Introduction
Parking in large urban areas can be a nightmare, as it may require the driver to have a wallet full of coins, search for vending machines, or fear a fine. In order to address this, Sharjah Municipality developed a smart SMS parking system. Which enables drivers to pay for their parking in a quick and secure manner with their mobile phones. This is a convenient service to the residents and has been very useful to the visitors who might not be conversant with the conventional modes of parking.
You can use a text message to a special number to notify them, and the parking time is automatically registered in the system of the municipality, instead of attaching a piece of paper to your car, which bears a ticket. This guarantees peace of mind, limits the degree of hassle and assists in ensuring that the traffic runs well.
Functionality of Sharjah Parking SMS
Basic Concept
The system is developed in such a way that drivers can use the phone balance to pay. In case you are sending an SMS showing the car plate number, the parking area, and time, the data is directly forwarded to Sharjah Municipality. A confirmation message is sent back to you that serves as your online parking ticket.
Steps for Using the Service
- Park your vehicle in a paid parking place in Sharjah.
- Look at the number of the zone printed on the signboard by your parking space.
- Open your phone’s SMS app
- Write down the message in the right format.
- Send the message to 5566.
- Wait until the confirmation message comes.
- This message will contain your car number, the time of p, parking, and he time of expiry.
SMS Format and Structure
Standard SMS Format
An official SMS form of Sharjah parking is:
Plate Number
 from Zone Number Duration
Example:
 SHJ123 123A 2
SHJ123 → Your car’s plate number
123A = code of parking zone (on signboards)
2 → Number of hours that you would like to park.
Related Blog: Sharjah Muroor Timings Guide & Vehicle Registration
Zone Numbers and Codes
The signboards that show the zone numbers are located close to parking meters in blue and white. Such codes are necessary since each area you are parked in has different codes, that is, premium and standard zones.
Duration Options
- Minimum: 1 hour
- Maximum: Up to 5 hours per SMS (Depends on the zone)
Renewal: You may extend with another message before expiry.
Sharjah Parking SMS Number
- The SMS must always be sent to 5566.
- Has collaborations with Etisalat and du.
- A small telecom fee (3050 fils) is added to the parking fee with each SMS.
Parking Fees
Sharjah Parking Charges
| Duration | Normal Zone | Premium Zone |
| 1 hour | AED 2 | AED 3 |
| 2 hours | AED 5 | AED 8 |
| 3 hours | AED 7 | AED 11 |
| 5 hours | AED 12 | AED 17 |
| 24 hours | AED 20 | AED 30 |
Additional Telecom Fees
Every SMS includes a small operator fee. Normally, this is around 30–50 fils per SMS.
📌 Table: Sharjah SMS Parking Charges
| Zone Type | 1 Hour | 2 Hours | 3 Hours | 5 Hours |
| Standard | AED 2 | AED 5 | AED 8 | AED 12 |
| Premium | AED 3 | AED 7 | AED 10 | AED 15 |
Advantages of Sharjah Parking SMS
Convenience
No coin carrying or walking to a ticket machine.
Flexibility
Parking can be extended anywhere; be it at home, the office ,or even during a meal.
Fine Avoidance
As you have the confirmation with the expiry time, you can remind yourself to avoid late fines.
Smart City Integration
This is one of the systems of Sharjah’s digital transformation, and the decrease in paper consumption and the encouragement of environmentally friendly options.
How to Park: Extension of the Parking time using SMS
You do not have to hurry up to your vehicle when your parking time is approaching expiry. Just reply with another SMS of the same format with your automobile number, zone, and new time.
Example:
 SHJ123 123A 1
 → This will increase parking by 1 hour.
Common Errors and Solutions
Invalid Plate Number
Make sure that you have added the code of the emirate (e.g., SHJ 123, not only 123).
Wrong Zone Code
Check again the code on the signboard. There might be varying codes in each street.
No Confirmation SMS
- Check your mobile balance.
- Proper format was employed.
- In case of non-receipt, make another attempt or call Sharjah Municipality.
Rules and Regulations
Timings of Paid Parking
- Saturday to Thursday: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Fridays and public holidays: Free parking (except special areas)
Maximum Duration
- The vast majority of the zones permit 5 hours per SMS.
- In certain high-end locations, restrictions can be made.
Must Visit: Sharjah Muroor Traffic Department for Residents and Visitors
Comparison with Other Emirates’ Parking SMS Systems
Format Table for Different Emirates
| Emirate | Code | Example SMS | Meaning |
| Sharjah | SHJ | SHJ 12345 2 | Sharjah plate for 2 hours |
| Dubai | DXB | DXB 67890 3 | Dubai plate for 3 hours |
| Abu Dhabi | AUH | AUH 54321 1 | Abu Dhabi plate for 1 hour |
| Ajman | AJM | AJM 4321 2 | Ajman plate for 2 hours |
| Fujairah | FUJ | FUJ 678 1 | Fujairah plate for 1 hour |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK | RAK 1234 2 | RAK plate for 2 hours |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ | UAQ 5555 1 | UAQ plate for 1 hour |
All SMS must be sent to 5566
Sharjah Parking Subscription Options
If you are a frequent driver in Sharjah, you can opt for a monthly or seasonal subscription instead of paying daily.
1. Personal Subscription
- For private car owners.
- Valid for specific areas/zones.
2. Seasonal Subscription
- Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or yearly.
- Great for office employees who park daily.
3. Special Subscription
- For companies with multiple vehicles.
- Saves cost for corporate fleets.
4. Airport Parking Subscription
- Special packages available for Sharjah Airport users.
- Valid from 24 hours to 30 days.
Sharjah Parking Fines
Failing to comply with parking rules may result in fines.
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
| No parking ticket/permit | 150 |
| Exceeding paid time | 100 |
| Parking in a prohibited area | 200 |
| Double parking | 200 |
| Parking on pavement/sidewalk | 200 |
| Blocking the emergency exit | 500 |
Advice on Drivers who use SMS parking
- Copy the SMS format of your car in your mobile phone as a template.
- This is because you should always look at your balance before parking.
- Parking is renewed 10 minutes before expiry to avoid fines.
- Check on holidays when there are no charges for parking.
Conclusion
The Sharjah Parking SMS service has entirely changed the process by which residents and visitors undertake parking. It is quick, depend able and does not require the use of coins or paper tickets. In a single SMS, you can reserve your parking space, end your time, and save money in terms of fines. This program is also in line with the vision of Sharjah as a modern smart city, which will streamline the everyday life of the people on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Q1: How many people should I send my SMS to in Sharjah?
 A: Always send to 5566.
Q2: I want to know whether my parking is guaranteed.
 A: You will be notified with a reception of an SMS confirmation plate number, zone and expiry time.
Q3: Is it possible to have one mobile number across various cars?
 A: Yes, then you will always have to put the proper plate number.
Q4: What will happen to me in case I key in the wrong plate number?
 A: The system will accommodate it; however, the wrong car will be registered. Always double-check.
Q5: Does it have SMS parking 24/7 in Sharjah?
 A: No, not at all, at the paid parking time (8 AM 10 PM).
Q6: Is it possible to use SMS parking for tourists?
 A: Yes, provided that they possess a UAE SIM card.
Q7: Do they charge any additional fee for SMS parking?
 A: Yes, telecom operators charge approximately 3050 files per SMS.
Last modified: October 8, 2025
