Complete Guide To Mawaqif Abu Dhabi Parking—Fees, Permits & Fines

Mawaqif means “parking” in Arabic. It is Abu Dhabi’s modern parking management system, operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). The aim of Mawaqif is to control public parking spaces, ease traffic congestion, and improve road safety in Abu Dhabi.

This guide explains all you need to know about Mawaqif, including parking fees, fines, permits, and how to register or renew permits.

About Mawaqif

Mawaqif means “parking” in Arabic. It is Abu Dhabi’s modern parking management system, operated by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC). The aim of Mawaqif is to control public parking spaces, ease traffic congestion, and improve road safety in Abu Dhabi.

If you’re new to driving in the capital, here’s a quick guide on how to get your Abu Dhabi driving licence. This guide explains all you need to know about Mawaqif, including parking fees, fines, permits, and how to register or renew permits.

About M-Mawaqif: SMS Parking in Abu Dhabi

The ITC launched M-Mawaqif, allowing drivers to pay for parking using their mobile phones. This service lets users pay quickly via SMS, even for cars registered outside Abu Dhabi. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using SMS to pay for parking in Abu Dhabi.

Classification of Mawaqif Parking and Fees

There are two main parking types in Abu Dhabi: Standard and Premium. These are clearly marked with coloured kerbs:

Standard Parking

• Kerb colours: Blue and black.
• Fees: AED 2 per hour or AED 15 for a full day.
• Free on Sundays and public holidays.
• Maximum duration: 24 hours.

Premium Parking

• Kerb colours: Blue and white.
• Fees: AED 3 per hour.
• Validity: Maximum 4 hours (8:00 AM – 12:00 AM).

Types of Parking Permits in Abu Dhabi

Mawaqif offers different types of permits. You can choose the most suitable one according to your needs.

Residents’ Permit

This permit lets residents park in their neighbourhood areas in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Permit areas are marked in turquoise and black.

Who can apply:

• Residents (tenants and homeowners).
• First-degree family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children).

Regulations:

• You must clear any outstanding parking fines.
• Accept all permit terms and conditions.
• A vehicle can only have one active permit at a time.

Required Documents:

• Tawtheeq rental agreement.
• Recent utility bills.
• Proof of relationship if applying through a relative’s documents.
• Company approval letter if the tenancy is under a company name.

Permit Fees:

Non-UAE Nationals:

• 1st permit: AED 800/year or AED 400/six months
• 2nd permit: AED 1200/year or AED 600/six months

UAE Nationals:

• Villas: 10 free permits
• Apartments: 4 free permits

Edit Permit Details

You can update the details of your permit (vehicle or residence) anytime without extra charges.

Renewing Residents’ Parking Permits

To renew your permit, visit a Mawaqif Customer Service Centre with these documents:

• Car registration card
• Tawtheeq tenancy or ownership documents
• Passport (expatriates only)
• Utility bills

Villa Visitors’ Phone Number Registration

Residents with villa permits can register up to nine visitor phone numbers. Visitors’ parking is charged from 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM:

• UAE nationals: Free
• Non-nationals: AED 2/hour (max 6 hours)

Limited-Term Permits

These permits let you park in standard Mawaqif areas for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.

Regulations:

• Does not include private or premium parking areas.
• Two permits for one vehicle are allowed if the dates don’t overlap.

Fees:

• 1 month: AED 319
• 3 months: AED 1,174
• 6 months: AED 2,348
• 12 months: AED 4,695

Payment Methods for Abu Dhabi Parking

You can pay parking fees through several convenient methods:

Cash

Pay & Display machines near parking spaces accept cash. You can also top up your Mawaqif account with cash at service centres.

Rechargeable Cards

Mawaqif rechargeable cards can be bought at customer centres. The card links to your e-wallet and starts with an initial balance of AED 50.

Activating Rechargeable Cards:

• Log in to your account on ITC’s website or via SMS to 3009 in the format: LINK [space] CARD NUMBER [space] CVC.
• Add the card details to your e-wallet for easy payments.

SMS Parking

Pay via SMS without prior registration. Type:

• City code, Plate number, Parking type (S for Standard, P for Premium), and Duration.
• Example: “AUH20 98765 P 1”
• Send to 3009.
• Extend duration by texting “E” to 3009.

DARBI Website or App

Pay parking fees online through DARBI. Both registered and unregistered users can use this method easily. Make sure you’re also familiar with the Darb toll gate system when driving around Abu Dhabi.

Parking Fine Payments via TAMM

You can pay parking fines online through the TAMM portal using UAE Pass. Paying fines within 30 days grants a 25% discount.

Mawaqif Parking Violations and Fines

Mawaqif violations result in fines from AED 100 to AED 1,000, depending on the violation. You have a 10-minute grace period.

Common fines:

• Parking in residential prohibited areas: AED 200
• Using taxi/bus spaces: AED 500
• Occupying two parking spaces: AED 200
• Using the wrong area’s ticket: AED 100

For a full breakdown of traffic violations and penalties, check out this complete list of Abu Dhabi traffic fines. 

Also be aware of new minimum speed limits on Abu Dhabi highways to avoid extra fines.

Prefer not to drive? Here’s how Abu Dhabi taxi fares and bookings work.

ITC Abu Dhabi Contact Details

ITC Office hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Online services available 24/7.

• Office Address: Rabdan Area, Building 26, Al Khor Street, Abu Dhabi
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 800-850

Mawaqif Customer Service Centres

• Hamdan bin Mohammed Street
• Sultan bin Zayed the First Street
• Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station
• Abu Dhabi Municipality Head Office (Marina Mall, Al Bateen Mall)
• Department of Urban Planning, Al Maqtaa area
• Mawaqif Car Pound, Al Manhal
• Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrol Department

Centres open Sunday-Thursday from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Parking in Abu Dhabi is efficient and stress-free with Mawaqif. Follow these guidelines to avoid penalties. Understand the costs involved in transferring ownership when you decide to sell your car in Abu Dhabi, or learn how to sell a car in Abu Dhabi quickly and safely with helpful step-by-step instructions.

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