Whether you’re a daily visitor or a brand-new driver in Sharjah, dealing with where and when to park doesn’t have to be daunting. Backed by a detailed and dependable system managed by the Sharjah Municipality, from digital tools like the Sharjah Parking App to straightforward SMS payments and dependable meters, the process of paying for parking is now far more flexible and user-friendly.
This is crucial to know whether you’re renting a car in Sharjah or own your own car, in order to avoid fines. This full guide walks you through key details — including parking fees, free parking windows, and more.
And with trusted services like Hertz UAE, your drive around Sharjah becomes even more seamless, giving you the freedom to focus on the road while we help you with the rest.
Types of Parking Zones in Sharjah
Sharjah’s public parking system is organized into two main zones:
- Paid Parking Zones: Found in high-traffic areas such as Al Majaz, Al Nahda, and Sharjah Corniche, these zones are marked with signage showing applicable fees and time limits.
- Free Parking Zones: Typically located in quieter residential areas, where no payment is required. However, drivers should always check for signs indicating exceptions.
Blue signs usually indicate premium or smart parking areas, which might follow different rules. Check out our recent post on traffic signs in UAE and what they mean for more information.
Parking Fees and Timings in Sharjah
Parking fees in Sharjah are relatively structured to suit different durations:
| Duration | Fee |
| 1 hour | AED 2 |
| 2 hours | AED 5 |
| 3 hours | AED 8 |
| 5 hours | AED 12 |
Paid Parking Timings:
- Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Fridays & Public Holidays: Free, unless otherwise stated on signage (especially in blue-sign zones)
Before learning how to pay Sharjah parking, it’s important to be aware that these timings are generally in place citywide. However, parking rules may be prone to periodic shifts or brief exceptions during public events or bylaw changes.
Methods to Pay for Parking in Sharjah
Understanding how to pay parking in Sharjah is essential, as the city provides smart, simplified payment methods for both residents and visitors. One of the fastest ways is by SMS. To know how to pay parking in Sharjah by SMS, send a message to 5566 in the format:
[Plate Code] [Plate Number] [Duration in hours] – for example, SHJ 2890 3.
For Arabic, start your message with A. To extend your time, just reply with “Y” for one more hour.
Wondering how to pay parking in Sharjah for Dubai plate? Just replace the code with DXB and follow the same steps.
Sharjah also features a Smart Parking System in places like Al Khan and Al Nad. Number plates are scanned, and drivers receive SMS updates to pay digitally via the Mawqef or Sharjah Digital App. Whether you’re using SMS or smart tech, learning how to pay for Sharjah parking is key to a smooth experience.
And if SMS isn’t your preferred method, there are more ways:
Using the Sharjah Parking App
The official Sharjah Parking App comes equipped with convenient and reliable features:
- Commence or renew parking sessions
- Check real-time available spaces
- Receive reminder alerts before time runs out
- Complete payments using cards or digital wallets
It’s a central resource for those who prefer a connected, cashless parking routine.
Payment via Parking Meters
Traditional meters are still widely available and accept:
- Coins (AED 1–5 denominations)
- Sharjah parking prepaid cards
- In some cases, debit/credit cards
Make sure to keep your printed ticket displayed on your dashboard when using this method.
Online Payment Options
Here’s how to pay online parking in Sharjah:
- Visit the Sharjah Municipality official website
- Visit the Sharjah Municipality official website
- Choose “Parking Subscription”
- Sign in or register, and follow the steps to complete payment.
This is a practical option if you want to manage everything from your desktop.
Free Parking in Sharjah
Sharjah offers free parking during specific times and in certain zones:
- Fridays: Free citywide, except for premium (blue sign) areas
- Public Holidays: Free unless signage says otherwise
- Residential Zones: Often free but may be subject to time restrictions or permits
Always look out for posted signage to avoid fines.
Parking Regulations and Fines in Sharjah
Parking violations can be costly. Here are some common penalties:
| Violation | Fine |
| No valid ticket in a paid zone | AED 150 |
| Blocking traffic or emergency access | AED 500 |
| Parking in a disabled zone without a permit | AED 1,000 |
To check or pay your fines, visit the Sharjah Municipality website or use the Sharjah Digital App.
Parking Permits in Sharjah
For those living in high-demand areas, residential parking permits are essential:
Types of Permits:
- Individual Residential Permit
- Commercial Permit (for businesses)
- Dual Vehicle Permit (for two vehicles under one card)
Tips for Hassle-Free Parking in Sharjah
Get around Sharjah smoothly with these easy, efficient, and time-saving parking tips:
- Go for Multi-Storey Garages: Ideal near hotspots like Sharjah City Centre and Al Qasba
- Explore the Parking App: Great for tracking sessions and extending time effortlessly
- Time Your Trips Smartly: Try to avoid the 9 AM – 6 PM peak in busy business zones
- Glance at Every Sign: Essential for catching exact fees and any exceptions
- Try Tech-Enabled Zones: Areas like Al Khan and Al Nad offer guided, automated parking ease.
Sharjah’s parking system is crafted for clarity and convenience. Whether you’re paying through a code via SMS, a parking app, or a physical meter, understanding how to pay Sharjah parking has become a more precise and predictable process.
If you find yourself driving to Dubai, be sure to familiarize yourself with parking rules and payments there as the same rules may not apply. Check out our blog on how to pay for parking in Dubai for more information.
With clear knowledge of parking categories, payment channels, and common practices, you can cruise through Sharjah confidently. If you’re driving a car from Hertz UAE, our premium rental options and convenient pickup points make city parking even easier. Check out our current offers to find practical deals that pair perfectly with your next Sharjah trip.
Looking for more rental options? Explore car rental options in Dubai or any other Emirate with Hertz.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay parking in Sharjah by SMS?
[Plate Code] [Plate Number] [Duration]
Example: SHJ 7654 1
Send the message to 5566. You’ll receive a confirmation as your virtual parking ticket.
How to extend Sharjah parking SMS?
Reply to the confirmation SMS with “Y” to extend your parking for one more hour.
Is there a grace period for parking in Sharjah?
There’s no official grace period, so it’s best to pay immediately upon parking to avoid fines.
How to check parking fines in Sharjah?
You can check fines via:
- Sharjah Municipality website
- Sharjah Digital App
- In-person at municipal kiosks
How to get Sharjah parking card?
You can get a prepaid parking card at:
- Municipality branches
- Selected retail outlets
- Online through the Sharjah Parking App
Is parking free during prayer time in Sharjah?
While some drivers assume parking might be free during prayer times, this is not an officially recognised exemption in Sharjah. Rules can vary by zone, so it’s essential to check the posted signage carefully to avoid unexpected fines or misunderstandings