Abu Dhabi is a car-friendly city, but like most capitals, it has controlled public parking—managed under the Mawaqif system. If you're visiting or renting a car, it’s essential to know how to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi to avoid unnecessary fines.
Here’s everything you need to know, brought to you by Honest Rent A Car LLC, your trusted car rental partner in the UAE.
🚗 What is Mawaqif?
Mawaqif is Abu Dhabi’s paid public parking system operated by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). It applies to most street parking areas in the city and uses color-coded signs and curb markings to indicate zones and rates.
📍 Where Will You See Paid Parking Zones?
- City center streets
- Commercial and residential areas
- Near malls, offices, hotels, and government buildings
- Designated lots and underground parking structures
🅿️ Types of Parking Zones
| Zone Type | Marking Color | Timing | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | White & Blue | Sat–Thurs (8 AM–12 AM) | AED 2/hour, AED 15/day |
| Premium | White & Blue | Sat–Thurs (8 AM–12 AM) | AED 3/hour, 4-hour limit |
| Free Parking | Grey or Unmarked | Fridays & Public Holidays | No charge |
✅ Friday is free parking in most areas, unless otherwise stated on the signboard.
💳 How to Pay for Parking in Abu Dhabi
1. Using SMS (Easy for Visitors)
This is the most tourist-friendly option for short-term parking.
Format:
<Plate Code><Space><Plate Number><Space><Duration in hours>
Send to: 3009
Example: AUH 12345 2 → for 2 hours of parking.
Works with UAE-registered SIM cards
Charges are deducted from your phone balance
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS
Note: If you're renting a car from Honest Rent A Car LLC, our team can help you set this up or send a sample message.
2. Using the Darb or Mawaqif App
Available on: iOS & Android
Features:
- Pay by card or wallet
- Top-up Mawaqif account
- Track time & renew parking
- View parking zones and maps
- Ideal for longer-term residents, frequent visitors, or digital-savvy travelers.
3. Parking Meters
Some areas still have physical coin-operated meters. Insert coins (AED 1 or AED 0.50) for the desired duration, and place the ticket on your dashboard.
✅ Not all meters accept cards—so carry coins just in case.
4. Rechargeable Mawaqif Cards
Locals and residents often use a Mawaqif rechargeable card available at TAMM centers or select kiosks. This is more suitable for long-term parking or daily use.
⚠️ Parking Fine Warning
Common fines:
- Expired ticket or non-payment: AED 100–300
- Parking in a disabled zone without a permit: AED 1,000
- Blocking traffic or illegal parking: AED 500+
✅ Honest Rent A Car LLC encourages all renters to pay as you park and ask our staff for help if unsure. We’ll even help you avoid fines by guiding you through payment methods.
🧠 Pro Tips from Honest Rent A Car LLC
- Always check signage for zone type and hours.
- Keep your SMS confirmation or app receipt.
- Avoid double-parking or stopping in bus/taxi bays.
- Set a timer on your phone to remind you before time expires.
✅ Final Thoughts
Abu Dhabi’s Mawaqif system is easy to use once you know how. Whether you prefer paying by SMS, app, or meter, you’ll find options that suit your stay. When you rent from Honest Rent A Car LLC, our team will explain the parking rules, help you pay correctly, and make sure you avoid any headaches or fines.
👉 Ready to explore Abu Dhabi stress-free? Rent a car with Honest Rent A Car LLC and enjoy expert support, reliable vehicles, and insider tips to make the most of your trip.