UAE: What is Darb app? Why it's now as important as your car keys in Abu Dhabi

TL;DR

• Abu Dhabi added new paid parking zones in several public areas.
• You now need the Darb app to pay for parking and avoid fines.
• The app also handles tolls, it’s essential if you drive in the city.

Abu Dhabi is tightening up how public parking works. Places that used to be free, like Eastern Mangroves, Dolphin Park, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and Al Qurm Plaza are now paid parking zones. You’ll notice new curb paint, clear signs, and reminders about the rules.

Parking rates haven’t changed:

AED 2/hour for standard spaces

AED 3/hour for premium spaces

But the way you pay has changed. You can’t rely on SMS or meters in many spots anymore. The Darb app is now the main tool for handling both parking and toll payments in Abu Dhabi.

Forget to pay through Darb? You’ll likely get fined. So, the app is now just as essential as your driving licence or registration card.

What’s New in Parking Zones?
Here are the updated areas where paid parking is now enforced:

• Eastern Mangroves
• Dolphin Park
• Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (Zones 1, 2, 4, 5)
• Al Qurm Plaza

You’ll see upgraded curbs, painted lines, and digital signage showing whether a zone is standard or premium. So before you step out of your car, check the signs and open your app.

What Is Darb App?
The Darb app is Abu Dhabi’s official tool for paying parking fees and toll charges. It replaces older methods like SMS or cash payments in many areas. The city recently added new paid parking zones, so the app is now essential if you want to park legally and avoid fines.

How to Use the Darb App?
Step 1: Download the App
Available on App Store or Google Play. Free to install.

Step 2: Register Your Account
Sign up with your email and mobile number, then enter your Emirates ID or Traffic File Number. Confirm with an SMS code.

Step 3: Add Your Vehicle

Abu Dhabi–registered cars show up automatically.

Cars from other emirates or GCC may require support.

AED 100 setup per vehicle (AED 50 goes into your wallet).

Step 4: Set Up Your Wallet
Top it up using a credit card or Mawaqif prepaid card. This wallet is used for both toll and parking payments.

Step 5: Pay for Parking
In the app, tap “Pay for Parking” → choose your car → select zone and duration → confirm. You’re done.

Step 6: Manage Toll Charges
Toll gates charge AED 4 per crossing during peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM).
Fridays and public holidays are free. There’s a monthly cap:

AED 200 for your first car

AED 150 for the second

AED 100 for additional ones

Step 7: Track Fines and Get Alerts
The app shows unpaid tolls, parking fines, and lets you appeal or pay them directly.

Why This Matters
Skipping Darb could cost you. Missed payments or parking in the wrong zone leads to fines, sometimes without much warning. Q Mobility, the authority behind the app, has made it clear:

“Drivers must follow posted signs and use the Darb app for all payments.”

If you’re used to paying with SMS or guessing your parking time, that approach won’t work anymore.

FAQs

• 1. Do I need Darb if I only park occasionally?

Yes. Even if it’s once a week, if you park in a paid zone without using Darb, you can get fined.

• 2. Can I still use SMS to pay for parking?

Not in all areas. Some locations have moved fully to app-based payments. The Darb app is the most reliable method.

• 3. What if I’m driving a Dubai or GCC-plated car?

You can still register on Darb. But you might need to call customer service to add your vehicle manually or get a traffic file number. You have a 10-working-day grace period after using a toll gate.