Parking in dense city areas can be very difficult. People who drive often require coins to find a parking machine, or fear of being ticketed. To address these issues, Sharjah Municipality introduced the Sharjah Parking SMS system.
The smart technology allows motorists to pay for parking with their smartphones. This eliminates the need for papers ticket or parking meters. Parking time is digitally recorded within the municipal system, which makes parking much easier for both visitors and residents.
Sharjah Parking SMS helps reduce congestion, reduces travel time, and also supports Sharjah’s Smart City vision.
How Sharjah Parking SMS Works
Sharjah Parking SMS is designed to be easy and quick. Drivers can send an SMS with their parking and vehicle details, and the system will register the parking promptly.
The fee for parking is taken from the balance on your mobile, and a confirmation text is sent out as proof of parking.
Basic Concept
The system utilizes your balance from mobile phones to cover parking fees. If you make an SMS that contains your vehicle’s plate number along with the parking zone and the time, it will be sent directly into Sharjah Municipality.
After approval, you will get a confirmation text that serves as your digital 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.
Sharjah Parking SMS Format
Making sure that the right format is used for your SMS is crucial. The incorrect format of messages could block parking.
Standard SMS Format
PlateNumber ZoneCode Duration
Example
SHJ123 123A 2
Explanation:
- SHJ123 – Vehicle plate number
- code for parking zone 123A (shown on signs)
- 2 – Parking duration in hours
Once you have sent the message Wait until you receive a confirmation email prior to leaving your vehicle.
Related Blog: Sharjah Muroor Timings Guide & Vehicle Registration
Parking Zone Codes in Sharjah
The codes for parking zones are posted on the white and blue signage near parking areas. Every zone is assigned a unique code that is based on the location.
The standard zone as well asthe premium zones have various parking fees.
Always confirm the zone number before sending an SMS.
Parking Duration Rules
- Parking time minimum: 1 hour
- Maximum time for parking: up to 5 hours for SMS (depends on the location)
- It is possible to extend the parking time via a text message before expiration.
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.
đź“Ś 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
Be sure to enter the code for your emirate, for example,e SHJ. Never enter just numbers.
Incorrect Zone Code
Make sure you double-check the zone number on the signboard for parking prior to sending an SMS.
No Confirmation Message
Verify your balance on your mobile and coverage on the network. If you don’t receive confirmation Send your SMS.
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
Sharjah Parking SMS has made parking more convenient, speedier, and more secure for visitors and residents alike. By sending a single SM, S motorists can pay for parking, extend their time, and avoid penalties.
The service is in line with Sharjah’s Smart City goals and offers a smooth parkingexperience without the need for cash or paper tickets. Knowing the proper format for SMS as well as zone codes and parking regulations will allow you to park with confidence anywhere within Sharjah.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Sharjah Parking SMS?
Sharjah Parking SMS is an intelligent parking payment system that was introduced by Sharjah Municipality, which allows motorists to pay for parking charges through SMS messages sent via their phone, instead of coins or even parking machines.
2. What is the best way to pay for parking by using Sharjah Parking via SMS?
For parking payment, pay for parking, text 5566 with your car plate number, the parking zone’s code, and the parking time. You’ll receive an email confirmation that functions as your parking ticket digitally.
3. What is the right text format to use that is suitable for Sharjah parking?
The most common SMS Format is
PlateNumber ZoneCode Duration
Example: SHJ123 123A 2
That means that car SHJ123 has been parked in zone 123A for 2 hours.
4. Which mobile network supports Sharjah parking SMS?
Sharjah Parking SMS works on Etisalat and Du mobile networks. This service does not wwork withinternational SIM cards.
5. Which number should I text my parking message?
The entire Sharjah park SMS need to be sent to 5566 so that you can effectively sign up for your parking.
6. How much does Sharjah SMS parking cost?
The cost of parking is based on the area and the duration. The standard zones begin at AED 2 an hour, the premium zones are priced at AED 3 an hour with a modest telecom cost that ranges from 30-50 fils for each SMS.
7. Do I have the option of extending my parking hours using text messages?
You can prolong the duration of your parking by sending a second SMS witha similar format, before the existing parking period expires. A confirmation that includes an updated expiry date will be given.
8. What do you do when I didn’t get an SMS confirmation?
If you aren’t receiving an acknowledgement message, verify your mobile’s balance and your network signal. If you need to, try resending the SMS. The validity of parking will be confirmed once confirmation has been received.
9. What are the parking timings in Sharjah?
The hours of paid parking in Sharjah typically run from Saturday through Thursday, from 8:00 am to 10:15 pm. The parking is usually free on Saturdays, Fridays, and holidays, with the exception of certain areas.
10. Are tourists able to use Sharjah Parking SMS?
Visitors can make use of Sharjah Parking SMS only if they ownan UAE SIM card. Anyone who does not have an international SIM should make use of parking machines or other payment methods.
Last modified: January 19, 2026
