Mawaqif Free Parking Times in Abu Dhabi
Mawaqif standard street parking in Abu Dhabi is free on Sundays, on public holidays, and every day between midnight and 8am. Paid hours run 8am to midnight, Monday to Saturday, at AED 2 per hour for standard zones and AED 3 for premium zones. Multi-storey car parks are paid 24 hours a day and are never free.
- Park free on Sundays, public holidays, or after midnight.
- In paid hours, pay by SMS to 3009 or the TAMM app.
- Avoid multi-storey car parks if you want free parking.
When Mawaqif parking is free?
Free parking is more common than many people realise, as long as you are using standard or premium street parking rather than a multi-storey car park. There are three situations when you do not pay.
- All day on Sundays.
- All day on official public holidays.
- Every day between midnight and 8am, outside the paid window.
The one exception is multi-storey car parks. These charge around the clock, seven days a week, so they are not free even on Sundays or holidays. If free parking is your goal, stick to standard street bays during the free periods above.
Mawaqif paid hours and fees
During paid hours the fee depends on the zone. Standard zones are the cheapest, premium zones cost a little more but sit closer to busy areas, and multi-storey parks run all day.
| Parking type | Paid hours | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (surface) | Monday to Saturday, 8am to midnight | AED 2 per hour, AED 15 daily cap |
| Premium (surface) | Monday to Saturday, 8am to midnight | AED 3 per hour, maximum stay 4 hours |
| Multi-storey car park | 24 hours, every day | AED 2 per hour or AED 15 per day |
Premium zones have a four-hour maximum stay, so they are meant for short visits rather than all-day parking. For longer stays near your home or office, the multi-storey car parks offer monthly and yearly permits. Parking is one of several Abu Dhabi driving costs, alongside the Darb road toll.
How to pay for Mawaqif parking?
There are several ways to pay, so you can use whichever is easiest at the bay. The SMS option is the most popular because it needs no app.
- Note the parking zone code shown on the nearest Mawaqif sign or meter.
- Send an SMS to 3009 with your plate number, the zone code, and the hours you need, or pay at the meter.
- You can also pay through the TAMM or Darb apps, or with a rechargeable Mawaqif card.
Keep an eye on your paid time, as parking past it can bring a fine. The wider set of driver tasks across the UAE is in our UAE traffic, vehicle and fines guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is Mawaqif parking free?
Standard and premium street parking is free all day on Sundays and public holidays, and every day between midnight and 8am. Paid hours run 8am to midnight, Monday to Saturday. Multi-storey car parks are the exception, as they charge 24 hours a day and are never free.
How much is Mawaqif parking per hour?
Standard surface parking is AED 2 per hour, capped at AED 15 for the day. Premium zones are AED 3 per hour with a maximum stay of four hours. Multi-storey car parks charge AED 2 per hour or AED 15 per day, around the clock.
Is multi-storey parking free on Sundays?
No. Multi-storey car parks charge 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so they are not free on Sundays or public holidays. The free Sunday and holiday parking applies only to standard and premium street bays, not to the multi-storey facilities.
How do I pay for Mawaqif parking?
Send an SMS to 3009 with your plate number, the zone code from the sign, and the hours you need. You can also pay at a parking meter, through the TAMM or Darb apps, or with a rechargeable Mawaqif card. Keep track of your paid time to avoid a fine.
Last verified: August 2026
Written by Roman Shah ยท Reviewed by the UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Q Mobility (Mawaqif); Abu Dhabi Mobility
