Sharjah SMS Parking Guide 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Payment System
Looking for the easiest way to pay for parking in Sharjah? The SMS parking system has revolutionized how residents and visitors handle parking payments across the emirate. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Sharjah SMS parking format, timings, fees, and the latest updates for 2025.
How Sharjah SMS Parking Works (Quick Start Guide)
Sharjah SMS parking is the fastest way to pay for parking without coins, cards, or apps. Simply send a text message to 5566 from any UAE mobile network (Etisalat, du, or Virgin Mobile).
Quick SMS Example:
Send: shj 1234 2 To: 5566 Result: 2-hour parking for Sharjah plate SHJ 1234
Why Choose SMS Parking Sharjah?
- Instant activation – Works in under 10 seconds
- No app downloads required
- Available 24/7 across all Sharjah zones
- Works for all emirates – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman plates
- Multi-language support – Arabic and English
SMS Format & Step-by-Step Instructions
Standard Sharjah Parking SMS Format
The sharjah parking sms format follows this simple pattern:
[Emirate Code] [Plate Number] [Hours]

Complete SMS Format Examples:
Your Plate | SMS Format | Example |
---|---|---|
Sharjah plate | shj [number] [hours] | shj 12345 1 |
Dubai plate | dxb [number] [hours] | dxb 67890 2 |
Abu Dhabi plate | auh [number] [hours] | auh 54321 3 |
Ajman plate | ajm [number] [hours] | ajm 11111 1 |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
For Sharjah Plates:
- Open your SMS app
- Type:
shj [your plate number] [parking hours needed]
- Send to:
5566
- Wait for confirmation (usually 5-10 seconds)
- Save the confirmation message as proof
For Dubai Plates in Sharjah:
- Type:
dxb [your plate number] [parking hours]
- Send to:
5566
- Example: For Dubai plate 67890, send
dxb 67890 2
for 2 hours
Arabic SMS Format Option
To receive sharjah parking messages in Arabic, add ‘A’ before your message:
A shj 12345 2
This sends Arabic confirmations and instructions.
Latest Parking Timings & Free Hours in Sharjah
Current Sharjah Parking Hours (2025)
Sharjah parking timing varies by zone type:
Blue Zone Areas (Extended Hours):
- Paid Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight)
- Free Hours: 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM
- Days: Saturday to Thursday + Fridays
Regular Zone Areas:
- Paid Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Free Hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM
- Days: Saturday to Thursday only
Free Parking Days in Sharjah:
Day/Event | Blue Zones | Regular Zones |
---|---|---|
Fridays | Paid (8 AM-12 AM) | FREE |
Public Holidays | Paid (8 AM-12 AM) | FREE |
Eid Holidays | FREE | FREE |
UAE National Day | FREE | FREE |
Ramadan Parking Schedule:
- Special Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
- Extended evening hours to accommodate community needs
- Same SMS format applies during Ramadan
Tip: Always check the parking sign color – Blue signs indicate extended hours zones!
Parking Zones & Fee Structure
Sharjah Paid Parking Areas
Sharjah SMS parking covers these major zones:
Commercial & Business Districts:
- Al Majaz, Al Qasba, Rolla
- Central Souq, Corniche Road
- King Faisal Street, Al Khan
- Al Nahda, Bu Daniq
Residential Areas:
- Al Soor, Al Nabba, Al Mahata
- Al Shahaba, Al Musalla
- Maysaloon, Al Mareeja
- Halwan, Al Yarmouk
Industrial Zones:
- Industrial Area 4, 5, and 6
- Al Sajaa Industrial
- Warehouse districts
SMS Parking Fees (2025 Rates):
Duration | Fee (AED) | SMS Format Example |
---|---|---|
1 Hour | 2 AED | shj 12345 1 |
2 Hours | 5 AED | shj 12345 2 |
3 Hours | 8 AED | shj 12345 3 |
5 Hours | 12 AED | shj 12345 5 |
Maximum Duration: You can only book up to 5 hours per SMS. For longer parking, use subscription plans.
Zone-Based Pricing:
Some premium locations have different rates:
- Corniche & Al Qasba: 3 AED/hour
- Shopping centers: 2.50 AED/hour
- Residential areas: Standard rates apply
Cross-Emirates Parking Guide
Parking with Different Emirates Plates
Sharjah parking SMS accepts all UAE plates. Here’s how to pay:
Dubai Plate in Sharjah:
SMS: dxb [plate number] [hours] Example: dxb 12345 2 Send to: 5566
Abu Dhabi Plate in Sharjah:
SMS: auh [plate number] [hours] Example: auh 67890 1 Send to: 5566
Complete Emirates Code List:
Emirate | SMS Code | Example |
---|---|---|
Sharjah | shj | shj 12345 2 |
Dubai | dxb | dxb 67890 1 |
Abu Dhabi | auh | auh 54321 3 |
Ajman | ajm | ajm 11111 1 |
Ras Al Khaimah | rak | rak 99999 2 |
Fujairah | fuj | fuj 77777 1 |
Umm Al Quwain | uaq | uaq 55555 2 |
Non-GCC Plates Registration:
For non-private or international plates, register first:
- Visit shjmun.gov.ae
- Create username with plate details
- Use format:
[username] [hours]
- Example:
salem123 3
for 3 hours
Payment Methods & Subscription Plans
SMS Payment Options:
Mobile Network Billing:
- Etisalat: Deducted from balance/bill
- du: Charged to account
- Virgin Mobile: Prepaid/postpaid compatible
Alternative Payment Methods:
- Smart kiosks at major parking areas
- Sharjah Municipality app
- Credit/Debit cards at payment machines
Sharjah Parking Subscription Plans (2025):
Personal Vehicle Subscriptions:
Two Areas Coverage:
Duration | Cost | Monthly Savings |
---|---|---|
1 Month | 166 AED | 40% vs daily SMS |
3 Months | 500 AED | 45% vs daily SMS |
6 Months | 900 AED | 50% vs daily SMS |
12 Months | 1,700 AED | 55% vs daily SMS |
All Areas Coverage:
Duration | Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|
10 Days | 170 AED | Tourists |
30 Days | 390 AED | Monthly visitors |
3 Months | 850 AED | Seasonal workers |
12 Months | 2,300 AED | Daily commuters |
Commercial Vehicle Rates:
- 3 Months: 600-1,050 AED
- 6 Months: 1,100-1,750 AED
- 12 Months: 2,100-2,850 AED
How to Purchase Subscriptions:
- Online: Sharjah Municipality portal
- In-person: Customer service centers
- Phone: Municipality parking hotline
Parking Fines & Violation Guide
Common Sharjah Parking Violations:
Violation Type | Fine Amount | SMS Prevention |
---|---|---|
No valid ticket/SMS | 150 AED | Always send SMS first |
Overstaying time limit | 100 AED | Extend before expiry |
Wrong SMS format | 100 AED | Double-check format |
Blocking traffic | 200 AED | Park in designated spots |
Handicapped space misuse | 1,000 AED | Respect reserved spaces |
Reserved space parking | 1,000 AED | Check signage carefully |
How to Avoid Fines:
SMS Best Practices:
✅ Send SMS immediately upon parking
✅ Screenshot confirmation message
✅ Check plate number accuracy
✅ Verify zone requirements
✅ Extend before expiry
Fine Payment & Appeals:
- Pay online: Sharjah Municipality website
- Appeal process: Within 15 days of citation
- Required documents: SMS proof, Emirates ID, Mulkiya
SMS Confirmation Examples:
Successful Payment:
“Parking activated for SHJ12345 Duration: 2 hours Expires: 3:00 PM Zone: A1 Thank you – Sharjah Municipality”
Payment Failed:
“Invalid format. Use: shj [plate] [hours] Example: shj 12345 2”

Troubleshooting & FAQs
Common SMS Parking Issues:
“SMS Not Working” Solutions:
Problem: No confirmation received
- ✅ Check network signal strength
- ✅ Verify number: Send to 5566 only
- ✅ Check balance: Ensure sufficient credit
- ✅ Retry: Wait 30 seconds and resend
Problem: “Invalid format” error
- ✅ Check spelling: Use lowercase (shj, dxb)
- ✅ Include spaces: Between code, number, hours
- ✅ Plate accuracy: Match your registration exactly
Problem: Wrong zone charged
- ✅ Check signage: Verify zone code on parking sign
- ✅ Resend SMS: Cancel and send correct format
- ✅ Contact support: Municipality helpline
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I extend parking via SMS?
A: Yes! Send another SMS with the same format before your current session expires. The system automatically extends your time.
Q: What if I park for less than the paid time?
A: No refunds for unused time. Choose your parking duration carefully.
Q: Does SMS parking work during system maintenance?
A: Use alternative payment methods during announced maintenance windows.
Q: Can tourists use SMS parking?
A: Yes! Any UAE mobile number can use the system, including visitor SIMs.
Emergency Contacts:
- Sharjah Municipality: 800-SHARJAH
- Parking Helpline: 06-5566000
- SMS Support: Text HELP to 5566
Pro Tips for Smart SMS Parking
Save Money:
- Use subscriptions for regular parking
- Plan around free hours (evenings/nights)
- Avoid peak zones when possible
- Check holiday schedules for free parking
Maximize Convenience:
- Save SMS formats in phone templates
- Set reminders before expiry
- Screenshot confirmations for records
- Use Arabic option if preferred
Stay Updated:
- Follow Sharjah Municipality social media
- Subscribe to SMS alerts for changes
- Bookmark municipality parking portal
- Join community parking groups
Conclusion: Master Sharjah SMS Parking in 2025
Sharjah SMS parking offers the most convenient way to handle parking payments across the emirate. With instant activation, support for all UAE plates, and 24/7 availability, it’s become the preferred method for millions of residents and visitors.
Key Takeaways:
- Use format:
[emirate code] [plate number] [hours]
- Send to 5566 from any UAE mobile network
- Free parking available on Fridays (regular zones) and holidays
- Maximum 5-hour duration per SMS
- Consider subscriptions for regular users
Stay compliant, save time, and enjoy hassle-free parking throughout Sharjah with these SMS parking guidelines. For the latest updates and changes, always refer to official Sharjah Municipality communications.
Need a rental car for exploring Sharjah? Check reliable car rental options to make your UAE journey even more convenient.
This guide is regularly updated with the latest Sharjah parking regulations and SMS format changes. Bookmark this page for quick reference.