UAE: Your guide to free parking, toll gate timings in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah

The UAE transitioned into a shorter workweek and a longer weekend at the beginning of the year. Friday half-day, Saturday and Sunday has been the new weekend for government workers for over six months now. Most private sector firms have switched to a Saturday-Sunday weekend as well.

In line with the shift, authorities across the country have revised timings of certain services. Here are the key changes you need to know.

Abu Dhabi:

Effective July 15, 2022, the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi announced new timings for paid parking and road tolls.

- Darb toll gates: They will be free on Sundays instead of Fridays. This means that toll gate charges would apply Monday to Saturday during the peak hours of 7am to 9am; and 5pm to 7pm. They would be free on public holidays as well.

- Parking: Public parking would be free to use on Sundays instead of Fridays. Charges will apply Monday to Saturday. Parking will be free to use on public holidays.

Dubai:

Revised timings have been in effect in Dubai since March.

- Parking: It’s a paid service for 14 hours from 8am to 10pm daily, except Sundays and public holidays. Residents and tourists can park their cars in paid zones for free on Sundays. Multi-storey facilities charge parking fees around the clock and on all seven days of the week.

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