Abu Dhabi extends paid parking scheme

Etihad Plaza among places to fall under Mawaqif system from Monday

Abu Dhabi Mobility said the move aims to regulate public parking use and improve traffic flow. Photo: Abu Dhabi Mobility

Abu Dhabi’s paid parking system is to apply to several areas off Abu Dhabi island from Monday.

The Mawaqif system will be activated around Etihad Plaza, close to the headquarters of Etihad Airways and other parts of Khalifa City.

Abu Dhabi Mobility, which operates public transport and oversees the parking network, said the extension would apply to three sectors: SW2, SE45 and SE48.

Sector SE48 is at the headquarters of Etihad Airways in Al Mireef Street and includes 694 parking spaces, including three designated for people with disabilities.

Sector SE45 is at Etihad Plaza between Al Mireef Street and Al Ibtisamah Street, with 1,283 parking spaces of which 17 are for people with disabilities.

Sector SW2 is between Al Marmouq Street to the west and Al Qalayid Street to the east, bordered by Theyab Bin Eissa Street to the north and Al Murahibeen Street to the south. It includes 523 parking spaces, with 17 designated for people with disabilities.

Abu Dhabi Mobility said the move was to regulate public parking use and improve traffic flow.

It said it would help reduce illegal parking, enhance city safety and security and maintain the streets' visual appeal.

Infrastructure works are complete, including painting the paths and installing signage.

Abu Dhabi Mobility has also set out teams to distribute leaflets about the development.

Motorists, meanwhile, have been urged to follow the rules. Vehicles should be parked correctly to ensure they do not obstruct traffic.

The Mawaqif system was introduced in 2009 and has expanded across the emirate since.

Standard parking is Dh2 an hour, while premium parking is Dh3 an hour.