Sharjah Parking SMS is a mobile-based payment service operated by Sharjah Municipality that allows motorists to pay for public parking without using a parking meter. Drivers send their vehicle registration details to 5566 and receive a text message containing their virtual parking permit.
The service is very handy, especially when parking near residential and commercial streets as well as the municipal parking areas throughout the emirate. But the message should be sent in the proper format, the vehicle should be properly registered for the payment and the driver must receive a confirmation before proceeding to trust the payment.
How to Pay for Sharjah Parking by SMS
With the standard payment process, you will need the following details: the source of the vehicle, the registration number and the parking time that you need.
SMS PARKING DETAILS
Send your SMS to
5566
Example for a Sharjah-registered vehicle
SHJ 5215 1
Example: one hour of parking
Replace the example plate number with your actual vehicle registration details. The final number indicates the requested duration in hours.
Follow these steps to pay:
- Park in a municipal public parking space that accepts SMS payment.
- Check the parking sign for the applicable tariff and operating conditions.
- Open your phone’s messaging application and enter the correct plate details.
- Send the message to 5566.
- Wait for the confirmation SMS and check the permit details before leaving your vehicle.
Sharjah Municipality says that the confirmation message includes the details of the virtual permit. Save this message until the end of your Parking Session.
What Is the Correct Sharjah Parking SMS Format?
The message’s structure is as follows:
Plate source Plate number Duration
Individual parts are designed for specific functions.
- Plate source: The code identifies the emirate or country that issued the vehicle registration.
- Plate number: Enter the registration number shown on the vehicle’s plate.
- Duration: Specify the requested parking period using the duration accepted by the service.
For example, a vehicle with a Sharjah plate numbered 5215 would use SHJ 5215 1 for a one-hour request.
The municipality has published its FAQ, which includes requests for 1,2,3 and 5 hours. In their service instructions, however, it does say something about the SMS permit being a one-hour reservation. However, the official information is not uniform, so always make sure to get the latest information from the service before depending on a longer booking.
Plate codes for different emirates
Do not use the code for the other emirate that you are usually in, but for the one that matches the vehicle’s registration.
| Plate registration source | SMS code |
|---|---|
| Sharjah | SHJ |
| Dubai | DXB |
| Abu Dhabi | AUH |
| Ajman | AJM |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK |
| Fujairah | FUJ |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ |
The codes are displayed in the Sharjah Municipality SMS parking instructions.
For instance, if a car is registered in Dubai, it will be specified as DXB and not SHJ in the application for a Sharjah parking permit. The rest of the message is in the same format.
How to receive the confirmation in Arabic
If the instructions are in Arabic, users can put the letter A as the first character at the beginning of the message.
For example:
A SHJ 5215 1
Send it to 5566. The first letter is still in Arabic and the following vehicle code, registration number and period remain correct.
Sharjah Parking SMS Fees
As per Sharjah Municipality’s terms & FAQ, the service charges the applicable parking tariff along with a 38-fils transaction fee for each SMS. The transaction fee is in addition to the parking fee.
The municipality quotes the following sample charges:
| Parking duration | Parking tariff | SMS transaction fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | AED 2.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 2.38 |
| 2 hours | AED 5.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 5.38 |
| 3 hours | AED 8.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 8.38 |
| 5 hours | AED 12.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 12.38 |
The Sharjah Municipality published its SMS parking Faq. These are examples of tariffs listed; check the rate for the parking time period you will be using.
When considering SMS payments vs a parking meter, the final cost is an important consideration. In the case of an SMS permit, for instance, the cost is AED 2.38 per hour, while the parking fee for the same amount of time at an automatic toll booth is AED 2.00.
Prepaid mobile customers should also have sufficient credit to pay for both charges. Postpaid users will incur it through the mobile account in terms of the service.
How to Extend a Sharjah Parking SMS Permit
If the driver requires more parking time, he can avail Sharjah Municipality’s SMS renewal service. The service will deliver a reminder about 10 minutes before the permit is up.
To request an extension:
- Wait for the parking reminder message.
- Before your existing permit expires, send Y to 5566.
- Wait for the extension confirmation.
- Check the new expiry time in the reply.
The municipality’s rules state the extension application must be submitted prior to the conclusion of the existing parking session. Don’t presume anything because you sent the message – check for confirmation.
A renewal message should not be confused with proof of the previously completed parking session. Review the applicable parking conditions and address any outstanding violation on a case-by-case basis.
Sharjah Parking Timings and Free Parking Days
The paid public parking hours have been updated in Sharjah from 1 July 2026. The City of Sharjah extended the paid parking time in Sharjah City, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, which was earlier limited to a specific time period, until midnight across Sharjah City.
The current general schedule is:
- Paid parking hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
- Fridays and official public holidays: Parking is generally free in zones that follow the standard schedule.
- Exceptions: Designated parking zones that charge throughout the week, including public holidays, remain chargeable on those days.
The blue parking signs show parking areas with charges all week long (Fridays included and public holidays included). The free-day rules do not apply in every zone; always follow the sign on the parking space you will be parking in.
The operating times indicate when parking fees are in effect, but not that all parking spaces offer the same tariff or payment method. Some smart parking lots are self-operated.
Who Can Use the SMS Parking Service?
According to the published terms of Sharjah Municipality, mobile operators supported by the Municipality for SMS service are Etisalat and du. Service is available for prepaid and postpaid accounts, depending on the requirements and allowed balance.
Registration Procedures Vary by Registration Type of Vehicle.
| Vehicle registration | Registration requirement |
|---|---|
| Private plate registered in a UAE emirate | Registration is not required for the standard SMS service |
| Non-private UAE plate | Register with the municipal SMS parking system first |
| GCC-country plate | Register with the municipal SMS parking system first |
Registration will be done via the Sharjah Municipality Parking Portal. A new user registration process is followed on the portal and once registered, users can use the portal and manage the eligible vehicle details.
It is significant for drivers of commercial, non-private, or GCC-registered vehicles. A properly formatted SMS message is NOT a substitute for account registration.
What to Do If Sharjah Parking SMS Does Not Work
A failed transaction does not mean that parking was paid. Common problems that may cause the request to fail are incorrect message formats and inadequate prepaid balance at Sharjah Municipality.
Before attempting again, check the following:
- Incorrect plate code: Make sure the code matches the vehicle’s registration source.
- Missing spaces: Follow the prescribed format, separating the plate source, number and duration.
- Insufficient credit: Ensure your prepaid mobile account can cover the parking tariff and transaction fee.
- Registration issue: Confirm that non-private UAE and GCC plates have completed the required registration.
- No confirmation received: Do not assume the permit is active until the service confirms the transaction.
Confirmations usually reach the municipality within 60 seconds, the municipality says. If the answer is not received or the transaction is not successful, don’t count on an unconfirmed request, but use the official channels of support.
How to get help from Sharjah Municipality
These are the options you can find in the municipality’s published SMS parking FAQ:
- SMS help: Send help to 5566.
- Municipality call centre: 993.
- SMS parking registration and enquiries: 06 514 5244.
The addresses are available in the parking service information of the municipality.
Can You Pay for Sharjah Parking Without SMS?
Yes. SMS is one of multiple types of payment methods that are provided for public parking by a municipality. Other options include parking meters, qualifying prepaid parking cards and digital parking services.
This will depend on the type of parking facility and the payment options that are offered at the parking site.
If you would like to pay for parking at the meter, there are parking meters available. The Sharjah Municipality’s parking services description also indicates that prepaid parking cards are available for the purchase of parking tickets.
The municipality also offers smart parking services for those who like to use their mobile phones for managing their journeys. The municipality has launched the application Mawqef for payment of public parking fees, parking enquiry and payment, as well as parking-related functions.
SMS will always be a simple choice when the vehicle is available, the message format is understood and a confirmation is received.
Conclusion
By sending a properly formatted message to 5566, eligible motorists can pay for public parking in the Sharjah Municipality. The key factors are a valid plate code, mobile balance, the length of time and a valid virtual permit.
Check the confirmation and expiry time before leaving your vehicle. Look at the parking sign to check the tariff, hours and any seven-day parking rules. These checks will help you not have to place your trust on an unsuccessful payment or outdated knowledge of the parking laws in Sharjah.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMS number for Sharjah parking?
The parking number is the official SMS number: 5566. Provide a vehicle plate source, vehicle registration and duration in the approved format.
What is the Sharjah Parking SMS format for one hour?
For a Sharjah-registered vehicle with plate number 5215, the example format is SHJ 5215 1. Send it to 5566 and wait for confirmation.
How much does Sharjah parking cost by SMS?
The municipality quotes AED 2.38 for one hour, AED 5.38 for two hours, AED 8.38 for three hours and AED 12.38 for five hours. These totals refer to the 38 fils SMS transaction fee listed. Check with the current service the tariff and the period of the service.
Can I extend my Sharjah parking ticket by SMS?
Yes. According to the municipality’s directions, you are to submit the Y to 5566 before the permit expires. Look at the confirmation message to see the new expiration date.
Is Sharjah parking free on Friday?
The normal free day parking schedule applies to most parking zones on Fridays. Exceptions include designated zones which are open 7 days a week, including official holidays.
Do Dubai-registered cars need a different SMS code?
Yes. Use DXB for a Dubai-registered vehicle instead of SHJ. The plate source code must match the vehicle’s registration, regardless of where you park.
Do I need to register before using Sharjah Parking SMS?
The normal service is available for private vehicles registered in any of the seven emirates in the UAE. Non-private UAE plates and GCC country plates are required to be registered via the municipal parking portal.
What should I do if I receive a parking fine after paying by SMS?
Confirm via SMS that it is for the period of the alleged violation. If you feel the fine was issued on an invalid permit or incorrectly, then reach out to Sharjah Municipality on 993 to raise a dispute. The municipality holds the parking database and reviews it when they investigate such cases, it says.
