Sharjah Parking SMS Format: Everything You Need to Know!
Parking in Sharjah’s Al Majaz, Al Nahda, and Al Qasba neighborhoods can be challenging. However, the Sharjah Municipality’s SMS parking system allows you to park without paying in cash. This guide covers Sharjah Parking SMS format and uses in 2025, showing residents, visitors, and out-of-town drivers the process, fees, available zones, guidelines for timing, and ways to avoid fines.
What is Sharjah Parking SMS?
Using SMS payment, drivers can easily pay for parking from their phones. With the service, you can skip coins, tickets, and meters, just text for a permit, get updates, and use your car to extend your stay. You can use Emaar Pay instantly for things like parking and groceries if your number is registered here (Etisalat, Du, or Virgin). All of Sharjah, meaning Khor Fakkan, Al Dhai, and Kalba, will feature unified paid parking with clear signs in 2025.
Why Use Sharjah Parking SMS?
The SMS parking system offers several benefits:
- Convenience: Pay for parking from anywhere, so you don’t need to visit the machine at the lot.
- Cashless: Just use your phone, since payments are deducted from your account or invoiced on your bill.
- Quick and Efficient: You’ll receive confirmation messages instantly.
- Flexibility: The service is available for vehicles in any UAE emirate and gives you the option to extend your coverage.
- Security: All your data, including your mobile number and plate details, is securely encrypted for making payments.
This system is consistent with Sharjah’s goal of better managing city space, avoiding wrongful parking, and helping tourism and the business sector prosper.
How to Use SMS Parking in Sharjah
Follow these steps to pay for parking in Sharjah via SMS in 2025:
Check Your Parking Zone
Locate your zone on signs (e.g., blue for special zones) with a unique code. Key areas: Al Majaz (commercial), Al Nahda (mixed), Al Qasba (tourist), and new 2025 zones like Khor Fakkan, Al Dhaid, Kalba. Note the code, limits, and fees.
Prepare Vehicle Details
Gather:
- Plate Source: Emirate (e.g., SHJ for Sharjah, DXB for Dubai, AUH for Abu Dhabi)
- Plate Number: Your registration number
- Duration: Hours to park (max 5 in most zones)
- Example: SHJ 1234 2 (Sharjah plate, 2 hours)
Compose the SMS
Format: Plate Source Plate Number Duration
- Example: SHJ 1234 2
- Dubai vehicle: DXB 1234 2
- For Arabic permit: A SHJ 1234 2
Send the SMS
Text to 5566, the universal Sharjah parking number, via Etisalat, Du, or Virgin Mobile.
Receive Confirmation
Get an SMS with permit details, start/end time, and total charge (e.g., AED 2 + 0.38 AED fee). Keep this as proof.
Extend Parking (If Needed)
At 10-minute reminder, reply “Y” to 5566 to extend (max 5 hours). Get updated confirmation.
End Early (Optional)
Text SHJ 1234 to 5566 to stop the session. No refunds for unused time.
Also check: “Sharjah Airport Parking Fees“/ “Sharjah Parking Timing“/ “Ajman Parking Time“/ “Ajman Parking SMS“
Sharjah Parking Timings and Zones in 2025
Timings
- Standard Zones: Paid parking applies Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Fridays: Free parking in most areas, except special zones.
- Special Zones (Blue Guidance Boards): Paid every day, including weekends and public holidays, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Ramadan 2025 Schedule: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to midnight, accommodating community needs during the holy month.
Key Parking Zones
Sharjah offers over 5,000 paid parking spaces across:
- Commercial Areas: Al Majaz, Al Qasba, Al Nahda, Al Jubail, Al Mareeja.
- Residential Areas: Al Nabaa, Al Nasserya, Al Yarmouk.
- New Zones: Al Dhaid, Kalba, and Khor Fakkan (introduced in 2025).
- Multi-Story Car Parks: Eight facilities in areas like Al Majaz, Al Soor, Al Jarafah, and Al Qassimia.
- Underground Parking: Available to handle high traffic in older parts of the city.
Check signage for specific fees and time limits, as they vary by location.
Parking Fees and Charges
Fees depend on the zone and duration:
- Standard Rate: Starts at AED 2 per hour.
- Service Charge: An additional AED 0.38 per SMS transaction.
Examples:
- 1 hour: AED 2 + 0.38 = AED 2.38
- 2 hours: AED 5 + 0.38 = AED 5.38
- 3 hours: AED 8 + 0.38 = AED 8.38
- 5 hours: AED 12 + 0.38 = AED 12.38
No refunds are available for unused time, so estimate your duration carefully.
Registration for Non-Private or GCC Plates
- UAE Private Plates: No registration required; simply send the SMS.
- Non-Private or GCC Plates: You must register first:
- Visit the Sharjah Municipality website.
- Click “New User Registration.”
- Enter your mobile number, vehicle details, and a nickname of your choice.
- Alternatively, call 993 to register.
- Once registered, use the format: nickname <space> number of hours (e.g., Ali 2) and send to 5566.
Avoiding Fines and Penalties
Sharjah enforces strict parking rules, with fines for violations:
- No Valid Ticket: AED 150 for parking without a paid permit.
- Overstaying: AED 100 for exceeding your paid duration.
- Blocking Traffic or Double Parking: AED 500.
- Parking in Disabled Zones: AED 1,000 without a valid permit.
To avoid fines:
- Pay immediately upon parking.
- Keep your confirmation SMS as proof.
- Check signage for zone codes and time limits.
- Dispute wrongful fines by calling 993 or visiting the Sharjah Municipality Call Centre.
Other Payment Options
Besides SMS, you can pay via:
- Parking Meters: Accept coins or prepaid cards; display the ticket on your dashboard.
- Sharjah Digital App: Pay, find spaces, and manage sessions.
- Mawaqif App: Another convenient mobile option.
- Prepaid Cards: Available for purchase and use at meters.
Subscription Options
For frequent parkers, Sharjah offers:
- Personal Subscription: AED 166/month for two specific zones.
- Seasonal Plans: 10, 20, or 30 days, or 3, 6, or 12 months, covering 70,000 spaces.
- Special Subscriptions: For retirees, elderly citizens, students, and government employees. Apply via the Sharjah Municipality website under “Public Parking Department Services.”
Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience
- Check Signage: Confirm zone codes, fees, and timings.
- Use Apps: Download the Sharjah Parking or Mawaqif app for real-time info.
- Plan Ahead: Park outside peak hours (9:00 AM–6:00 PM) for better availability.
- Fridays and Holidays: Take advantage of free parking in standard zones.
- Keep Confirmation: Save your SMS for proof in case of disputes.
Conclusion
Sharjah parking SMS system in 2025 is a game-changer, offering a quick, secure, and cashless way to manage parking. By following this guide, checking zones, sending the correct SMS format to 5566, and staying aware of timings and fees, you can park stress-free across Sharjah’s busy streets, from Al Majaz to Khor Fakkan. Whether you drive a Sharjah-registered car or from another emirate, this system ensures convenience and compliance. With these modern solutions, you can enjoy your time in Sharjah without parking worries!
