All You Need To Know About Parking In Sharjah: Charges, Zones & More

Sharjah is one of the most famous cities in the Middle East that attracts millions of tourists, guests, and expats each year. Many of them buy or rent a car to be comfortable when they go sightseeing, shopping, or working. 

Of course, one of the most critical problems of car owners in large cities like Sharjah is parking. Fortunately, this city offers modern, diverse parking options to its residents, expats, and tourists. 

Sharjah offers tens of thousands of parking spaces in different locations across the city. These parking spaces are well-managed by the Sharjah Municipality and can easily handle all the parking requirements of residents and guests.

The good news is that you can even find free parking zones in Sharjah. So, if you’re looking to find these zones, you’d better read this article. We’ll help you learn about different parking zones, payment methods, and other requirements to find an affordable option for your car.

Types of Parking Spaces in Sharjah

There are multiple parking spaces in Sharjah:

On-Street Parking

Just like many other cities in the world, you can find on-street parking spaces in Sharjah. These are the most common paid parking spots. The Sharjah Municipality has marked on-street parking spaces with blue and white curb lines.

You can find these parking zones along major roads and in neighborhoods like Al Majaz, Al Nahda, and Sharjah Corniche.

They have clear signage that includes fees, timings, and restrictions. On-street parking spaces are perfect for quick stops or short visits in Sharjah.

There are two types of on-street zones:

• Standard paid zones: These zones operate 08:00–22:00 from Saturday to Thursday. You can also use them as free parking spaces in Sharjah overnight (22:00–08:00) and all day Friday.

• Blue Zones: Blue zones are high-demand areas. They charge you 08:00–00:00 daily, even on weekends and holidays.

Public Parking Lots

If you’re looking for a parking space to stay for hours, it’s good to go for public parking lots. These are usually large parking spaces located near shopping malls, government organizations, and attractions like Al Qasba or Sharjah Aquarium.

In busy areas, you can’t easily find on-street parking spaces, but public lots are great options for these areas.

Multi-Storey Car Parks

In the city center and high-demand areas like Sharjah Corniche or Al Majaz Waterfront, you can find a more reliable parking option.

Multi-storey car parks provide secure and convenient parking spaces, especially during peak hours.

If you want to visit a place for a long period and want peace of mind, the multi-storey parking option is the best choice.

Residential Parking Zones

The residents of populated areas like Al Nahda might face difficulties when looking for a parking space. That’s why there are reserved spots for residents with permits. If you’re a non-resident and park in these zones, you might face fines.

No-Parking Zones

The Sharjah Municipality has clearly marked some areas where parking is prohibited. The main reason is to ensure smooth traffic flow or facilitate residents’ access to emergency services. Be careful when seeing the specific signage of no-parking zones to avoid fines.

Free Parking Zones

Last but not least, there are some free parking zones in Sharjah along with the free parking hours in paid zones.

Usually, in quieter residential areas or specific locations like Al Mazmar Beach Park and Al Noor Island, you can find these zones.

Although you don’t have to pay for these parking spaces, you have to pay attention to time restrictions.

Parking Times & Rates

Now, let’s see how much you need to pay to park your car in different areas in Sharjah. The following table compares different parking zones in Sharjah in terms of times and fees:

Zone Type	Paid Parking Hours	Hourly Rates	Daily Cap	Free Parking Windows
Standard Zones	Sat–Thu: 08:00–22:00	AED 2/hour	AED 15/day	22:00–08:00; All day Friday & Public Holidays
Blue (7-day) Zones	Daily: 08:00–00:00 (midnight)	AED 2–5/hour	AED 30/day	No free hours; Friday & holidays charged
Evening/Extended Zones	After 20:00 (selected areas)	AED 1–2/hour	AED 10/evening cap	Within the same zone’s rules
Al Dhaid & Kalba Zones	Sat–Thu: 08:00–22:00; Fri free	AED 2/hour	—	22:00–08:00; All day Friday

Airport Parking: Short-Term & Long-Term

Apart from the parking spaces in the city, Sharjah International Airport offers parking spaces specifically for travelers’ needs.

You can park your car there in two short-term and long-term options. You can find short-term parking spaces near the arrivals and departures terminals. You can use these spaces for quick drop-offs, pick-ups, or brief visits.

If you want to leave your car for a long period, long-term parking spaces are the best option for you. These parking spaces are slightly farther from the terminal, but don’t worry. There are shuttle buses for guests to avoid walking a long distance.

These parking zones might be more expensive than other types of parking spaces in Sharjah:

Duration	Charge (AED)
1 hr	16
2 hrs	27
3 hrs	37
4 hrs	48
5–24 hrs	11/hour (so 5 hrs ≈ AED 55)
Per additional day	AED 200/day
Over 30 days	AED 2,000 total
Lost ticket	+ AED 200 fine
Long-term (24 hrs)	AED 95/day
Additional day	AED 95/day
Over 30 days	AED 2,000 total

Both airport parking options in Sharjah are secure, so you can be sure about the safety of your car, no matter how long you want to leave your car.

These parking zones are equipped with modern amenities like baggage trolleys, elevators, and ramps for easy access.

Long-Term Parking Permits: Monthly, Semi-Annual, and More

Just like the long-term parking options in the Sharjah International Airport, you can use long-term subscription-based permits in the city if you’re a frequent parker.

Sharjah Municipality offers these parking permits to help residents save time and money, and respond to all types of needs.

Long-term parking options are ideal for residents, businesses, or regular visitors who want to park often in specific areas.

There are types of subscription options in Sharjah: 

1. Personal Subscription (Two Zones): This option allows you to park in two zones, which is perfect for those who frequently go to specific locations like Al Nahda or Al Majaz. Personal subscription will cost you AED 900 for 6 months. 

2. Personal Subscription (All Areas): This subscription gives you access to all public parking spots in Sharjah city. You should pay AED 1,750 for 6 months, so it’s only affordable when you want to go around a lot.

3. Business Subscription (All Areas): As the name suggests, this option is suitable for business owners and commercial vehicles that need flexible parking. It might be expensive for individuals, and the price starts at AED 1,050 for 3 months. 

4. Special Permits: Sharjah also offers subscriptions for special groups like retirees, students, Sharjah government employees, and people with disabilities. They can apply for discounted or free permits, which is a great advantage in a busy city like Sharjah.

To get these subscriptions, you’ll need your Emirates ID, vehicle registration, and tenancy contract. You can apply for it online via the Sharjah Municipality website or at a municipal center.

Parking Payment Methods in Sharjah

Sharjah offers a variety of convenient payment methods to suit different preferences. Here’s how you can pay for parking:

SMS Parking

SMS is the best method for quick parking payment. This is a cashless, hassle-free option and doesn’t need registration or any application. 

You just need to send an SMS to 5566 in the following format:

[Plate Code] [Plate Number] [Duration]

For example, if you send “SHJ 12345 1” to 5566, you can park for 1 hour in the parking space.

After sending the SMS, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS with your virtual permit. The good news is that you can easily extend it by replying “Y” to 5566. Remember that you have to send the SMS before your session expires. It’s also important to note that a 38-fils service charge applies per transaction.

Parking Meters

You can see parking meters in most paid parking zones in Sharjah. These tools accept cash or card payments.

The payment process is simple:

1. Park in a paid zone.
2. Go to the nearest meter.
3. Check fees/timings.
4. Pay by cash or card.
5. Select duration & confirm.
6. Place the ticket on the dashboard (if required).

Mobile Apps

Apps like “Sahl” or “Mawal” provide real-time parking availability in Sharjah. They also send reminders and digital payment receipts to simplify the payment process. They help you avoid fines and track your sessions.

Sharjah Airport Payments

Some payment methods are specifically for the Sharjah International Airport. The following table compares these parking payment methods:

Payment Method	How It Works	Options
Pay-on-foot kiosks	Use machines in parking zones	Cash, card, contactless (Apple Pay)
QR Code Payment	Scan the ticket QR code for online payment	Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay
Pre-booking	Reserve via the Sharjah Airport website	Online booking, guaranteed spot

Sharjah Municipality Website

Visit the website of Sharjah Municipality and go to the “Smart Service Page” to pay for subscriptions or check fines.

You need to log in and select “Public Parking Department Service,”. Then, follow the steps to process the payment.

If you have a vehicle from other emirates, like Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you need to check if your plate is registered with Sharjah’s system for SMS parking.

Sharjah Parking Fines

Remember that Sharjah has strict parking regulations, and if you break them, you’ll face legal consequences.

The following table summarizes the fines you have to pay if you violate these rules:

Violation	Fine (AED)
No valid ticket	150
Exceeding paid time	100
Blocking traffic / unsafe parking	200
Misusing the parking machine	500
Parking in disabled spots	1,000
Reserving space w/out a license	1,000
Washing the car in the parking lot	500
Parking in a reserved space	1,000
Covering signs/devices	500
Stopping on the roadside/pavement	500
Running parking lot w/out a license	5,000
No reservation permit	300
Using shop-front space illegally	1,000

Tips for Parking in Sharjah

You need to consider some norms when parking your car in Sharjah:

Check Signage Carefully

There are different parking signs in Sharjah. Always try to read parking signs and check their fees, timings, and restrictions. For example, blue signs are for seven-day zones, while other colors may offer free parking on Fridays.

Use Apps for Convenience

If you’re using parking spaces frequently, you’d better download the “Sahl” or “Mawal” app to find available spots and pay for them online. These apps send automatic reminders before your parking session expires, which helps you avoid fines.

Avoid Peak Hours

You must recognize peak hours and have plans for parking before going out. For example, commercial areas like Al Rolla Street get crowded from 8–10 AM and 5–7 PM. So, you’d better park outside these times or go for multi-storey car parks.

Keep Your Airport Parking Ticket Safe

If you lose your parking ticket at the airport, you must pay a AED 200 fine. So, try to store it securely to avoid extra charges.

Pre-Book Airport Parking

It’s recommended to reserve your parking spot online when you want to go to the Sharjah Airport to ensure availability. This is especially important when it comes to long-term periods or during busy travel hours.

Conclusion

Sharjah is a modern city, offering comfortable and safe services for parking. You can find a diverse set of paid and free parking options in the city and also at its airport. You must choose the type of your parking zone based on your needs. If you want to park for a short period, you can go for on-street parking spaces and use SMS for payment. If you’re a frequent visitor to a place located in the crowded areas, you’d better use apps and reserve a spot for your car. Remember to pay on time to avoid fines and pay attention to the reminders to extend your parking time if needed.

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