Ramadan Kareem, Abu Dhabi! With the holy month officially here, our capital city is moving to a different beat. To accommodate shorter working hours and the spiritual evening rush, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and Q Mobility have updated the Mawaqif parking and Darb toll timings for 2026.
Whether you’re heading to the office or planning a family Iftar, here is everything you need to know to navigate the city smoothly.
Mawaqif parking: the split schedule
To give everyone a breather during Iftar and prayer times, Abu Dhabi has introduced a two-shift parking system from Monday to Saturday:
- Morning Shift: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Paid)
- Iftar Break: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (FREE)
- Evening Shift: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM (Paid)
This 3-hour free window from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM is a blessing, allowing you to park and break your fast with loved ones without rushing to feed the meter.
The rates:
- Standard (Blue/Black): AED 2 per hour.
- Premium (Blue/White): AED 3 per hour.
Darb toll gates: peak hour shifts
If you’re crossing the major bridges (Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Khalifa, Al Maqtaa, or Mussafah), the Darb toll timings have also shifted to match Ramadan office hours. A flat fee of AED 4 applies during these windows:
- Morning Peak: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Evening Peak: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Outside of these hours and all day on Sundays, crossing the bridges is completely free!
Don’t forget Sundays!
In a move that makes our weekends even better, parking and tolls are 100% free all day on Sundays. This is the perfect time to visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or enjoy the Ramadan markets without any extra costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the free parking hours in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan 2026?
Parking is free daily from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, providing a convenient three-hour window for residents and visitors to break their fast and attend Maghrib prayers.
2. Are Mawaqif parking charges applicable on Sundays?
No, parking remains completely free all day on Sundays throughout the holy month, consistent with the standard weekend parking rules across the capital.
3. What are the paid parking shifts from Monday to Saturday?
Paid parking is split into two shifts: the morning session from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and the late-night session from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM.
4. How much does parking cost in Abu Dhabi during Ramadan?
Rates remain unchanged: Standard spaces (blue and black) cost AED 2 per hour, while Premium spaces (blue and white) are AED 3 per hour.
5. Are Darb toll gates also free during the Iftar break?
Yes, Darb tolls only apply during peak hours (8:00 AM–10:00 AM and 2:00 PM–6:00 PM). Outside these windows, including the Iftar period, crossing is free.
