Sharjah has made parking easier and more convenient than ever before. With the introduction of the SMS parking system, you can now pay for parking without the need for cash, parking tickets, or even standing in line at a parking machine. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, paying for parking in Sharjah is just a text away. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to pay parking in Sharjah using SMS, along with other payment options, extended parking, and much more.
What Is Paid Parking in Sharjah?
Paid parking in Sharjah refers to specific areas in the city where you must pay a fee to park your vehicle. This system ensures better parking management and helps maintain order in busy areas. Paid parking is applicable in most areas, but you can enjoy free parking on Fridays, except in areas marked with blue information signs. These areas still require the usual parking fees.
Timings of Paid Parking in Sharjah
The paid parking system operates on the following schedule:
- Saturday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday and Public Holidays: Free (except for blue-sign zones)
Parking fees are waived during special public holidays, adding to the convenience for Sharjah residents and visitors.
How Much Are the Parking Fees in Sharjah?
Sharjah’s parking fees are affordable and vary based on the duration of your parking. The rates are:
| Duration | Fee |
| 1 Hour | AED 2 |
| 2 Hours | AED 5 |
| Full Day (24 Hours) | AED 15 |
These fees are applicable in most paid parking zones throughout the city.
How to Pay for Parking in Sharjah via SMS?
One of the easiest ways to pay for parking in Sharjah is through SMS. It’s simple and quick! Here’s how you can do it:
- Compose an SMS: Write your message in this format:
- SHJ [Plate Number] [Duration]
For example, if your plate number is 5423 and you want to park for 1 hour, send: - SHJ 5423 1
- SHJ [Plate Number] [Duration]
- Send the SMS: Send it to 5566.
- Confirmation: After sending the SMS, you will receive a confirmation message with your virtual parking permit. This SMS serves as your parking receipt.
For Arabic users: Start the SMS with “A” to indicate that the message is in Arabic. For example:
- A SHJ 5423 1
Here is the yearly parking fee in Sharjah for personal use.
| Duration | One Card Fee | Two Card Fee | One Card for 2 vehicles |
| 3 | AED 850 | AED 1,600 | AED 1,000 |
| 6 | AED 1400 | AED 2,500 | AED 1,700 |
| 12 | AED 2,300 | AED 4,150 | AED 2,750 |
Find below the breakdown of the yearly parking fee for commercial purposes .
| Duration | One Card Fee | Two Cards Fee | Three Cards Fee | Four Cards Fee |
| 3 | AED 1050 | AED 1,900 | AED 2,700 | AED 3,400 |
| 6 | AED 1750 | AED 3,150 | AED 4,500 | AED 5,700 |
| 12 | AED 2,850 | AED 5,150 | AED 7,300 | AED 9,300 |
How to Extend Your Parking Duration in Sharjah via SMS
If you need more time on your parking spot, you can easily extend your parking duration with another SMS. To add one more hour, just reply to the confirmation message with the letter “Y” for Yes. This allows you to continue parking without the need for additional actions.
Cost of the SMS Service for Parking
Each SMS you send for parking costs 38 fils. This fee is added to your mobile credit or postpaid bill, making it an affordable and convenient way to handle your parking payments.
Other Ways to Pay for Parking in Sharjah
While SMS parking is the most convenient method, Sharjah also offers other payment options:
- Parking Machines: You can use physical parking machines located throughout the city. These machines accept coins and bills (ranging from AED 1 to AED 500), and provide you with a printed parking ticket.
- Sharjah Municipality Website: You can also pay for your parking online through the official Sharjah Municipal Corporation website. Here, you can pay via your account or sign up for a parking subscription.
- Bank Account: For long-term parking subscriptions, you can pay using a registered UAE bank account and debit card. This is useful for businesses or those who prefer prepaying for parking.
Parking Subscription in Sharjah
A parking subscription allows you to prepay for parking services across Sharjah, ensuring you have access to public parking spaces without needing to pay daily fees. The subscription can be activated for various durations:
- Quarterly
- Semi-Annually
- Annually
How to Register for Parking Subscription in Sharjah?
To register for a parking subscription in Sharjah:
- Visit the Sharjah Municipality website.
- Go to the Smart Services page.
- Select Public Parking Department Services.
- Choose Parking Subscription and sign in to your account.
- Follow the instructions and make the payment.
Subscriptions can be renewed according to your needs. You can opt for a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual subscription based on your parking requirements.
Sharjah’s New Smart Parking System
Sharjah has also introduced a smart parking system in select areas. Under this system, vehicles’ license plates are automatically scanned when entering or leaving parking zones. This system calculates the parking fees based on the time spent in the parking area and sends the fee details via SMS.
The smart parking system is currently available in the following locations:
- Al Khan
- Al Nad
These areas feature automated parking spaces with real-time fee notifications sent to your mobile. You can then pay using e-wallets or credit cards through the Mawqef app.
Nearby Attractions to Explore While Parking in Sharjah
If you’re parking in Sharjah, you might want to check out some of the city’s top attractions, just a short drive away from many parking areas:
- Al Majaz Waterfront (15 minutes)
- Sharjah Aquarium (20 minutes)
- Sharjah Arts Museum (15 minutes)
- Blue Souq (10 minutes)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I pay for parking by SMS in Sharjah?
Send an SMS in the format “SHJ [Plate Number] [Duration]” to 5566. For example, “SHJ 5423 2” for 2 hours.
2. What is the cost of sending the SMS for parking?
Each SMS costs 38 fils.
3. How can I extend my parking duration?
Reply with “Y” to the confirmation message to extend your parking by one hour.
4. What are other ways to pay for parking in Sharjah?
You can also use parking machines, pay online via the Sharjah Municipality website, or opt for a parking subscription.
5. Can I pay for parking if I’m not on Etisalat, Du, or Virgin Mobile?
No, the SMS parking service is available only to Etisalat, Du, and Virgin Mobile users.
Conclusion
Paying for parking in Sharjah via SMS offers a hassle-free, smart solution for drivers. Whether you are running errands, visiting attractions, or just need a quick stop, this easy-to-use service saves time and simplifies your experience. From extending your parking duration to enjoying a smooth transaction with minimal effort, Sharjah’s SMS parking system is designed for modern convenience. Try it out today and enjoy effortless parking every time you visit Sharjah!
Read Our Last Blog: All About Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A
