What happened?
Parkin has launched its first smart paid parking system in Sharjah through a strategic partnership with master developer Arada at Aljada.
Who is affected?
Residents, visitors, shoppers, and businesses within the Aljada community.
Why does it matter?
The rollout introduces ticketless parking, digital payments and improved parking management as Aljada continues to grow into one of the UAE’s largest mixed-use communities.
Drivers visiting or living in Aljada will now experience a new way to park. Parkin Company PJSC has officially launched a smart paid parking system across selected areas of Arada’s flagship Sharjah community, making it the company’s first operational expansion outside Dubai.
The system, which went live on 15 July 2026, uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology to create a completely ticketless parking experience. According to Parkin and Arada, the initiative aims to improve parking availability, reduce congestion, and support the growing needs of one of the UAE’s fastest-developing urban destinations.
What is changing at Aljada’s parking facilities?
The new parking system covers selected on-street, off-street, and retail parking areas across Aljada.
Instead of paper tickets or physical barriers, cameras automatically recognise vehicle number plates when drivers enter and leave designated parking zones. Payments can then be completed through Parkin’s existing digital channels.
According to Parkin, residents with allocated parking spaces under their property agreements will continue using their designated parking, while additional visitor and public parking will fall under the new paid parking system.
The move is designed to simplify parking while ensuring spaces remain available for residents, visitors and businesses operating within the community.
How much does parking cost at Aljada?
Parkin has announced different tariffs depending on the parking location.
On-street parking (East Boulevard)
- AED 6.30 per hour (including VAT)
- Available 24 hours a day
Off-street parking and designated parking lots
- AED 4.20 per hour (including VAT)
- Charging hours: 8 am to midnight
Retail parking at The Boulevard, Tiraz, and Misk
- First two hours free
- AED 10 per hour after the free period
Residents who qualify can also purchase seasonal subscriptions through Parkin’s digital platform, while visitors can use the company’s existing payment methods.
Why is this partnership significant for Parkin and Arada?
The launch represents more than just a new parking system—it is an important milestone in Parkin’s long-term growth strategy.
Earlier this year, Parkin and Arada signed a long-term agreement to introduce smart parking across Aljada in multiple phases. The partnership is expected to see Parkin manage up to 9,900 parking spaces across the development by 2030.
It also marks Parkin’s first expansion beyond Dubai, reflecting the company’s ambition to extend its technology-driven parking platform into large master-planned communities across the UAE.
For Arada, the partnership supports its vision of creating a modern, digitally connected community with infrastructure that keeps pace with Aljada’s rapid growth.
Why is Aljada introducing smart parking now?
Aljada has evolved into one of Sharjah’s largest mixed-use developments, attracting thousands of residents, office workers, students and visitors every day.
The community includes homes, retail outlets, restaurants, schools, entertainment venues and office spaces, resulting in growing demand for organised parking.
Introducing a smart parking system helps manage vehicle movement more efficiently while reducing the time drivers spend searching for available spaces.
The technology also enables real-time monitoring and more effective use of parking resources, making the overall visitor experience smoother as the community continues to expand.
What does this mean for the future of smart mobility in the UAE?
The Aljada rollout reflects a wider trend across the UAE, where cities are increasingly adopting digital mobility solutions to improve everyday services.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology has already become a familiar feature across many parking facilities in Dubai, eliminating physical tickets and speeding up entry and exit.
By bringing the same technology to Sharjah through a large-scale residential community, Parkin is extending smart mobility solutions beyond traditional public parking operations.
The company has also indicated that investments will continue as additional parking facilities are introduced across Aljada over the coming years, supporting both population growth and future commercial activity.
Why It Matters
The new system brings several practical benefits for residents and visitors:
- Faster parking experience through ticketless entry and exit.
- Better parking availability with improved space management.
- Convenient digital payments using Parkin’s existing platforms.
- Support for Aljada’s growth as more homes, offices and retail spaces open.
- Expansion of smart mobility solutions beyond Dubai into other UAE communities.
For businesses operating within Aljada, organised parking can also improve accessibility for customers and visitors.
FAQs
When did Parkin’s paid parking system start at Aljada?
The smart parking system officially became operational on 15 July 2026.
Is parking free anywhere in Aljada?
Yes. Visitors parking at selected retail locations, including The Boulevard, Tiraz and Misk, receive the first two hours free before hourly charges apply.
How do drivers pay for parking?
Payments can be made through Parkin’s digital payment channels, while eligible residents can manage subscriptions through the Parkin platform.
Will residents lose their allocated parking spaces?
No. Existing parking allocations included in residents’ Sale and Purchase Agreements or Title Deeds remain unchanged.
Is this Parkin’s first project outside Dubai?
Yes. The Aljada partnership marks Parkin’s first operational expansion into Sharjah and its first major project outside Dubai.
Parkin’s arrival at Aljada marks another step in the UAE’s shift towards smarter mobility and digital infrastructure. With ticketless parking, flexible payment options and phased expansion plans, the new system is designed to improve convenience for everyone using one of Sharjah’s fastest-growing communities. As Aljada continues to develop over the coming years, smart parking is expected to become an increasingly important part of everyday life.
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