In a move to facilitate seamless New Year celebrations, Abu Dhabi authorities have declared complimentary access to all public parking facilities and toll roads on January 1st, 2026. The initiative suspends charges for both the Mawaqif parking system and Darb toll gates throughout the holiday, with regular payment requirements resuming on January 2nd.
This transportation benefit forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to enhance urban mobility during festive periods, allowing residents and visitors to navigate the city without financial constraints. The emirate has simultaneously announced operational adjustments for government service centers. All customer happiness centers alongside vehicle licensing facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will remain closed on New Year’s Day, resuming standard operations on January 2nd.
For continuous access to government services, authorities recommend utilizing digital platforms including the Q Mobility application, the Darb app, and the Tamm portal. Alternatively, assistance remains available through the government support hotline at 800 3009.
During normal operations, the Mawaqif parking system enforces a tiered pricing structure. Premium zones (white and turquoise) charge Dh3 hourly with a four-hour maximum stay between 8:00 AM and midnight. Standard zones (black and turquoise) maintain rates of Dh2 per hour or Dh15 for daily parking, permitting stays up to 24 hours within the same operational timeframe.
With anticipated increased vehicular movement during celebrations, transportation officials emphasize adherence to traffic regulations and advise strategic journey planning. The announcement coincides with the federal declaration of January 1st as an official public holiday, followed by remote working arrangements for public sector employees on January 2nd.
