One of four toll gates at the entrance to Abu Dhabi city. Photo: Department of Transport
One of four toll gates at the entrance to Abu Dhabi city. Photo: Department of Transport
One of four toll gates at the entrance to Abu Dhabi city. Photo: Department of Transport
One of four toll gates at the entrance to Abu Dhabi city. Photo: Department of Transport

Abu Dhabi moves free parking and Darb gate tolls from Fridays to Sundays


  • English
  • Arabic

Drivers can now park for free in Abu Dhabi on Sundays.

Motorists will not be charged to pass through the city's Darb toll gates on Sundays.

The move comes after the change to the working week from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday — with Fridays a half-day for schools and public sector offices.

It was previously free to park and use the toll gates on Fridays but this will no longer be the case from July 15, a Department of Transport statement said. There are no charges on public holidays.

Abu Dhabi Government Media Office said: "This resolution comes in line with the requirements of the transport sector and enhances the streamlining and mobility of traffic during weekday peak hours, facilitates traffic flow and improves safety levels on the emirate’s roads."

Darb toll gates will now charge drivers Dh4 per passing on Monday to Saturday between 7am and 9am and 5pm to 7pm.

The daily cap on a vehicle is Dh16.

There is a monthly cap of Dh200 for a family's first vehicle and Dh150 if they have a second car.

Abu Dhabi's top ranked schools: a guide

  • Merryland International School, Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Merryland International School, Mohamed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Yasmina British Academy, Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Yasmina British Academy, Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pearl Primary School in Abu Dhabi city. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Pearl Primary School in Abu Dhabi city. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Al Muna Primary School in Abu Dhabi city. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Al Muna Primary School in Abu Dhabi city. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Pupils start the new term at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
    Pupils start the new term at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National
  • In 2018, the UAE Cycling Team Emirates visited Al Yasmina school to give a brief cycling workshop. Victor Besa / The National
    In 2018, the UAE Cycling Team Emirates visited Al Yasmina school to give a brief cycling workshop. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pupils heading to school for the first day after the summer break at the Pearl Academy. Victor Besa / The National
    Pupils heading to school for the first day after the summer break at the Pearl Academy. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pupils at Merryland International School's roof-deck weather station. Victor Besa / The National
    Pupils at Merryland International School's roof-deck weather station. Victor Besa / The National
  • Brighton College Al Ain. Photo: Brighton College Al Ain
    Brighton College Al Ain. Photo: Brighton College Al Ain
  • Pupils return to in-person learning at Brighton College in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Pupils return to in-person learning at Brighton College in Abu Dhabi. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Cranleigh Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat Island.
    Cranleigh Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat Island.
  • Children arrive at Raha International School. Christopher Pike / The National
    Children arrive at Raha International School. Christopher Pike / The National
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo

Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Price: from Dh498,542

On sale: now

Updated: July 10, 2022, 9:47 PM