Free Parking in Abu Dhabi
Find free parking spots across Abu Dhabi with our interactive map. Mawaqif free zones, mall parking & more. Updated for 2026.
Complete Guide to Free Parking in Abu Dhabi
Understanding Mawaqif Parking System
Abu Dhabi's parking is managed by Mawaqif, the official parking system operated by the Department of Municipalities and Transport. Here's what you need to know:
- Free on Sundays: All Mawaqif street parking is free on Sundays
- Free after midnight: Parking is free from midnight to 8 AM daily
- Public Holidays: Free parking during all UAE public holidays
- Paid Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM to midnight
Mawaqif Parking Zones & Rates
Abu Dhabi has different parking zones with varying rates:
- Standard Zones (Black & Blue signs): AED 2 per hour or AED 15 per day
- Premium Zones (White & Blue signs): AED 3 per hour
- Residential Zones (Turquoise line): Permit required 9 PM - 8 AM
Best Areas for Free Parking
Al Maryah Island - The Galleria
One of the best free parking options in Abu Dhabi. Car Parks A, B, and C offer free parking from 6 AM to 2 AM daily across four levels. Weekends and public holidays are completely free at Car Parks D & E.
Yas Island
Yas Mall offers extensive free parking with the first 4 hours free. Multiple car parks surround the mall with MyPark reservation system available. During non-event days, parking is plentiful and easy to find.
Khalifa City & Suburban Areas
Residential areas like Khalifa City, Mussafah, and Bani Yas offer abundant free street parking 24/7. These areas are outside the Mawaqif paid zone system.
Mall Parking in Abu Dhabi
Most Abu Dhabi malls offer generous free parking:
- The Galleria Al Maryah: Free 6 AM - 2 AM (Car Parks A, B, C)
- Yas Mall: First 4 hours free
- Marina Mall: First 4 hours free
- Abu Dhabi Mall: First 3 hours free
- Al Wahda Mall: First 4 hours free
- Mushrif Mall: First 4 hours free
- Khalidiya Mall: First 3 hours free
2026 Parking Updates
New Mawaqif paid parking zones have been activated in several areas:
- Eastern Mangroves promenade area
- Dolphin Park
- Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street sectors
- Al Qurm Plaza
Parking Fines in Abu Dhabi
Be aware of common parking violations:
- Parking without paying: AED 100 - 200 fine
- Parking in no-parking zones: AED 400 - 1,000 fine
- Parking in disabled spots without permit: AED 1,000 fine
- Overstaying in timed zones: AED 100 fine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking free on Friday in Abu Dhabi?
No, Friday is a regular paid parking day in Abu Dhabi. Mawaqif parking is only free on Sundays, public holidays, and between midnight and 8 AM. However, mall parking offers free hours regardless of the day.
What is the Mawaqif app?
Mawaqif is Abu Dhabi's official parking app that lets you pay for parking, check zone rates, find available spaces, and manage parking permits. Download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Where can I park for free near the Corniche?
Free parking near the Corniche is available on Sundays and after midnight. The Nations Towers public car park offers free parking on Sundays with direct beach access. During paid hours, consider parking at nearby malls like Marina Mall (4 hours free) and walking to the Corniche.
Is Yas Mall parking free?
Yes, Yas Mall offers the first 4 hours of parking for free. After that, hourly charges apply. The mall has multiple car parks including Fashion Parking and Grand Prix Parking with thousands of spaces.
What do the parking curb colors mean in Abu Dhabi?
Black and blue curbs indicate standard paid parking (AED 2/hour). White and blue curbs indicate premium parking (AED 3/hour). Turquoise curbs are residential permit zones. Yellow and black curbs mean no parking.
How operators automate parking like this
Paid parking runs on knowing which car is where and for how long. Plate recognition turns any existing IP camera into that sensor, so entry, exit and billing happen without a ticket machine or a person in a booth.
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