Abu Dhabi Launches AI-Driven Smart Parking System

Abu Dhabi has launched an advanced AI-driven parking solution, the Parkonic–Mawaqif system, across more than 15 key locations, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s smart mobility transformation. The system introduces ticketless, cashless, and fully automated parking designed to improve convenience, reduce congestion, and support long-term urban sustainability goals.

The rollout reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to building a smarter, more efficient city by integrating artificial intelligence, digital payments, and real-time data into everyday infrastructure. Importantly, the initiative aligns with the emirate’s Future Mobility Strategy and broader smart city ambitions.

This article explains how the Parkonic–Mawaqif system works, where it is active, what benefits it offers to residents and visitors, and how it supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision for urban mobility.

A Major Step in Abu Dhabi’s Smart Mobility Journey

In recent years, Abu Dhabi has accelerated investments in intelligent transport systems, digital services, and sustainable mobility solutions. As a result, parking management has become a key focus area for innovation.

Traditional parking models often rely on physical tickets, barriers, and manual enforcement. These methods can cause delays, increase congestion, and frustrate drivers. By contrast, the Parkonic–Mawaqif system replaces outdated processes with a seamless, automated experience.

Moreover, the initiative reflects a shift toward data-driven urban management. Parking is no longer just about space allocation. Instead, it forms part of a broader ecosystem that influences traffic flow, emissions, accessibility, and quality of life.

What Is the Parkonic–Mawaqif System?

The Parkonic–Mawaqif system combines artificial intelligence with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)technology to create a fully automated parking network.

Instead of tickets or barriers, high-resolution cameras identify vehicles as they enter and exit parking zones. The system then calculates parking duration and deducts fees automatically through linked digital accounts.

Because the process is entirely touchless, drivers can park and leave without stopping, queuing, or interacting with machines. Consequently, parking becomes faster, simpler, and more reliable.

Strategic Collaboration Behind the Rollout

The system is the result of a strategic collaboration between Aldar Properties, Parkonic, and Q Mobility, with oversight from Abu Dhabi’s transport authorities.

Each partner plays a distinct role:

• Aldar Properties integrates the system across major commercial, residential, and leisure destinations

• Parkonic provides global expertise in AI-powered smart parking systems

• Q Mobility ensures regulatory compliance and alignment with public parking policies

Together, the partnership highlights the importance of public-private cooperation in delivering next-generation urban infrastructure.

Areas Where the System Is Already Active

The Parkonic–Mawaqif rollout covers a diverse range of high-traffic and community-focused locations across Abu Dhabi. These include:

• Sheikh Zayed Festival area

• Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

• Dalma Mall

• Yas Mall

• Al Wahda Mall

• Al Bateen Marina

• Nation Towers – United Square

• World Trade Center Mall

• Reem Park

• Saadiyat Beach

• Al Bandar Beach

• Al Muneera Beach

• Ajwan Towers

• Al Shahama

In Al Shahama, more than 3,700 outdoor parking spaces now operate under the new system. Importantly, this includes designated parking for People of Determination, reinforcing accessibility and inclusivity.

By covering malls, beaches, medical facilities, residential areas, and event zones, the system serves commuters, families, tourists, and businesses alike.

How the AI-Powered Parking System Works

At the core of the Parkonic–Mawaqif system is a combination of AI algorithms and ANPR cameras. Each component plays a critical role in delivering a seamless experience.

1. Automatic Vehicle Detection

When a vehicle enters a supported parking zone, ANPR cameras capture the licence plate instantly. These cameras operate with high accuracy, even in challenging lighting or weather conditions.

2. Real-Time Parking Session Tracking

The system records the exact entry time and monitors the vehicle’s stay. Because the process is automated, drivers do not need to display tickets or interact with parking meters.

3. Cashless and Automatic Payments

Once the vehicle exits, parking fees are deducted automatically from linked digital accounts. Supported platforms include Salik, the TAMM app, and the DARB app.

As a result, drivers no longer need cash, cards, or on-site payment machines.

4. Free Parking Periods Where Applicable

At selected locations, the system supports free parking periods. For example, some malls offer complimentary hours during specific times or days.

5. Future-Ready Design

The infrastructure is designed to support future mobility solutions, including autonomous vehicles and advanced traffic management systems.

Key Benefits for Drivers and the Community

The Parkonic–Mawaqif system delivers tangible benefits that go beyond convenience.

Faster and Smoother Parking

Because there are no barriers or ticket machines, vehicles move in and out more quickly. Consequently, queues and delays reduce significantly.

Fully Cashless Experience

Automatic deductions through digital platforms eliminate the need for cash or physical payments. This improves hygiene, security, and ease of use.

Reduced Traffic Congestion

By removing stopping points at entry and exit gates, the system improves traffic flow around busy destinations. This is especially important during peak hours and major events.

Improved Accessibility

Clear digital records and automated enforcement help protect designated parking spaces, including those reserved for People of Determination.

Fewer Violations and Disputes

Automated monitoring creates accurate records of parking duration. As a result, disputes and violations decrease, and enforcement becomes more consistent.

How Drivers Can Activate the System

To use automatic parking payments, drivers must link their vehicle plate number to a supported digital platform.

Linking Through Salik

1. Register your vehicle on the Salik platform

2. Ensure your account has sufficient balance

3. Add your licence plate details

4. Enable parking deductions

Using TAMM or DARB

1. Log into the TAMM or DARB app

2. Register vehicle information

3. Activate automatic payment services

SMS Activation (Where Available)

Some locations allow activation via SMS by sending a formatted message to a designated number.

Once activated, the system handles all payments automatically.

Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Smart City Vision

Smart parking is a critical component of Abu Dhabi’s wider smart city ecosystem. By reducing congestion, improving traffic flow, and lowering idle times, the system also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Shorter search times for parking mean fewer emissions. Moreover, real-time data allows authorities to plan infrastructure more effectively.

Therefore, the Parkonic–Mawaqif system supports not only mobility goals but also climate, quality-of-life, and economic objectives.

The Role of Aldar, Parkonic, and Q Mobility

Aldar Properties has integrated the system into major destinations, ensuring a consistent experience across communities.

Meanwhile, Parkonic brings international expertise. The company manages hundreds of thousands of smart parking spaces globally, which supports reliability and scalability.

At the same time, Q Mobility ensures alignment with Abu Dhabi’s public parking regulations and long-term transport strategies.

This collaboration ensures that innovation remains practical, regulated, and user-focused.

Future Expansion and Upcoming Phases

The current rollout represents the first phase of a larger transformation. Authorities continue to monitor system performance, user feedback, and traffic data.

One major upcoming step is the introduction of paid parking in Mussaffah starting January 2026. This phase will cover industrial and commercial zones with thousands of spaces.

Looking ahead, future developments may include:

• Expansion into additional residential areas

• Deeper integration with traffic planning systems

• Support for autonomous vehicles

• Enhanced app-based user services

Conclusion

The launch of the Parkonic–Mawaqif AI-powered parking system marks a significant leap forward in Abu Dhabi’s smart mobility journey. By combining artificial intelligence, automated vehicle recognition, and cashless payments, the emirate has transformed how parking works across key city areas.

Most importantly, the system improves daily life for residents and visitors. It reduces congestion, saves time, enhances accessibility, and supports sustainability goals.

As Abu Dhabi expands and refines the system, the city continues to position itself as a global leader in smart, connected, and future-ready urban living.