Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have announced temporary relief for motorists as part of New Year arrangements, waiving parking fees across several public zones to support residents and visitors. The measures, announced by Abu Dhabi Mobility and the Sharjah Municipality, aim to simplify travel during the holiday period and ensure seamless access to public transport and parking facilities.
UAE public parking measures for the New Year
Under Abu Dhabi’s Mawaqif scheme, public on‑street parking will be free on New Year’s Day, with parking fees also waived on 2 January until 8pm. Darbi toll gates will not collect charges on the holiday, and certain parking lots and paid public parking zones will remain accessible without charge across the emirate.
Sharjah Municipality issued a parallel announcement confirming that public parking amenities in Sharjah will operate free of charge during the New Year period. This includes blue‑marked bays, smart parking lots and paid public parking zones, which will be suspended for the holiday to ease movement for shoppers and visitors.
Officials indicated that some locations remain subject to separate decisions. In particular, authorities said the status of the Musaffah M‑18 truck parking facility will be determined under its own timetable, and motorists are advised to check official channels for updates.
Services and assistance for motorists and commuters
Abu Dhabi Mobility has reminded residents that a range of online services remain available through its website and the Darbi platform. Customer Happiness centres will be operational from 1 January, and additional centres will become fully active from 2 January to handle enquiries and requests.
Public bus services will operate according to weekend and public holiday schedules with inter‑regional and intercity services provided where demand requires. Bus routes and timetables are accessible via the Abu Dhabi Mobility website, the Darbi app and Google Maps, allowing commuters to plan journeys in real time. For direct assistance, users may call the toll‑free number 800 850.
The temporary suspension of parking fees and adjustments to toll collection form part of wider efforts by emirate authorities to facilitate travel during festive periods. By keeping digital platforms and customer centres available, officials aim to reduce on‑site congestion while providing timely information to road users.
What motorists should know
Drivers should note the following: check the Abu Dhabi Mobility website or the Darbi app for the latest details on parking locations and hours; confirm any special arrangements affecting commercial or truck parking such as Musaffah M‑18; and consult Google Maps for bus routes and stop times. The authorities’ announcements stress that regular paid parking operations will resume after the holiday period, so motorists should plan accordingly.
The combined measures in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are intended to make the New Year period more convenient for residents and visitors, supporting leisure activities and essential travel with clearer information and temporary fee relief.
Key Takeaways:
- UAE public parking fees in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah waived for New Year holidays to ease travel and celebration.
- Abu Dhabi’s Mawaqif parking fees exempt until 8pm on 2 January; Darbi toll gates will not collect fees on the holiday.
- Customer Happiness centres and online services via Abu Dhabi Mobility and Darbi app will operate to assist users; bus schedules adjusted for weekend and public holiday service.
