Sharjah has streamlined its parking system by introducing a unified SMS payment format across all cities in the Emirates. This initiative aims to enhance the public parking experience, making it more seamless and efficient for motorists.
How to Use the Unified SMS Parking System
To utilize Sharjah’s SMS parking service, follow these simple steps:
- Compose an SMS: Type your vehicle’s plate source, plate number, and desired parking duration in hours, separated by spaces.
- Format:
[Plate Source] [Plate Number] [Duration in hours] - Example: For a Sharjah-registered vehicle with plate number 12345, wishing to park for 2 hours:
- Format:
- Send the SMS: Send the composed message to 5566.
- Receive Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation SMS detailing your parking session’s start and end times.
Plate Source Codes
Ensure you use the correct abbreviation for your vehicle’s registration emirate:
- SHJ: Sharjah
- DXB: Dubai
- AUH: Abu Dhabi
- AJM: Ajman
- FUJ: Fujairah
- UAQ: Umm Al Quwain
- RAK: Ras Al Khaimah
For example, a Dubai-registered vehicle with plate number 67890, parking for 3 hours, would send:
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DXB 67890 3
Service Charges
Each SMS sent to 5566 incurs a service charge of 38 files, in addition to the standard parking fees. Ensure you have sufficient balance if you’re using a prepaid mobile plan to avoid transaction failures.
Parking Timings and Zones
Sharjah’s paid parking operates under the following schedule:
- General Areas: Saturday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Parking is free on Fridays and public holidays.
- Seven-Day Zones (Blue Signs): Daily, 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, including Fridays and public holidays.
These seven-day zones are typically located in high-demand areas and are clearly marked with blue information signs. Motorists should remain attentive to these indicators to ensure compliance and avoid fines.
Extending Parking Duration
To extend your parking session:
- You will receive a reminder SMS 10 minutes before your parking expires.
- To extend for another hour, simply reply with “Y” to 5566.
- A confirmation message will be sent, indicating the new expiration time.
This feature allows for seamless extensions without the need to return to your vehicle or locate a payment machine.
Alternative Payment Methods
While the SMS system offers convenience, Sharjah Municipality also provides other payment options:
- Parking Meters: Traditional machines accepting coins ranging from AED 1 to AED 5.
- Mobile Applications: The ‘Mawqef’ app enables users to pay parking fees, check and settle fines, and locate parking zones via interactive maps.
- Online Portal: Payments can be made through the Sharjah Municipality’s official website, offering services like parking subscriptions and fine inquiries.
Parking Subscription Options
For frequent parkers, Sharjah Municipality offers subscription packages:
- Personal Subscriptions: Allow individuals to park in all public parking spots or select areas within Sharjah City.
- Business Subscriptions: Designed for companies, these permits enable employees to utilize public parking spaces, with options for specific zones or city-wide access.
Registration for Non-Private or GCC Plate Numbers
Vehicles with non-private or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country plate numbers are required to register for the SMS parking service before usage. Users can register through the Sharjah Municipality’s website and add multiple vehicles to their account for seamless parking fee payments.
Sharjah’s unified SMS parking payment system reflects the emirate’s commitment to leveraging technology for public convenience. By standardizing the process and offering multiple payment avenues, the municipality ensures that residents and visitors can manage their parking needs efficiently. As always, stay informed about parking regulations and use official channels for the most accurate information.
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