How to Register and Use the Darb App Abu Dhabi (2026 Full Guide)

Navigating Abu Dhabi’s roads in 2026 requires more than just a GPS — it requires an active Darb account. With the recent activation of the Ghantoot and Al Qurm toll gates, the system has expanded its reach, now operating 24/7 at these new locations.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, the clock starts ticking the moment you pass a gate. You have exactly 10 working days to register your vehicle before a graduated fine system kicks in, starting at AED 100.

Managed by Q Mobility, the process is streamlined via the Darb app and website at darb.qmobility.ae. In this guide, I will walk you through the exact registration steps, how to link your Hafilat card, the latest 2026 toll timings, and how to avoid every common fine.

Requirements for Registration

Before you begin the registration process on the Darb App or the Q Mobility portal, have these four things ready:

1. Traffic File Number (TC No.)

This is the most critical requirement and the number one reason registrations fail.

• What it is: A unique number assigned to you by the traffic department.
• Where to find it: Printed on the back of your vehicle registration card (Mulkiya) under the “TC No” label.
• Abu Dhabi plates: Your TC No. is 10 digits.
• Dubai plates: Your TC No. is 8 digits.
• Pro Tip: If you don’t have your Mulkiya handy, log into the Abu Dhabi Police App or the TAMM portal using your Emirates ID to find your TC number.

2. Valid Emirates ID

As of 2026, you cannot register for Darb without a valid Emirates ID. The system uses UAE Pass for identity verification — make sure your mobile number is updated in the ICP database. If your UAE Pass is not working, your Darb registration will be blocked.

3. Active Personal Email Address

This is where you will receive your monthly statement, low-balance alerts, and fine notifications. Avoid using a work email. Use a personal Gmail or iCloud account so you never miss a 5-day top-up warning.

4. Payment Method (AED 100 Registration Fee)

You cannot complete registration without a digital payment method. The AED 100 breaks down as follows:

• AED 50 — one-time registration fee
• AED 50 — immediately credited to your toll wallet balance

Step-by-Step: How to Register via the Darb App

Step 1: Download the Darb App

Download the official Darb App from the Apple App Store, Google Play, or AppGallery. You can also register via the website at darb.qmobility.ae. The app provides the best real-time alerts for toll crossings.

Step 2: Log In via UAE Pass

Open the app and tap “Login with UAE Pass.” The system will redirect you to UAE Pass to confirm your identity. Once you authenticate via PIN or Face ID, Darb will automatically pull your full name, Emirates ID, verified mobile number, and linked traffic file.

Step 3: Register Your Vehicle

Navigate to the “Vehicles” tab.

• Abu Dhabi plates: Your vehicles will likely appear automatically. Tap “Register” next to the vehicle you want to add.
• Other emirates (Dubai, Sharjah, etc.): Enter your Plate Category, Plate Code, and Plate Number manually. The system verifies against the federal traffic database within seconds.

Step 4: Pay the AED 100 Fee

Select your preferred payment method — Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and credit/debit cards are all supported. After payment, AED 50 is deducted as a registration fee and AED 50 is added to your wallet.

Step 5: Enable Auto-Top Up

Go to Settings → Wallet Settings and enable Auto-Top Up. Set a minimum threshold (e.g., AED 20) so the system automatically recharges from your saved card. This is the single best way to avoid the AED 50 insufficient balance fine.

How to Add Your Hafilat Card to the Darb App

One of the most useful features in 2026 is the ability to manage both your bus card and toll payments from a single app. The Darb app includes a “Darbi” section specifically for Hafilat public bus card management.

Step 1: Find Your Hafilat Serial Number

Turn your Hafilat card over and find the 16-digit serial number printed at the bottom. You will need the full number — no spaces.

Step 2: Open the Darbi Section

Inside the Darb App, navigate to “Public Transport” or “Darbi” from the Quick Services menu on the home dashboard.

Step 3: Add Your Card

Tap “Add New Card” or “Hafilat Services.” Enter your 16-digit Hafilat serial number and assign a nickname (e.g., “Daily Commute”). If you have a Personalized Hafilat Card, tap “Verify via Emirates ID” to sync automatically via UAE Pass.

Step 4: Check Balance and Top Up

Once added, your Hafilat card appears as a digital card in your wallet. You can now:

• View your real-time balance without tapping at a machine
• Top up instantly using a saved card or Apple/Samsung Pay
• Set low balance alerts for when your card drops below AED 5

Important — Hafilat Balance Reflect Times (2026):

Recharge Method	Time to Reflect on Card Reader
Online portal (darb.ae / hafilat.darb.ae)	24–48 hours
Payit app	~2 hours
TVM (Ticket Vending Machine)	Instant
BR Kiosk	Instant
Customer Happiness Center	Instant

Always plan ahead for online recharges. If your journey is within 2 hours, use a TVM or BR Kiosk for instant top-up.

Toll Gate Locations in Abu Dhabi (2026)

As of May 2026, there are six active toll gates operated by Q Mobility:

#	Gate Name	Location
1	Sas Al Nakhl	Sheikh Zayed Bridge
2	Al Maqta’	Al Maqta’ Bridge
3	Rabdan	Mussafah Bridge
4	Al Saadiyat	Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
5	Al Qurm (New)	Wahat Al Karama Street, Sheikh Zayed Road entrance/exit
6	Ghantoot (New)	Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road, Ghantoot area

Alternative Routes to Avoid New Gates:

• Al Qurm: Use Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street or Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street
• Ghantoot: Use Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road

2026 Peak Hour Timings & Charges

Standard Four Gates (Sas Al Nakhl, Al Maqta’, Rabdan, Al Saadiyat):

Period	Days	Charge
Morning peak: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM	Monday – Saturday	AED 4 per crossing
Afternoon peak: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM	Monday – Saturday	AED 4 per crossing
Off-peak hours	Daily	Free
Sundays	All day	Free
Public holidays	All day	Free

Important 2026 update: Many older guides list the afternoon peak as 5 PM – 7 PM. The current 2026 schedule starts earlier at 3:00 PM.

Al Qurm and Ghantoot Gates:

These two new gates operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including Sundays and public holidays. The AED 4 charge applies every time you pass, regardless of time or day.

Daily Cap — Removed in 2026:

The previous AED 16 daily cap for private vehicles has been removed as of 2026. Each crossing during peak hours costs AED 4 with no upper limit. If you cross four peak-hour gates in one day, that is AED 16. If you cross six, that is AED 24. Plan your routes accordingly.

Who is Exempt from Darb Toll Fees?

Certain vehicles are automatically exempt — no application needed:

• Ambulances, Armed Forces, and Civil Defence vehicles
• Abu Dhabi Police, Ministry of Interior, and local police vehicles
• Public transport buses licensed in Abu Dhabi
• Authorized public taxis in Abu Dhabi
• Authorized school buses
• Passenger buses with 26+ seats
• Motorcycles
• Trailer vehicles

The following categories must apply for exemption through darb.qmobility.ae or the Darb app:

Category	Requirement	Limit
People of Determination	POD card from Ministry of Community Development	1 vehicle
Senior Citizens (UAE nationals 60+)	No documents required	1 vehicle
Retired Citizens	Letter from Pension and Retirement Fund	1 vehicle
Low-Income Emirati Families	Proof from Ministry of Community Development	1 vehicle

Note: People of Determination may qualify for more than one exemption if they meet additional criteria.

Fines & Violations — Complete List

Unregistered vehicle fines:

Violation	Fine
1st day crossing without registration (after 10-day grace)	AED 100
2nd day crossing unregistered	AED 200
3rd day onwards, per day	AED 400

Other violations:

Violation	Fine
Insufficient balance (non-Abu Dhabi plates, after 5 working days)	AED 50 per transaction
Tampering with license plate to avoid toll	AED 10,000
Damaging toll equipment or gates	AED 10,000

Abu Dhabi plates have the option to pay outstanding tolls at the time of vehicle renewal — they are not automatically fined for low balance. Non-Abu Dhabi plates must maintain sufficient balance at all times.

Troubleshooting: Common Darb App Errors

1. “Emirates ID Not Recognized” or Sync Error

Usually happens when Darb hasn’t refreshed its connection with the Federal Authority for Identity (ICP). Log out of the Darb app and log in specifically via UAE Pass. If it still fails, check the TAMM App to confirm your Emirates ID is active. When uploading ID photos, try converting to PDF or use the digital version from the ICP App.

2. OTP Not Received

Common for users with international numbers or those who recently switched from Etisalat to DU or vice versa. Ensure your mobile number is updated in your UAE Pass profile — Darb pulls contact info directly from there. Wait 5 minutes before tapping Resend, as multiple requests can temporarily block your number for security.

3. Vehicle “Not Found” After Registration

Often a cache delay. Force-close the app and restart. If you have a Dubai or Sharjah plate, double-check the Plate Code you entered — the system requires an exact match with the RTA/MoI database.

4. Payment Screen Blank or Stuck

If the in-app payment gateway fails to load, use the official website at darb.qmobility.ae on a desktop or Chrome mobile browser instead. Web-based payments are currently more stable for Apple Pay and Samsung Pay transactions.

5. Fine Received Despite Topping Up

This happens when you topped up after the 5-day grace period had already expired. Check your Transaction History in the app to compare the exact timestamp of your recharge versus the crossing time. For non-Abu Dhabi plates, you must top up within 5 working days of any crossing where the balance is insufficient — not after the fine is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions