Abu Dhabi is extending paid parking to all of its parking spaces across the capital, the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport said on Monday.
The new system, which ends the city-controlled free-parking bays, comes into effect from August 18.
The Mawaqif parking management system, which was introduced in 2009, is already implemented in most areas but motorists will either need to buy a ticket, if intending to park anywhere in the capital, or to hold a valid residence permit for the relevant zone.
A system of new street signs will replace the painted curbs and their colour codes. These colour codes currently represent standard parking, which costs Dh2 per hour and uses black and black and turquoise curbs, and premium parking, at Dh3 per hour with white and turquoise.
But before the new rules come into effect, the department is urging residents to apply for permits, so they can still park for free outside their homes.
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Tenants and property owners – as well as their immediate relatives who live in the same home – can apply for Residents Parking Permits. Each residence can have a maximum of two permits, each specifically for the vehicle and the zone where the residence is located.
Non Emirati residents’ permits cost Dh800 for a year for the first permit and Dh1,200 for the second. Permits can also be issued for six month intervals, for Dh400 for the first permit and Dh600 for the second. The permit allows its holder to use the available parking bay in the area with no payment required.
Emiratis living in villas are not obliged to pay a fee for a permit. Those living in flats are eligible for four free residents’ permits with the approval of the department.
The department said the changes would reduce motorists’ time spent searching for parking spaces and “support the use of public transport means, protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gases emissions and maintain the overall look of the emirate”.
