Guide to Parking in Sharjah 2025: SMS Parking Timing, Rules, Violation

How To Pay For SMS Parking In Sharjah 2025

As of July 2025, Sharjah parking SMS payments have been the same with extended paid hours from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight in seven-day zones.

The Sharjah parking SMS format remains the same—send SHJ <Plate Number> <Hours> to 5566 for cashless payments. An additional service charge of AED 0.38 applies per transaction. New parking zones in Al Dhaid and Kalba have also been introduced. Check signage for designated areas and fee details.

Step 1: Send an SMS
Open your phone’s messaging app and type your car details in this format:
[Plate Code] [Plate Number] [Duration]

✅ Example: If your car plate is A 12345 and you want to pay for 1 hour, send: 👉 A 12345 1

Step 2: Send to 5566
Once you've typed your message, send it to 5566.

Step 3: Get Confirmation
You’ll receive a confirmation SMS from Sharjah Municipality letting you know your parking is successfully paid. The message will also show the time your parking is valid until.

To extend parking: Simply reply “Y” to the SMS before your current session expires.

Sharjah Parking SMS Format Table (2025)

🟨Note: To receive the parking permit in Arabic, add the letter "A" at the beginning of your SMS.
🟨Example: A SHJ 12345 1

Extended Paid Parking Hours in Seven-Day Zones

As of November 1, 2024, Sharjah has extended paid parking hours in seven-day zones, identifiable by blue information signs. These zones now require payment from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight, including Fridays and public holidays. If you rent a car in Sharjah for your visit or daily use, staying aware of these updated parking rules will help you avoid unnecessary fines.

Standard Parking Zones

In standard parking zones, paid hours remain unchanged, operating from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday through Thursday, with free parking on Fridays and public holidays.

Understanding Sharjah parking timing is essential for residents and visitors to avoid fines and manage their parking efficiently. Public parking in Sharjah generally operates with paid hours from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday, while parking remains free on Fridays and public holidays.

Sharjah's SMS parking system offers a convenient, cashless method for paying parking fees using your mobile phone. Here's an updated guide for 2025 on how to utilize this service:

If you would like to receive a virtual permit in Arabic, start your message with the letter "A". For example, instead of typing "SHJ 1234 1", type "A SHJ 1234 1". Send your SMS to 5566 and wait for a confirmation message. This message will serve as your virtual parking permit and should not be deleted.

Look into this table that helps you to understand how to pay for parking in Sharjah via SMS.

Parking your car in Sharjah is strenuous, but the city has 5,000+ paid parking spaces in different localities. The Sharjah Municipal Corporation imposes hefty fines and penalties for violating parking laws.

Sharjah Parking Timing Table

Sharjah paid parking timing now extends until midnight in certain zones (blue signage zones). Always check the signboard in your area.

Sharjah Parking Fee for 24 Hours (Estimated)

Sharjah Parking Subscription Plans 2025

Subscription is ideal for daily drivers and frequent visitors to paid parking areas.

Sharjah Parking Payment Methods

Tip: Using apps can help you avoid fines by sending reminders before ticket expiry.

Key Highlights of Sharjah’s New Paid Parking System in Al Dhaid (2025)

Launch Date: January 1, 2025.

Paid Parking Hours:

• Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
• Fridays: Free.
• Special Zones (Blue Guidance Boards): Paid every day, including weekends and public holidays.

Coverage:

• 1,900 parking spaces are designated as paid zones.
• Equipped with 19 payment kiosks, 7 large signage boards, and 161 directional signs.

Payment Methods:

• Coin-operated machines.
• SMS services.
• Sharjah Digital app.
• Mawaqif app.
• Prepaid cards.

Purpose:

• Optimize urban space usage.
• Prevent parking misuse.
• Support tourism and business growth in the emirate.

The authorities are continually developing A convenient parking system to make it easier for car drivers to park. A touchless payment method for parking in Sharjah has made life easier for drivers.

If you’re a resident of Sharjah, here is your complete guide to parking in Sharjah. This guide will give you valuable insights into avoiding Sharjah parking fines and penalties.

Here you can review traffic fines in Sharjah.

Parking Options In Sharjah

• In case of parking violations, strict penalties are enforced by the Sharjah Municipal Corporation.
• The authorities are enhancing the parking system to make parking easier for drivers.
• Touchless payment methods for parking have made the process more convenient for drivers.

Guide For Sharjah Residents

• This guide provides residents with essential tips to avoid parking fines and penalties.
• You can also review Sharjah-specific traffic fines for more information.

Parking Options

• In Sharjah, one can find both free and paid parking options.

• Paid parking applies from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.

• The city observes a three-day weekend (Friday to Sunday), but paid parking hours remain unchanged.

• Parking is free on Fridays, except in zones with blue information signs.

• Free parking is also available on public holidays and special occasions.

Long-Term Parking Options In Sharjah

• Through the Sharjah City Municipality’s website, the long-term parking option,s including   “Parking Subscription are  available
• Sharjah airport parking allows you to park for 24 hours to 30 days.
• Long-term parking at the airport is only available to travelers departing from Sharjah Airport.
• Parking at Sharjah Airport for 30 days costs around AED 2,000.

Rental Car Parking

FinesIf you rent a car and incur a fine, a rental company such as eZhire will be notified and pay the fine on your behalf.

Multi-Storey Car Parks

• Sharjah provides  8 multi-story car parks located in Al Majaz, Al Soor, Al Jarafah, and Al Qassimia.
• These facilities aim to reduce parking shortages in older parts of the city.

Parking Fees

• Fees vary based on location and duration.
• One can pay per hour using parking machines located throughout the city.
• Maximum parking duration at Sharjah Airport: 30 days in a paid facility.
• Lost parking ticket penalty: AED 150.

Parking Law Enforcement

• Sharjah enforces strict parking rules, and violations result in heavy fines.
• Use SMS payment or parking machines to avoid penalties.

Major Paid Parking Zones In Sharjah

The emirate has more than 5,000 paid parking spaces in different localities. Some major Sharjah parking zones include:

• Umm Al Tarafa

• Al Ghuwair

• Inner Streets in AI Shuwaihean

• Al Nabaa

• Areas of Al Ghuwair

• Al Majarah

• Samana

• Al Zahra Street in Al Musalla

• Semnan

• Areas of Al Jubail

• Al Marija Street in Al Marija  

• Al Khuzaimah

• Areas of Al Jubail

• Halwan

• Al Abar

• Al Mahata

• Al Munakh

• Du Dang

• Al IIya

Parking Facilities In Sharjah

Sharjah has different parking facilities to help drivers find suitable slots to park their vehicles. The common parking facilities in Sharjah include:

• Multi-Storey Car Parks

Sharjah Municipal Corporation claims the city has 8 multi-story car parks in 6 Al Majaz districts, Al Soor, Al Jarafah, and Al Qassimia. This type of parking facility aims to solve the lack of parking spaces, especially in the older parts of the city.

• Underground Parking

Sharjah also has underground parking facilities to accommodate more vehicles during the immense traffic.

Parking Rates In Sharjah

Sharjah parking fees depend on the location of your parking facility and the duration you're parking for. In Sharjah, you can pay parking fees per hour using different parking machines located throughout the city.

Conditions For Sharjah Parking SMS

When you use SMS parking services, Sharjah Municipal Corporation imposes the following terms and conditions:

• The balance in your account must be sufficient to prevent a "Transaction Failed" error.

• For each SMS, Sharjah parking SMS services charge 38 fils.

• There is only a one-hour extension available for SMS parking bookings. The parking rates will automatically be calculated if you neglect the time duration.

Rules and Regulations For Parking In Sharjah

The Sharjah Municipal Corporation imposes strict rules and regulations for its parking facilities. If you violate these laws, it may result in the following penalties and fines:

•  500 AED for washing your car in parking areas.

•  1000 AED for purchasing a parking spot without a driving license.

•  1000 AED for parking in handicapped reserved parking facilities.

•  500 AED for misusing any equipment in parking facilities.

•  100 AED for exceeding the specific parking time.

• · 150 AED for not purchasing a parking ticket.

Tips For Avoiding Parking Fines And Penalties In Sharjah

• Don’t Park your cars at spots reserved for people of disabilities.

• Avoid double parking.

• Maintain the designated lines when parking your cars.

• Avoid parking in front of a bus stop.

FAQ's

Q1: How do I pay for parking in Sharjah?

Use parking machines, SMS, app, or online subscription services

Q2: How do I extend my parking time via SMS in Sharjah?

Reply "Y" to the confirmation message from 5566

Q3: What is the SMS number for Sharjah parking?

5566

Q4: Is parking in Sharjah free today?

Free parking in Sharjah on Fridays and holidays in standard zones.

Q5: What’s the best way to subscribe to long-term parking?

Use the Sharjah Digital App or website

Q:6 What is the Sharjah parking SMS format for Dubai plate cars?

DXB 11223 1 (Send to 5566)

Q7: What is the Sharjah parking code for Abu Dhabi plates?

AUH (e.g., AUH 99887 1 to 5566)

Conclusion

Sharjah continues to offer flexible parking solutions in 2025 with simple SMS payments, mobile app options, and affordable subscriptions. Whether you're a resident, visitor, or commuter, knowing the latest Sharjah parking SMS format, payment timings, and methods helps you avoid fines and enjoy hassle-free parking.