Sharjah Parking SMS: Your Ultimate Guide to Paying with 5566
Paying for parking in Sharjah is now easier than ever with the convenient SMS service. Simply send an SMS with your vehicle’s plate details and desired duration to the number 5566 to instantly secure your parking spot. This hassle-free system eliminates the need to search for coins or wait at payment machines, allowing you to manage your parking directly from your mobile phone. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step breakdown of the Sharjah parking SMS service, including fees, timings, and other essential details to ensure you park smart and avoid fines.
Why Use SMS for Parking in Sharjah?
In a bustling emirate like Sharjah, convenience is key. The SMS parking system is designed to make your life simpler.
- No More Coins: Forget the frantic search for loose change. Your parking fee is charged directly to your mobile credit or post-paid bill.
- Instant Confirmation: Receive a virtual permit via SMS within seconds, serving as your proof of payment.
- Extend Remotely: Running late in a meeting? You can easily extend your parking duration with a simple reply, without having to return to your vehicle.
- Wide Coverage: The service is available to all Etisalat by e& and du (including Virgin Mobile) users in the UAE.
How to Pay for Sharjah Parking via SMS: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process is straightforward. Just follow this format to create your parking SMS.
The Sharjah Parking SMS Format
Open a new text message on your phone and type the following information, separated by spaces:
[Plate Source] [Plate Number] [Duration in hours]
Here’s a real-world example for a Sharjah-registered vehicle with plate number 45678, parking for one hour:
SHJ 45678 1
Pro Tip: For Arabic users, simply start the message with the letter ‘A’. For example:
A SHJ 45678 1
The SMS Number: 5566
Once your message is formatted correctly, send it to the official Sharjah parking number: 5566.
What Happens Next? (The Confirmation)
After sending the SMS, you will receive a confirmation message that acts as your virtual parking ticket. This message is your proof of payment, so don’t delete it. You will not receive a physical ticket to display on your dashboard.
Essential Sharjah Parking Information
To use the service effectively, you need to be aware of the official timings and fees.
Paid Parking Timings
Parking fees are applicable during the following hours:
- Days: Saturday to Thursday
- Time: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Parking is generally free on Fridays and public holidays. However, always check the blue signboards in certain zones, as they may have fees applicable 7 days a week.
Sharjah Parking Fees
The cost of parking is calculated per hour, with a small service fee for using the SMS payment method.
| Duration | Parking Fee (AED) | Total with SMS Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | AED 2.00 | AED 2.38 |
| 2 Hours | AED 5.00 | AED 5.38 |
| 3 Hours | AED 8.00 | AED 8.38 |
| 5 Hours | AED 12.00 | AED 12.38 |
Note: The SMS service itself costs 38 fils, which is included in the total amount shown above.
How to Extend Your Parking Time
About 10 minutes before your parking session expires, you will receive a reminder SMS. To extend your parking for another hour, simply reply to that message with the letter “Y”.
Parking in Sharjah with Non-Sharjah Plates
The SMS service works seamlessly for vehicles registered in other emirates. You just need to use the correct plate source code.
| Emirate | Plate Source Code | Example SMS (Plate 12345, 1 Hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | DXB | DXB 12345 1 |
| Abu Dhabi | AUH | AUH 12345 1 |
| Ajman | AJM | AJM 12345 1 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK | RAK 12345 1 |
| Fujairah | FUJ | FUJ 12345 1 |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ | UAQ 12345 1 |
Beyond SMS: Other Ways to Pay for Parking
While SMS is highly convenient, the Sharjah City Municipality provides several other payment options.
- Parking Meters: Traditional coin-operated machines are still widely available.
- Website/App: You can pay fees or manage subscriptions through the official Sharjah Municipality website or the “Digital Sharjah” app.
- Bank Account: Direct debit options are available for paying for long-term parking subscriptions.
Long-Term Solutions: Sharjah Parking Subscriptions
For residents or frequent visitors, a parking subscription offers a cost-effective way to manage parking fees. These subscriptions allow you to use public parking spaces in one or two specified zones.
Personal Parking Subscription Fees (Annual)
| Subscription Type | Fee for 1 Zone (AED) | Fee for 2 Zones (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Months | 850 | 1,600 |
| 6 Months | 1,400 | 2,500 |
| 12 Months | 2,300 | 4,150 |
Living and Driving in the Emirates
Efficient city services like the Sharjah parking SMS system are a huge advantage for residents across the UAE. This level of convenience simplifies daily commutes and makes exploring different neighborhoods much easier. If you’re currently looking for a new home, having such streamlined city services can be a significant factor when browsing properties for rent in Dubai or considering a long-term investment from the available properties for sale in Dubai. Understanding these systems is key, much like getting to grips with other essential city functions, as detailed in our guide to understanding Ejari in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Sharjah parking SMS number?
The official number to send your parking payment SMS to is 5566.
2. How do I pay for parking in Sharjah for a Dubai-plated car?
Use the plate source code “DXB”. For example, for a Dubai car with plate number 98765 parking for 2 hours, the SMS would be: DXB 98765 2.
3. What are the paid parking times in Sharjah for 2025?
Paid parking in Sharjah runs from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, from Saturday to Thursday. Fridays and public holidays are typically free, but always check local signboards.
4. How much is the fine for not paying for parking in Sharjah?
The fine for failing to pay for parking is AED 150. It’s far more cost-effective to use the simple SMS service.
5. Can I get a yearly parking subscription in Sharjah?
Yes, the Sharjah Municipality offers 3-month, 6-month, and annual parking subscriptions for both personal and commercial use, providing significant savings for regular users.
