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.

Good news for Dubai motorists, especially those navigating through Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim and Al Safa. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a major traffic upgrade at the busy intersection of Al Wasl Street and Al Manara Street, aimed at easing congestion and cutting down your commute time.

As part of the project, a new lane has been added for vehicles heading from Al Manara Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road. Plus, a dedicated U-turn lane has been introduced to improve traffic flow for drivers coming from Sheikh Zayed Road and heading back onto Al Wasl or Al Manara.

Thanks to these changes:

• The number of lanes at the intersection is now three, increasing capacity by 50%.
• Waiting times have dropped by up to 30–35%, according to RTA estimates.

These improvements are part of the RTA’s broader 2025 Traffic Improvement Plan, which focuses on upgrading roads across key residential areas and improving traffic flow on streets parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road. The goal? Smoother daily commutes, better road safety, and improved quality of life for residents.

So if you regularly drive through Al Wasl or Al Manara, your trip just got a bit quicker and a lot less frustrating.

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.