Photo Source: http://leebecker.wordpress.com/
Starting on 21st February, the round-the-clock paid parking system will be implemented in Abu Dhabi. You can click here to read the details of the news. It created a stir because it also includes weekends and public holidays.
Honestly, at the moment it does not bother me but since my new job obliges me to have a car, this can be a foreseen additional expenses. I am just quite lucky that my house is not located in the main streets of Abu Dhabi otherwise I really have to shell out significant amount of money. Imagine if you do not want to go out on weekends and public holidays, you are left with no option but to pay a parking fee of 24 hours or more.
According to the news, the fee will be AED 3 (USD 0.82) per hour in the main streets and AED 2 (USD 0.55) in other areas. The penalty will range from AED 200 (USD 54.80) to AED 1000 (USD 274). There is also an option for unlimited parking for residents who wants to use the designated paid parking areas and every residents are allowed only up to two permits for unlimited parking which will cost AED 800 (USD 219) for the first permit and the second will be AED 1200 (USD 329).
Parking here in Abu Dhabi is really a nightmare. It is evident when you visit the main streets as the streets are congested with cars parking on the sides and in between. One of my friend keeps whining that his “dating life” is always ruled by the availability of parking space in his building. Sometimes he needs to shorten his dinner date just to ensure that he will find parking space in the evening. Others will roam for half an hour or more just to look for parking space after office hours.
Indeed the implementation of paid parking in Abu Dhabi will somehow ease the parking problems. However, there is no doubt that the parking fee can really hurt the wallets of most car owners. Paying AED 800 for unlimited parking is not a joke.
Pipay
February 21, 2010 at 6:24 am
Hello Cy, eto namumublema. Maliban sa pera–sa traffic sa Salam St. Grabe–inabot ng 30dhs ang pamasahe ko papuntang Reem Island!
Sarado ang Salam at ang kitid ng daan–isang kotse lang ang kasya!
Ay sus! talaga naman!
Cyra Miles
February 25, 2010 at 5:54 pm
@ Pipay: Oo nga.. The traffic in that area is a nightmare..
Ria C
February 21, 2010 at 1:09 pm
I think I know why…hehehe. Ay naku, although I find that policy very ridiculous. I mean, people should learn how to park properly (let alone, drive properly) especially in Abu Dhabi. So, the government has to come up with a plan and policy that not only will dent the already tight budgets of the expats but will surely burn a hole in their pockets.
Naku sister, I have so many things I want to say pero …
piczoom
February 21, 2010 at 10:26 pm
i got the same problem with paid parking back in my country where i have to pay every day approximately 2 dollars, it’s really suck, and actually thinking of moving to another apartment , where i don’t have to pay at all or pay less.
thank you for putting this on the light.
Cyra Miles
February 25, 2010 at 5:51 pm
It’s true.. wish they will reconsider free parking again even just for weekends and holidays..
edregin
February 23, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Hello Cyra! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment on my site. You’ve got such informative blogsite. Keep it up! I might visit Abu Dhabi sometime in May, maybe we could meet up with my cousin ordep (http://rozrd.blogspot.com)
Cyra Miles
February 25, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Hi Edregin,
Thanks for returning the visit! Wish to see you soon..
michael j contos
February 24, 2010 at 11:22 am
I switched to a train when I worked in the city of Philadelphia and had to commute 15 miles from nearby Conshohocken, PA USA.
Today, lots charge $12- %15 to park “all day,”if you are in the lot before 9 am and out by 6 pm
Don’t know the cost afterwards.
Have avoided paying, by limiting contact to train rides during the weekdays, and weekly visits on Sundays when you can park free at most streets.
Good luck!
michael j
Cyra Miles
February 25, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Hi Michael,
I hope they will amend that 24 hours policy soon..
Cheers
Parthena
May 9, 2011 at 7:09 pm
I feel so much hiapepr now I understand all this. Thanks!
Katie
February 27, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Thanks for stopping by my blog!! One of my best friends lives in Abu Dhabi…what a funny coincidence. She has a blog, too – and always posts pictures of people driving and all the cars and the whole parking situation there.