Complete Guide to Parking in Abu Dhabi

Finding a parking spot is a challenge for many residents in the UAE who own private vehicles. Abu Dhabi, the capital, has prioritized addressing this issue by providing several paid parking facilities that help drivers locate parking spaces more quickly, contributing to reduced traffic congestion and supporting local authorities in managing traffic flow. If you're wondering how to purchase parking permits, how they work, or what the fees are for parking in a specific residential area, this article covers everything you need to know about parking in Abu Dhabi.

 Abu Dhabi Parking Regulations Guide

The Parking Department at the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Center oversees and organizes parking across the emirate to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. The launch of this system is part of the center’s strategic plan to develop effective solutions for transportation challenges, particularly vehicle parking, aiming to make Abu Dhabi less congested and more fluid. This initiative supports Abu Dhabi's 2030 Vision, positioning the emirate among global destinations.

Parking inspectors monitor all regulated areas to ensure vehicles comply with Parking Law (18) 2009, issue violation notices for non-compliant vehicles, and provide guidance on parking rules and services.

If you’d like to learn how to register for Abu Dhabi parking and understand the different types available, here’s a detailed overview of all relevant information:

Types of Parking in Abu Dhabi

Individuals may park in one of the parking zones managed by the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Center, which are divided into three categories: main parking, secondary parking, and multi-level parking. The following table outlines the differences between main and secondary parking, public parking fees in Abu Dhabi, and operating hours:

Parking Type	Pavement Color	Fees	Maximum Parking Duration	Allowed Parking Time
Parking Type Main Parking	Pavement Color Turquoise and White	Fees AED 3 per hour	Maximum Parking Duration 4 hours	Allowed Parking Time 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Parking Type Secondary Parking	Pavement Color Turquoise and Black	Fees AED 2 per hour | AED 15 for 24 hours	Maximum Parking Duration 24 hours	Allowed Parking Time 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

*Note: Main and secondary parking fees are free on Sundays and official holidays

Multi-Level Parking

The Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Center operates seven public multi-level buildings with approximately 3,788 parking spots. Holders of multi-level parking subscriptions can use their subscription across all buildings in Abu Dhabi. The table below lists the locations of these multi-level parking buildings and the number of spots each contains:

Building	Location	Accessible Parking Spots	Women-Only Parking Spots	Total Parking Spots
Building 1	Location Behind Liwa Center, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street	Accessible Parking Spots 4	Women-Only Parking Spots 26	Total Parking Spots 394
Building 3	Location Behind the Department of Finance, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Street	Accessible Parking Spots 2	Women-Only Parking Spots 18	Total Parking Spots 724
Building 4	Location Behind Zakhir Hotel, Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street	Accessible Parking Spots 1	Women-Only Parking Spots 28	Total Parking Spots 438
Building 5	Location Behind Bank of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street	Accessible Parking Spots 6	Women-Only Parking Spots 18	Total Parking Spots 487
Building 6	Location Behind Al Ahli Hospital, Pearl Street	Accessible Parking Spots 4	Women-Only Parking Spots 26	Total Parking Spots 305
Building 7	Location Behind Mashreq Bank, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Street	Accessible Parking Spots 8	Women-Only Parking Spots 25	Total Parking Spots 857
Building 8	Location Opposite United Arab Emirates University College, Al Dhanah	Accessible Parking Spots 6	Women-Only Parking Spots 41	Total Parking Spots 583
Building Multi-Level Parking in Al Ain, located in Sector 8	Location Next to the Vegetable and Fruit Market, Gold Market, and Bus Station	Accessible Parking Spots 14	Women-Only Parking Spots 8	Total Parking Spots 424

Multi-Level Parking Fees

The table below outlines the available parking packages for multi-level parking in Abu Dhabi, available 24/7 throughout the week:

Parking Duration	Rate
Parking Duration 1 hour	Rate AED 2
Parking Duration 24 hours	Rate AED 15
Parking Duration 3 months	Rate AED 1,369
Parking Duration 6 months	Rate AED 2,738
Parking Duration 12 months	Rate AED 5,475

Residential Parking Permits

Issuing specialized parking permits for apartments and villas is one of the key services offered by Abu Dhabi parking. Residents, property owners, and immediate family members (first and second degree) can apply for parking permits to avoid paying parking fees. The same applies to permit transfers, cancellations, and renewals. Below are the application process and required fees:

Application Process

• Fill out the application form and submit your UAE ID along with required documents via the online “Tam” center
• Pay the permit fee
• Receive the permit from the Department of Transport

Residential Permit Fees

Category	Number of Permits Allowed	Fees
Category Citizens	Number of Permits Allowed Apartments: up to 4 or as per inspector report | Villas: as per inspector report	Fees Free of charge
Category Non-Citizens	Number of Permits Allowed Up to 2 for apartments and villas, additional requests subject to inspection report	Fees First car: AED 800 | Second car: AED 1,200

*Note: Each permit is valid for one vehicle at a single residential address only, and parking hours in Abu Dhabi start at 9:00 PM and end at 8:00 AM.

Abu Dhabi Parking Payment Methods

Paying for parking in Abu Dhabi is simple and accessible for everyone. Here are the main options:

• Cash via parking kiosks
• Driv App

Rechargeable Parking Cards

To simplify payments for local residents, the Department of Transport offers rechargeable cards. These cards are activated by linking them to your personal parking account after registering on the official parking website. Parking fees are then automatically deducted from your registered account.

Your account is linked to your Doha or Etisalat mobile number. Once you create a parking account, you must recharge the card using a credit card or through designated service booths.

Abu Dhabi Parking SMS Service

The Abu Dhabi Department of Transport launched the Abu Dhabi Parking SMS Service, allowing users to pay parking fees directly via mobile phone using the Etisalat or Doha network. This service enables registered vehicle owners in Abu Dhabi to pay without needing to register online or use credit cards. Follow these steps:

• Send a text message to Abu Dhabi Parking number 3009 using the following format:
  • [City code and plate category] [space] [vehicle plate number] [space] [parking type: S for secondary, P for main] [space] [duration in hours]
  • Example: AUH10 0000 S 1

• You will receive a text with electronic parking ticket details to confirm booking. Keep this message on your mobile device and do not delete it.
• Ten minutes before your parking time ends, you’ll receive a reminder. If you wish to extend by one hour, send the letter “T,” and you’ll receive confirmation.

*Note: The official plate code for Abu Dhabi is AUH. The letter “S” stands for secondary parking, and “P” for main parking.

Parking and Parking SMS Service Rules

• Registration on the parking website is mandatory to use the service
• Users must have a UAE number from Etisalat or Doha
• Registration for the Parking SMS service is compulsory for all drivers
• Text message guidelines apply when sending messages to 3009
• Parking fees are subject to customs duties

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact the Abu Dhabi Integrated Transport Center?

You can reach them using the unified customer support number listed below:

• 850 800

On which days are parking fees free?

On official holidays, national holidays, and Sundays.

What are the fines for parking violations in Abu Dhabi?

Parking violation fines range from AED 400 to AED 1,000. You can find detailed information on all types of violations and payment methods by reading the article on Parking Violations in Abu Dhabi.

Are there parking spaces available for trucks and buses in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, a dedicated parking area is available next to Agilaty Company in the Masfah Industrial Zone – M18. It accommodates trucks, buses, and heavy equipment and is open 24/7 throughout the week. Key details include:

• Total spots: 1,800
• One-day fee: AED 15
• One-month fee: AED 390

We’ve provided a comprehensive guide to parking in Abu Dhabi, covering types, fees, and essential details. Be sure to also explore the SALIK System, which helps streamline traffic movement, and review the steps for registering for Abu Dhabi Electronic Toll Collection Gateways, including required documents and other important information.

We welcome your questions, inquiries, or comments in the section below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay updated on the latest news.