In the UAE, Sharjah is the third biggest city and has a lot of people. Even though the city is trying hard to make parking faster, it’s still tough to find a spot because there are so many cars on the road. But now, with SMS parking Sharjah, paying for parking is much easier because you don’t need cash. It’s simple to use and works for cars from any of the seven emirates. Check out our guide for easy parking in Sharjah.
SMS Parking in Sharjah
Paying for parking in Sharjah through SMS is an easy and convenient option. With this service, you can use your registered UAE mobile number to pay for your parking fees.
To use SMS parking Sharjah, you can buy a virtual parking permit by sending an SMS to 5566. The cost is either added to your post-paid mobile bill or deducted from your pre-paid SIM credit. You must be a registered user of Du, Virgin Mobile, or Etisalat networks to use this service.
Here’s how you can register for SMS parking in Sharjah:
- Compose a message in the format: Plate source (SHJ) [space] plate number (xxxx) [space] number of hours.
- If you want the permit in Arabic, start the message with the letter “A.” For example, “SHJ XXXX 1” becomes “A SHJ XXXX 1” for an Arabic permit.
- Send the message to the Sharjah parking SMS number 5566.
- Keep the confirmation message you receive as your virtual parking permit and do not delete it.
The process for SMS parking in Sharjah is straightforward and easy to follow. Make sure to use the correct plate source abbreviation for your location like Ajman parking SMS and more.
- Abu Dhabi: AUH
- Ajman: AJM
- Dubai: DXB
- Fujairah: FUJ
- Ras Al Khaimah: RAK
- Sharjah: SHJ
- Umm Al Quwain: UAQ
How to Register for SMS Parking in Sharjah
Registering your vehicle for Sharjah parking SMS allows you to select a nickname or username for your vehicle. Here’s how registered users can use SMS parking:
- Draft an SMS: Compose a message using the format: <nickname>.
- Send: Send the message to 5566.
Life Made Easier with Sharjah SMS Parking
Discover the simplicity of paying for parking tickets via SMS in Sharjah.
Registration Process for Non-Private or GCC Plates in Sharjah
Drivers with non-private or GCC plates can register themselves using the following method:
- Register Online: Register your vehicle via the website.
- Draft an SMS: Compose a message using the format: username [space] number of hours.
- Send: Send it to Sharjah parking SMS number 5566.
The procedure thereafter remains the same as mentioned above.
Long-Term Parking Options in Sharjah
In addition to short-term parking, Sharjah authorities provide long-term parking solutions. You can obtain a “Parking Subscription” from the official website of the Sharjah City Municipality. This subscription enables you to utilize the Sharjah airport parking for periods ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. However, to avail yourself of these long-term parking amenities, you must be traveling by air from the same airport.
For a 30-day parking period at Sharjah airport facilities, the expected fee is approximately AED 2000.
Moreover, if you rent a car in Sharjah and happen to receive a parking fine, rental companies such as Moosa Rent a Car will be informed by the relevant authority and will handle the fine on your behalf.
Major Paid Parking Zones in Sharjah
The emirate boasts over 5,000 paid parking spaces across various localities. Some prominent parking zones in Sharjah include:
- Umm Al Tarafa
- Al Ghuwair
- Inner Streets in Al Shuwaihean
- Al Nabaa
- Areas of Al Majarah
- Samana
- Al Zahra Street in Al Musalla
- Semnan
- Areas of Al Jubail
- Al Marija Street in Al Marija
- Al Khuzaimah
- Halwan
- Al Abar
- Al Mahata
- Al Munakh
- Du Dang
- Al IIya
Parking Facilities in Sharjah
Sharjah offers various parking facilities to assist drivers in finding suitable slots for their vehicles. Common parking facilities in Sharjah include:
Multi-Storey Car Parks
The city boasts 8 multi-storey car parks located in 6 Al Majaz districts, Al Soor, Al Jarafah, and Al Qassimia. It is managed by the Sharjah Municipal Corporation. These multi-storey car parks aim to address the shortage of parking spaces, especially in the older parts of the city.
Underground Parking
Sharjah also features underground parking facilities to accommodate more vehicles during peak traffic times.
Parking Rates in Sharjah
Sharjah parking fee depends on the location of the parking facility and the duration of parking. Payment can be made per hour using various parking machines located throughout the city.
Time (Hours) | Payment (AED) |
1 | 2 |
2 | 5 |
3 | 8 |
5 | 12 |
Other Ways to Pay for Parking in Sharjah
You can pay your parking charges in Sharjah using the following methods:
Smart Parking Meters
The Sharjah City Municipality has installed over 1,210 smart parking meters across the city. This initiative is part of the municipality’s efforts to transition its services to electronic and smart services for enhanced user convenience. Utilize physical parking machines located throughout the city to pay and print parking tickets. These machines accept 1 to 500 AED coins for payment.
Users can input data and pay swiftly using the touch-screen meters, which also accept electronic payment for parking rates. The system is user-friendly and includes steps such as entering your registration number and emirate of registration before selecting the desired parking duration.
Website
Visit the official website of the Sharjah Municipal Corporation, navigate to the “Smart Service” page, select “Public Parking Department Services,” sign up for a user account, follow the steps, and pay your parking charges.
Bank Account
Use your registered bank account to pay annual, semi-annual, and quarterly parking subscription charges. Any bank account registered and operational in the UAE can be used to pay directly from your debit card.
Parking Timings in Sharjah
In Sharjah, parking time is available at the locations listed above from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, excluding Fridays and public holidays.
Signages indicating the Sharjah parking SMS number and paid timings are displayed for convenience.
It’s worth noting that while some spots offer free parking. This facility may be subject to change based on any amendments in UAE law.
Parking Permit Validation in Sharjah
By default, your SMS parking permit in Sharjah is valid for one hour. Ten minutes prior to its expiration, you’ll receive a reminder message. This message allows you to extend your parking time for an additional hour if needed.
For Sharjah parking renewal for an extra hour, simply reply to the reminder message (5566) with a capital “Y.” Upon doing so, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS for your parking extension. If you don’t require the extension, you can ignore the message.
Parking Subscriptions Plans
Recently, Sharjah Municipality introduced seasonal and special parking subscriptions. These plans enable you to purchase subscriptions for 10, 20, and 30 days, or opt for longer-term plans of 3, 6, or 12 months. Here’s a breakdown of the newly announced permit extensions:
Personal Subscription
This is a monthly parking permit allowing you to subscribe for one month, covering two specific zones of your choice. It can be renewed monthly for AED 166.
Seasonal Plans
These subscriptions cover specific zones across the emirate. They are available for durations of 10, 20, or 30 days, or for longer-term periods of 3, 6, or 12 months. They grant access to 70,000 parking spaces throughout Sharjah.
Special Subscription
These plans cater to certain categories of individuals. Such as retired or elderly citizens, residents in fee-based areas, university students, and government employees in Sharjah. They offer a 20% discount on regular charges.
Terms and Conditions
When utilizing Sharjah car parking SMS to pay parking fees, the following terms and conditions apply:
This service is available only for mobile numbers registered with Virgin Mobile, Du, and Etisalat sims.
Prepaid users must maintain sufficient balance to cover the virtual parking permit cost and avoid “Transaction Failed” errors.
GCC or non-private plate number owners must register their vehicles to use SMS parking in Sharjah.
Use the exact format provided above. Incorrect message formats will result in transaction rejection.
Non-private UAE and GCC plate numbers MUST register to use SMS parking in Sharjah, which can be done through the official website.
Your plate source must match the emirate where your vehicle is registered.
Once registered and activated, SMS parking accounts allow users to add one or multiple vehicles to pay parking fees in Sharjah via SMS.
Sharjah Parking Fines
Violations | Fine in AED |
Failure to purchase and display valid ticket | 150 |
Exceeding time limit / or overstaying time on ticket | 100 |
Obstructing parking vehicular movement and exposing other properties or motorists to danger | 200 |
Misuse of ticketing machine, instructions panel, or any parking facility | 500 |
Parking in handicapped parking spots | 1,000 |
Reservation of a parking space without a license | 1,000 |
Parking in a reserved parking space | 1,000 |
Using open spaces as paid parking lots without obtaining license | 5,000 |
Failure to show the reservation permit of a parking space | 300 |
Tampering with a parking permit or other parking related documents | 3,000 |
Tips to Avoid Parking Fines and Penalties in Sharjah
Respect Reserved Spaces: Avoid parking in spots reserved for people of determination.
No Double Parking: Refrain from double parking, which can obstruct traffic flow.
Stay Within Designated Lines: Park your car within the designated lines to avoid fines for improper parking.
Avoid Parking at Bus Stops: Never, park in front of a bus stop to ensure smooth public transportation flow and avoid penalties.
Conclusion
The introduction of the Sharjah SMS parking service marks a significant step towards smart and cashless parking in the emirate. The UAE Government is dedicated to upgrading parking systems and facilities using the latest technological advancements. However, it’s crucial to ensure you have a valid driving license in Sharjah to avoid penalties.