In Abu Dhabi, the parking is structured and well managed. By knowing how to pay parking in Abu Dhabi, it definitely becomes a lot easier for you.
Since you can make payments through modes such as cashless ones, there must probably be one that best suits your needs.
The guide covers all aspects pertaining to parking, including the parking regulations, and troubleshooting when the payment fails to go through.
Sometimes, finding a free parking space is difficult, especially in busy areas. However, knowing the existence of the types of parking may make your decisions better. From on-street to multi-story lots, there is a solution to fit your needs.
Types of Parking in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has different types of parking provisions for the people residing there as well as the visitors.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking in Abu Dhabi is widely availed. It is operated by Mawaqif system, and parking is pay-and-display for only specific hours. The onstreet parking spaces are defined using lines, which are blue and white, meaning that you have to pay to park there. This type of parking is suitable for short stays within shops or restaurants or other local attractions.
Multi-Storey Parking
There are multi-story car parks in all the Emirates, of course specifically, lots of them are situated near the malls and business areas. This type of facility offers more spaces for cars and ideal for longer stays. Parking fee generally starts at AED 2 per hour. These places are bright and overseen and securing your car won’t be any problem.
Airport Parking
Spaced around the airport perimeter are short-term and long-term parking slots within the Abu Dhabi International Airport. This is mostly an option provided for different travel needs of passengers. Short-term parking will be perfect for picking up or dropping persons, while long-term parking will suit longer trips.
Residential Parking
Mawaqif offers resident parking permits for Abu Dhabi residents. With this permit, you can park in all residential parking areas without any time constraint. The permits are issued online or through issuance centers spread across the city. For one vehicle, it costs AED 800 per annum, and for the second, around AED 1,200.
Valet Parking
Valet parking is widely available in most hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment venues. This option is convenient, particularly in crowded areas. It may cost you more, but hassle-free because it would not require you to search for a parking spot.
Knowing these types of parking will guide you to the best for your choice of needs. Whether you choose on-street to go around the fast errands or multi-storey for shopping, Abu Dhabi has got you covered.
Payment Methods for Parking
You can pay for your parking in Abu Dhabi through these options:
Cash
You can pay with cash through parking meters. However, this may not really be a very practical option. The majority of the people prefer electronic payments because they are quick and effective.
Mawaqif Parking Cards
Mawaqif parking cards are such that you can recharge the card. In this way, you find the whole process of the payment much easier. You’ll be able to load funds on the card and use it at parking meters as well. With this, you can get cashless parking in Abu Dhabi,
Mobile App
Mobile parking app Abu Dhabi is a modern and efficient payment process. It lets you pay for your parking, have a history of your parking process, and even extend the parking session. All these features are user-friendly and can be accessed via both Android as well as iOS.
SMS Payment
If you hate using cash or card, then this method is quite possible. You can pay for parking through the medium of a text message. This is very convenient especially for those people who cannot obtain a smart phone.
Here is how to make your transaction hassle-free and smooth:
Open your phone’s messaging application, compose a new message, and enter the number “3009” in the field for recipients.
Use the Correct Format
- City & Plate Code category <space> Plate number <space> Parking type <space> Duration in hours
For a car: AUH5 00000 S 1 [In this notation, ‘S’ represents standard car parking. For premium car parking, ‘P’].
Extension: You shall receive a confirmation message from Mawaqif when the SMS is sent. You can extend the parking session by sending an E to 3009 before your session is over, so a new session starts based on its availability and the restrictions of the zone.
For UAE-registered vehicles: Mawaqif now accepts all UAE-registered vehicles for parking.
GCC Registered Vehicles: If you have a vehicle registered in the GCC, you can text the du or Etisalat number with the SMS number below:
Country code and plate category <space> Plate number <space> (S for Standard or P for Premium) <space> Duration in hours
Here are some examples of SMS codes for GCC vehicles:
Saudi Arabia: SAU 1234AFC S 1
Kuwait: KWT14 1234 S 1
Bahrain: BAH 1234 S 1
Oman: OMN 1234AFC S 1
Credit/Debit Cards
Most of the machines will take credit and debit cards for easy payment. This has become very common in multi-storey car parks and one can pay easily without much hassle.
Choose the one which is convenient for your daily life. Some people are satisfied to pay through the mobile application while others would go for cash and even cards.
Using the Mobile App for Parking Payment
The user interface is quite easy to use as the mobile parking application Abu Dhabi.
This simplifies greatly the park payment process.
First, download the Mawaqif app from either App Store or Google Play. This free service provides extensive features towards convenient parking.
SignUp: By doing this, you would be in a position to sign up using your UAE Pass. In that way, you would smoothly log in later, and neither would payment become a problem.
Add Vehicle Details
Insert the license plate number of the car. This information ensures proper management of your parking sessions as well as correct fees levied on your vehicle.
Choose Parking Time
Choose how many hours you wish to park. The fee will then popup according to the period of time that you have chosen. In case you wish to extend your stay, you can do that through the app.
You can also pay straight from the application using your card or balance in your account. The transaction is fast and the confirmation of the process will reach you after it is complete.
Another amazing feature allows you to track the parking history. You are able to view all the payments and sessions that have occurred previously so that you may work towards managing your costs on parking.
All the benefits provided through the mobile application can make your process hassle-free while availing on-street parking. You can view everything through your phone and never miss a payment.
Payment Process for On-Street Parking
There is nothing tough about paying for parking on-street in Abu Dhabi. Just follow the steps below.
Find a Parking Space
Find some areas with blue and white lines. Those are the places where paid parking can be acquired, and the management falls under the Mawaqif system. Therefore, do note their regulations.
Notice the Mawaqif Sign
There’s always a sign in every area, showing how much to be paid and the time of operation. Thus, notice it to avoid further penalties.
Payment at the Meter
You can pay in cash or with a Mawaqif card
Input your vehicle number as well as the period you wish to spend.
If you are paying using cash, input the correct amount as indicated on the meter
Display your Ticket
Once you have paid using the machine, ensure you affix your ticket behind the windshield. You don’t need to get fined.
Make sure it is visible to the parking enforcers
Pay by Mobile App
You can also pay via mobile application. In this case, you just follow the application instructions to finalize the payment. This way, you avoid manipulation with coins or meters.
Parking Fees and Duration
Knowledge of these steps will make it easy for you to get through the process of parking payment on the street. Make sure not to exceed the time limits; otherwise, you will face additional fines.
The parking fee in Abu Dhabi is different, depending on the location and duration as follows:
Standard Fees
The parking fee generally amounts to between AED 2 and AED 3 per hour, depending on the zone. This amount tends to bring regulation upon parking demand.
Maximum Daily Fee
The maximum is around AED 15 for daily parking. It will make too much payment for long-term parking for some parkers.
Free Parking
It has been observed that some days are kept free from parking fees on the streets, especially on Fridays and other public holidays. Checking on local signs would be a good idea, as there may still be some charges due to specific requirements in certain areas.
Residential Permits
If you happen to reside in that location, then you can acquire a residential parking permit. This parking permit allows you to park your vehicle in those designated residential areas and ignores time restrictions.
Knowing how much the parking costs and for how long will make it possible to prepare financially beforehand. Note the hours so that you don’t get a surprise from extra hidden charges.
Troubleshooting Common Payment Issues
Even when a parking payment system is well conceptualized, some issues will arise. Here are some common problems and how to solve them.
Payment Not Processed
In case of payment decline, verify the stability of your internet or app updates. Try making payment again when you are sure that the connectivity is stable. If this does not resolve the problem, consider an alternative mode of payment.
Wrong Charges
Capture a picture of the meter and sign. Contact the customer support of Mawaqif to resolve the issue. They will check on the charges and remove all false entries.
No Ticket
If you cannot locate your ticket, look up the dashboard to see if it’s appeared. If not, pay another session through the application or at the meter to avoid fines.
Application Crashes
If your mobile application crashes, restart your device. Also ensure you have the latest version. If issues persist, then uninstall and reinstall the app.
Payment failure using SMS
Make sure your phone is in the right format to send an SMS. Ensure that you have sufficient credit on your phone. If your payment is declined, retry when you have verified your details.
Take proactive measures and troubleshoot the issues. The more you know these common problems, the better you will be at managing parking payments.
Conclusion
It is good that one will know how to pay parking in Abu Dhabi should know the use of parking payment. With many options and, of course, a structured parking system, navigating the complex regime of parking regulations is made easier.
Use the Mawaqif app for an easy transaction and always check local signage to avoid fines. Following this guideline will help you have a hassle-free parking experience in Abu Dhabi.
Parking can be stress free if you know your options. Cashless payment will make you fall for this city; all the same, this city will be an enjoyable city to visit, whether shopping or dining in it, just like exploring. That right knowledge about parking will make all the difference for you.
