Overview

The Riyadh Parking Project has launched a non-paid, managed parking scheme for residential neighbourhoods, starting with a pilot in the Al-Wurud area. The programme issues free digital parking permits for residents and their guests through the Riyadh Parking mobile app and uses secure national identity verification to reduce vehicle spillover from commercial streets into nearby housing districts.

The initiative is part of a broader citywide effort to modernise urban mobility and parking management, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives for smarter, more liveable cities.

Why this matters for the expat community

Many expats live in neighbourhoods that sit close to busy commercial corridors. When paid parking is introduced on those commercial streets, vehicles often overflow into nearby residential blocks, causing congestion and limiting parking access for residents. The managed residential parking scheme is intended to prioritise local residents and reduce the nuisance and safety risks associated with uncontrolled spillover parking.

Key benefits for expatriates include:

• Guaranteed access to free, verified residential permits for your car and short-term guest permits for visitors.
• Reduced risk of fines or towing caused by parking in restricted residential zones.
• Improved street safety and reduced traffic from drivers circling for spaces.

How the system works (simple steps for residents)

The managed residential parking system relies on digital permits and automated enforcement. Here’s what residents — including expats — should expect and how to prepare:

1. Download the Riyadh Parking app: The portal for residential permits and guest sessions is the Riyadh Parking mobile application. Keep the app updated for the latest features and zone announcements.
2. Verify identity via the national digital platform: Registration is securely linked to the national digital identity infrastructure (Nafath). Residents will need to authenticate through Nafath when creating their permit. Ensure your residency (Iqama) details are up-to-date in government records to avoid registration issues.
3. Register your vehicle: Add vehicle details to the app under your residential address. The permit is issued digitally and associated with your verified account.
4. Manage guest permits: The app allows residents to issue short-term digital guest permits. These are also tracked through the same digital system to limit misuse.
5. Automated enforcement: Smart patrols equipped with automated license plate recognition (ALPR) monitor compliance. Vehicles without valid residential or guest permits may be subject to enforcement actions in managed zones.

What expats should check before registering

To ensure a smooth registration process, expat residents should:

• Confirm your Iqama and vehicle registration details are current with the relevant government portals.
• Set up or confirm access to the national digital identity (Nafath) account used for secure login and verification.
• Have photographs or scanned copies of your vehicle registration (Mulkiya) and any landlord/tenancy documents ready if required for address verification.
• Keep a record of guest permits issued for visits by family, delivery drivers, or household staff to avoid accidental violations.

Deployment, scale and technology

The project — launched in August 2024 — aims to manage around 24,000 paid parking bays in business districts together with more than 140,000 unpaid residential spaces across Riyadh. The first phase covers 12 pilot zones including Al-Wurud, Al-Rahmaniyah, West Olaya, Al-Muruj, King Fahd, and Al-Sulaymaniyah, with plans to expand into additional neighbourhoods adjacent to major commercial streets.

Technology and partners play a central role. Smart patrol vehicles fitted with ALPR cameras help identify vehicles that do not match digital permits. The programme is implemented in partnership with municipal authorities and private-sector partners, integrating telecom and smart-city infrastructure to deliver reliable verification and enforcement.

Rules, enforcement and costs

Important regulatory points:

• Residential and guest permits under the current managed system are issued free of charge. There is no fee for obtaining a residential permit at this stage under the pilot rollout.
• Paid parking remains in effect on designated commercial streets. The residential scheme targets vehicles that are not linked to verified residents and seeks to prevent overflow parking from commercial zones.
• Enforcement is automated and may include fines or other corrective measures for non-compliant vehicles. ALPR-equipped patrols are used to identify infractions.

Practical tips for expat drivers

To avoid fines and make the most of the new system, consider these practical suggestions:

• Register early: Set up your Riyadh Parking account and obtain your residential permit before the scheme reaches your area.
• Share guest permit instructions with household members and regular visitors so they understand how to obtain short-term access.
• Keep documentation updated: Confirm your Iqama, vehicle registration and tenancy documents are current to prevent delays in verification.
• Plan for alternative transport: When visiting busy commercial districts, consider park-and-ride options or public transport to reduce demand in residential streets.

What’s next?

The pilot’s success in these initial zones will guide phased expansion across Riyadh through 2025 and beyond. Officials have indicated additional paid parking districts and enforcement areas will be introduced as the city scales its smart parking infrastructure and integrates complementary projects like EV charging networks and broader mobility initiatives.

For the expat community, staying informed and prepared will make the transition smoother: check official announcements, keep your digital identity current, and use the Riyadh Parking app to manage permits and guest access.