Remat Al-Riyadh CEO: Next phases of paid parking to start in 2026

Abdullah Abudawood, CEO of Remat Al-Riyadh Development

Parking fees in Riyadh are among the lowest compared with Gulf and global benchmarks, as the SAR 3.45 per hour fee is a nominal charge aimed at promoting compliance and preventing long-term parking, Abdullah Abudawood, CEO of Remat Al-Riyadh Development Co., said.

He added that the system includes a 15-minute grace period, app-based notifications, and easy extension options.

In an interview with the Socrates Podcast by Thmanyah, Abudawood noted that paid parking applies to all high-traffic commercial streets and commercial facilities. He explained that the first phase covered the area south of the Northern Ring Road to Makkah Road, and from Khalid bin Al-Walid Road in the east to King Khalid Road in the west.

The CEO noted that implementation initially began on streets wider than 40 meters, with plans to expand later to narrower streets as part of upcoming paid parking phases starting next year.

Abodawood further stated that parking regulation included improved planning, enhanced infrastructure quality, and the installation of barriers and signage in line with the Roads Authority standards.

He noted that the project has helped address visual distortions and reduce improper practices such as parking on sidewalks or pedestrian crossings and double parking, adding that field monitoring and camera systems are in place to track violations.

The CEO additionally pointed out that the scope of operations of the company, which is wholly owned by Riyadh Municipality, is limited to Riyadh region, with an expansion of services, while potential geographic expansion may be considered in the future.

Meanwhile, he explained that paid parking represents part of the solution rather than a complete one, within an integrated transportation system involving multiple solutions and stakeholders.