Residents and motorists in Abu Dhabi should take note: new Mawaqif paid parking zones have been activated in several areas across the city, Q Mobility announced on Thursday, July 10.

The newly introduced paid zones include:

• Eastern Mangroves
• Dolphin Park
• Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street sectors – specifically at Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park 1, 2, 4, and 5
• Al Qurm Plaza

The rollout of the Mawaqif system in these areas is now officially in effect, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s parking regulations.

• Standard Parking – black and blue curbs:
  • Dh2 an hour
  • Dh15 for 24-hour parking
• Premium Parking Abu Dhabi – white and blue curbs: AED 3 an hour

According to Q Mobility, this move is part of ongoing efforts to better regulate vehicle movement, ease congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of public parking across the emirate. The changes follow the completion of infrastructure upgrades such as curb painting, installation of directional and awareness signage, and public notifications.

The company has also encouraged drivers to make use of the Darb app for digital payment and to carefully follow posted instructions to avoid fines.

The expansion of Mawaqif is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving traffic flow and providing smarter, more streamlined parking solutions within Abu Dhabi Island and beyond.

If you’re driving in Dubai, take note, the rules of the road are strictly enforced, and reckless behaviour can come with a hefty price.

Dubai Police have released footage of a motorist dangerously speeding down the hard shoulder to bypass a traffic jam, putting both his life and the safety of others at serious risk. The incident, filmed at an undisclosed location in the emirate, quickly went viral online, prompting swift action from authorities.

See video footage here: http://bit.ly/3TZGeWG

The driver, identified as an Asian national, was arrested and handed a Dh50,000 fine, with his vehicle also impounded. Police used the footage to highlight the dangers of reckless driving and reinforce the importance of obeying traffic laws.

“His dangerous behaviour endangered lives,” said Maj Gen Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations at Dubai Police. “We urge all road users to report such violations through the Police Eye app or by calling 901.

According to authorities, over 80% of road accidents in Dubai are caused by dangerous driving. In response, Dubai Police continue to expand the use of smart technologies and 24/7 monitoring systems to identify and penalise violators.

What Motorists Should Know About Dubai’s Traffic Laws

Driving in Dubai comes with clear rules and high penalties for those who ignore them. Here are key traffic violations to be aware of:

• Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60kph: Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, and the car is impounded for 30 days.
• Speeding by up to 30kph over the limit: Dh300 fine, no black points.
• Running a red light: Dh1,000 fine, 12 black points.
• Red-light violation by heavy vehicle drivers: Dh3,000 fine and one-year licence suspension.

A long weekend may be on the cards for UAE residents this September, as the country prepares to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a public holiday traditionally observed on the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.

While the official date will be confirmed by moon sightings closer to the time, astronomers have predicted two likely scenarios for 2025:

• If Rabi Al-Awwal begins on Sunday night, August 24, then the holiday will likely fall on Thursday, September 4, giving residents a mid-week day off.
• If the Islamic month starts on Monday night, August 25, then the 12th of Rabi Al-Awwal would land on Friday, September 5, potentially resulting in a three-day weekend when combined with Saturday and Sunday.

This would be a welcome break following the summer season, offering many the chance to unwind, travel, or spend time with family.

Can the UAE Shift the Holiday?

Under current Cabinet guidelines, most UAE public holidays, excluding Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, can be moved to the beginning or end of the workweek to create longer weekends. If the Prophet’s birthday falls on a Friday, it’s likely to remain as is, offering a natural long weekend.

Why Islamic Holiday Dates Change Every Year

The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is based on lunar cycles, with months lasting 29 or 30 days. This makes the Islamic year around 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, causing holidays to shift earlier each year.

Whether it’s a Thursday pause or a full three-day weekend, residents can look forward to a well-timed break this September, with official confirmation to follow from UAE authorities.