:
- Apartment Residents: UAE nationals get up to four free permits; non-Emiratis can get two (AED 800 for the first, AED 1,200 for the second). Additional permits may be issued after inspection.
- Villa Residents: Free for Emiratis; non-Emiratis pay AED 2 per hour for visitor permits from 2:01 AM to 8:00 AM.
- Visitor/Event Permits: Villa residents can request these via the Mawaqif system, valid for 6 hours (2:01 AM to 8:00 AM).
How to Apply for Parking Permit Mawaqif Customer Service Centres or through the Darbi app with:
- Emirates ID
- Passport with valid visa (for expatriates)
- Tenancy contract or property deed
- Recent utility bill
- Proof of family relationship (if needed)
How Much Is Abu Dhabi Parking Fine?
Mawaqif enforces rules strictly to keep parking orderly. Common violations include:
- Parking in resident-only spaces without a permit: AED 1,000
- Blocking emergency spaces (fire hydrants, ambulances, special needs): AED 1,000
- Obstructing traffic by double-parking: AED 500
A 10-minute grace period applies, but fines kick in afterward. Pay fines via www.tamm.abudhabi with UAE Pass for a 25% discount within 30 days.
Mawaqif parking in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain is easier than it seems. With clear rules, flexible payment options, and resident permits, the system is designed to make parking straightforward. Whether you’re exploring Al Ain or Abu Dhabi, this guide equips you to park your car without any difficulty.
Mawaqif Vs. Mawqef Parking App – Is Both the Same?
Mawaqif is Abu Dhabi’s parking system and app (often used with Darbi) for managing parking in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, while Mawqef is Sharjah’s dedicated parking app, launched to simplify parking in that emirate. Always use the app corresponding to the city you’re parking in to avoid confusion or fines.
Overseen by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Parkin manages public parking in Dubai. It replaced the RTA’s parking system in 2024, handling over 21 million parking spaces. The RTA Dubai or Dubai Drive apps facilitate payments, seasonal cards, and permits for residents, with rates starting at AED 2/hour in commercial areas. It also supports smart inspections and fine payments via the app.
FAQs About Mawaqif Parking Abu Dhabi
Q1: When does Mawaqif parking operate in Al Ain?
From 8:00 AM to midnight, Saturday to Thursday. Parking is free in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain on Fridays and public holidays.
Q2: How do I use SMS to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain?
Text 3009 with: [City & Plate Code] [Plate Number] [Parking Type] [Duration]. Example: AUH 45678 S 2 for 2 hours in a standard bay.
Q3: Can vehicles from other emirates use Mawaqif?
Yes, all UAE-registered vehicles can pay via SMS in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain without registering since 2018.
Q4: What’s the cost of a resident parking permit?
Non-Emiratis pay AED 800 for the first permit, AED 1,200 for the second. UAE nationals get up to four free permits for apartments and free villa permits.
Q5: What happens if I park in a resident-only spot in Abu Dhabi without a permit?
You’ll be fined AED 1,000, and your vehicle may be towed.
Q6: Is there a grace period for violations in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, a 10-minute grace period applies before fines are issued.
Q7: Where do I apply for a Mawaqif permit?
At Mawaqif Customer Service Centres or via the Darbi app with documents like Emirates ID and tenancy contract.
Q8: Can I extend my parking in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain via SMS?
Yes, Text E to 3009 to extend, if allowed in the zone.
Q9: What’s the fine for parking in a special needs space?
Parking in emergency or special needs spaces costs AED 1,000.
Q10: How do I pay parking fines in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain?
Use www.tamm.abudhabi for fines or www.itc.gov.ae for updates. Call 800-3009 for assistance.
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