Hello Readers, Parking in Sharjah’s busy streets can be a hassle, but the Sharjah Parking SMS service makes it quick and stress-free. Whether you’re in Al Majaz, Rolla, or the Industrial Areas, paying for parking with a simple text message is a game-changer. In 2025, this service is more streamlined than ever, with unified formats and extended hours in some zones. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use the Sharjah Parking SMS system, understand parking zones, avoid fines, and make the most of this convenient tool. Let’s get started!
What Is Sharjah Parking SMS?
Sharjah Parking SMS is a service provided by Sharjah Municipality that lets you pay for public parking via a text message. Instead of searching for coins or parking meters, you can send an SMS to 5566 with your vehicle details and parking duration. The system is compatible with major UAE mobile networks like Etisalat, du, and Virgin Mobile, making it accessible to residents and visitors alike. It’s fast, cashless, and perfect for busy areas across Sharjah, including Khor Fakkan, Al Dhaid, and Kalba.
Why Use Sharjah Parking SMS?
Paying for parking through SMS offers several benefits:
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Convenience: Pay from your phone without leaving your car.
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Speed: Takes seconds to send an SMS and get confirmation.
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Accessibility: Works on any phone, no app or internet required.
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Flexibility: Extend your parking time with a quick reply.
With updates in 2025, the system is unified across Sharjah’s regions, making it easier to use everywhere.
How to Use Sharjah Parking SMS
Paying for parking via SMS is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it right:
Step-by-Step Process
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Park Your Vehicle: Find a designated paid parking spot, marked by blue and white signs.
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Check the Zone: Look for the zone number on nearby signs, though it’s not always required in 2025 due to the unified system.
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Compose Your SMS: Use the format: [Plate Source] [Plate Number] [Duration]. For example:
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For a 1-hour parking session with plate number 12345 from Sharjah: SHJ 12345 1
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For Arabic confirmation, add “A” at the start: A SHJ 12345 1
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Send to 5566: Text your message to 5566. A small service fee (AED 0.38) applies per SMS.
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Receive Confirmation: You’ll get an SMS confirming your parking session, including the start and end times. Keep this message as proof.
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Extend Parking (Optional): Reply “Y” to the confirmation SMS before your session expires to extend by the same duration.
Note: As of March 3, 2025, Sharjah has unified the parking system, so you only need the “SHJ” code, even for Khor Fakkan (no need for “KH”).
Sharjah Parking Zones and Timings in 2025
Understanding Sharjah’s parking zones and timings helps you avoid fines. Here’s a breakdown:
Standard Parking Zones
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Paid Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday.
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Free Parking: Fridays and public holidays, unless in seven-day zones.
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Areas: Most areas in Sharjah, including Al Majaz, Al Khan, and Rolla.
Seven-Day Paid Parking Zones
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Paid Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), including Fridays and public holidays.
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Identification: Marked by blue signs.
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Areas: Busiest zones like Al Jubail and Al Qasimia.
Ramadan Timings
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Paid Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
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Free Hours: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM during iftar.
New Zones in 2025
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Al Dhaid: Paid parking from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday, starting January 1, 2025.
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Kalba: Paid parking from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday to Thursday, starting February 1, 2025.
Parking Fees in Sharjah
Sharjah’s parking fees are affordable, with rates based on duration:
|
Duration |
Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
|
1 Hour |
2 |
|
2 Hours |
5 |
|
3 Hours |
8 |
|
5 Hours |
12 |
Additional Notes:
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A service fee of AED 0.38 is added per SMS transaction.
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Long-term parking at Sharjah Airport: AED 48 for up to 4 hours, AED 95 for 4–24 hours, AED 95 per additional day, or AED 2,000 for a 30-day package.
How to Avoid Parking Fines
Fines for parking violations in Sharjah range from AED 100–500, depending on the offense. Here are tips to stay compliant:
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Pay Promptly: Send the SMS as soon as you park to avoid penalties.
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Check Signs: Confirm the zone’s paid hours to avoid parking during chargeable times.
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Extend on Time: Reply “Y” to extend your session before it expires.
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Use Apps for Reminders: Apps like Sharjah Digital or MAWAQiF can send alerts to extend or end sessions.
Alternative Ways to Pay for Parking
While SMS is the most popular method, Sharjah offers other payment options:
1. Sharjah Digital App
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How It Works: Download the app, enter your vehicle details, and pay for parking.
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Benefits: Sends reminders, auto-fills plate numbers, and tracks session history.
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Availability: Google Play and Apple App Store.
2. Parking Meters
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How It Works: Insert coins or use a card at parking meters in some areas.
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Benefits: No phone required, but less convenient than SMS.
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Availability: Limited to certain zones.
3. Subscription Permits
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How It Works: Register for quarterly, semi-annual, or annual permits via the Sharjah Municipality website.
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Benefits: Cost-effective for frequent parkers in specific zones.
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How to Apply: Visit portal.shjmun.gov.ae and navigate to “Public Parking Department Service.”
Comparison of Sharjah Parking Payment Methods
Here’s a table comparing the payment options for Sharjah parking in 2025:
|
Method |
Accessibility |
Internet Required |
Speed |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SMS Parking |
Any phone |
No |
Very Fast |
Quick, no-internet payments |
|
Sharjah Digital App |
iOS/Android devices |
Yes |
Fast |
Tech-savvy users, reminders |
|
Parking Meters |
Physical meters |
No |
Moderate |
No phone, cash/card users |
|
Subscription Permits |
Online/Sharjah Municipality |
Yes |
Moderate |
Frequent parkers, long-term savings |
Tips for Using Sharjah Parking SMS
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Save the Number: Add 5566 to your contacts for quick access.
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Double-Check Format: Ensure your plate source (SHJ) and number are correct to avoid errors.
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Keep Confirmation: Don’t delete the confirmation SMS; it’s proof of payment.
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Check Balance: Ensure your mobile has enough credit for the SMS fee (AED 0.38).
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Avoid Scams: Only send SMS to 5566, the official Sharjah Municipality number.
Common Issues and Solutions
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No Confirmation SMS: Check your mobile balance or resend the message.
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Incorrect Format: Verify the format (e.g., SHJ 12345 1) and try again.
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Fines Received: If fined unfairly, contact Sharjah Municipality via their website or helpline.
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Session Not Extended: Reply “Y” before your session expires to avoid penalties.
Final Thoughts
The Sharjah Parking SMS service in 2025 is a lifesaver for anyone navigating the city’s busy streets. With a unified format, affordable fees, and compatibility with all major mobile networks, it’s the easiest way to pay for parking in Sharjah, Khor Fakkan, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, mastering this system helps you avoid fines and park with confidence. For extra convenience, consider using the Sharjah Digital app or subscription permits for frequent parking.
For more details, visit portal.shjmun.gov.ae or contact Sharjah Municipality’s helpline. Stay parked smartly, and enjoy hassle-free parking in Sharjah!
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