To pay for Sharjah SMS parking, send a text message to the code 5566. The correct format is [Plate Source] [Plate Number] [Hours]. For a local plate parking for one hour, the message would be SHJ XXXX 1. This service simplifies virtual parking payments across the entire emirate.
Quick Actions: Pay for Your Parking
Step 1: Find Your Code: Locate your plate source code (e.g., SHJ for Sharjah, DXB for Dubai).
Step 2: Format Your SMS: Type [Code] [Plate No.] [Hours] (e.g., SHJ 12345 1).
Step 3: Send to 5566: Send the message and wait for the confirmation text, which acts as your virtual permit.
How to Pay for Parking with SMS in Sharjah? (Step-by-Step)
Using the Sharjah SMS parking service, known as mParking, is the most convenient way to pay in all paid zones. The system is straightforward and works with all UAE mobile networks (Etisalat, du, and Virgin Mobile).
Step 1: Compose the correct SMS format
Open a new text message on your mobile phone. You must type your message in a specific format, which includes three parts separated by a space:
- Plate Source: The abbreviation for the emirate your car is registered in.
- Plate Number: Your vehicle’s plate number.
- Duration: The number of hours you wish to park (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 5).
The standard format is: PlateSource PlateNumber Hours
Step 2: Send the message to 5566
The universal Sharjah parking code for SMS payments is 5566. Double-check your message for accuracy, especially the plate number, and send it.
Example for a Sharjah plate: SHJ 12345 1 (This requests 1 hour of parking for Sharjah plate 12345).
Step 3: Receive your confirmation
After a few moments, you will receive an SMS reply confirming your parking details. This message is your virtual permit; you do not need to display anything on your dashboard.
The confirmation will include your virtual ticket details and the expiry time.
Understanding the 10-minute reminder
The system automatically sends a reminder SMS 10 minutes before your parking session expires. This gives you enough time to either return to your vehicle or extend your parking session by replying Y to the reminder, which adds one more hour.
Sharjah Parking SMS Format for Other Emirates
The mParking system is unified, allowing you to pay for parking regardless of which emirate your car is registered in. You simply need to change the plate source code.
Standard plate source codes
Use the following codes in the first part of your SMS.
| Emirate | Plate Source Code | SMS Example (for 1 hour) |
| Sharjah | SHJ | SHJ 12345 1 |
| 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 |
Update for Khor Fakkan parking
Since March 2025, the SMS system has been unified. You no longer need to use the old “KH” code for Khor Fakkan. All parking zones within the emirate, including Khor Fakkan, now use the standard SHJ code.
Non-private and GCC plates
Vehicles with non-private plates or those registered in other GCC countries may need to first register their account via the Sharjah Municipality website to create a username (nickname) before using the SMS service.
Sharjah Parking Timings 2026
Parking fees apply during specific hours, which vary by zone. It is crucial to check the signage in your parking area.
New “Blue Zone” timings
In 2026, many busy commercial areas now feature “Blue Zone” parking signs. Parking in these zones is paid 7 days a week, including public holidays.
- Paid Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight)
- Days: Saturday to Friday (including public holidays)
Standard zone timings
Most other paid parking zones in Sharjah follow the original schedule.
- Paid Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight), since 1 July 2026 (previously 10:00 PM)
- Days: Saturday to Thursday
Friday & public holiday parking
Parking in standard zones is free on Fridays and during official public holidays.
However, Blue Zones are an exception. You must pay for parking in Blue Zones on Fridays and public holidays, adhering to the 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM schedule.
Ramadan parking hours
In Ramadan 2026, paid hours in standard zones were 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight), Saturday to Thursday, with Fridays free except in blue 7-day zones. Timings are announced again each Ramadan.
Fees and Costs for Sharjah SMS Parking
Understanding the costs involves two parts: the parking tariff set by the municipality and the service fee charged by your mobile provider.
Parking tariff per hour
The fee is deducted from your phone’s balance or added to your post-paid bill.
| Duration | Fee (AED) |
| 1 Hour | 2 AED |
| 2 Hours | 5 AED |
| 3 Hours | 8 AED |
| 5 Hours | 12 AED |
The SMS service charge
In addition to the parking tariff, your mobile provider (Etisalat, du, or Virgin) will add a non-refundable service charge for sending the SMS. This fee is typically 38 fils (0.38 AED) per message.
Pro Tip: Check Your Plate Code
Always double-check your plate source code (e.g.,
DXBfor Dubai) before sending. Sending the wrong code (likeSHJfor a Dubai plate) or an incorrect plate number will result in a failed payment and a potential fine for non-payment.
Sharjah Parking Subscription Cards (Season Permits)
For residents and frequent visitors, Sharjah Municipality offers long-term parking subscriptions, which provide significant savings compared to hourly rates.
Personal subscription rates
These permits are for privately owned vehicles.
| Duration | Two Areas | All Areas (Sharjah City) |
| 1 Month | 166 AED | 390 AED |
| 3 Months | 500 AED | 850 AED |
| 6 Months | 900 AED | 1,400 AED |
| 12 Months | 1,700 AED | 2,300 AED |
Commercial subscription rates
These permits are for company-owned vehicles.
| Duration | Two Areas | All Areas (Sharjah City) |
| 3 Months | 600 AED | 1,050 AED |
| 6 Months | 1,100 AED | 1,750 AED |
| 12 Months | 2,100 AED | 2,850 AED |
Official Sharjah Parking Fines and Violations 2026
The PPD enforces strict regulations. Fines are issued for non-compliance.
| Violation Description | Fine (AED) |
| Payment Errors | |
| Exceeding time limit / overstaying time on ticket | 100 |
| Failure to purchase and display a valid ticket | 150 |
| Obstruction & Nuisance | |
| Obstructing vehicular movement | 200 |
| Misuse of ticketing machine or parking facility | 500 |
| Washing cars in a public parking area | 500 |
| Vehicle stops on the side of the road or pavement | 500 |
| Reserved Space Violations | |
| Parking in handicapped spots (without permit) | 1,000 |
| Reservation of a parking space without a license | 1,000 |
| Parking in a reserved parking space | 1,000 |
Full List of Paid Parking Zones in Sharjah
The PPD manages 66 designated paid parking zones. Always check for signs in these areas.
- AL KHAN 1 & 2
- Al-Majaz-1, 2 & 3
- Industrial Area (Multiple)
- AL Nahda 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
- Al-Sheyookh
- MUWAILEH COMMERCIAL (Multiple)
- Abu Shagarah
- Al-Showaihiyeen
- Maysaloon
- Al Abar
- Bu-Tina
- Samnan
- Al Budaniq
- Central Souq
- Um Altaraffa
- Al Darari commercial
- Al Dhaid
- Kalba
- WAREHOUSES LANDS 1 & 2
- Al Fisht
- Khorfakkan
- Al Ghuwair
- Al Jubail
- Al Khezamia
- Al Layyeh
- Al Mahatah
- Al Manakh
- Al Mamzar
- Al Meraijah
- Al Musalla
- Al Nabaah
- Al Nad
- Al Nasserya
- Al Qulayaah
- Al Ramtha
- Al Rifaah
- Al Ruqa Al Hmra
- Al Shahba
- Al Soor
- Al ghubaiba
- Al yarmook
- Al-Majarah
Disclaimer: All fees, timings, and fines are accurate but are subject to change by Sharjah Municipality. Always obey the local signage.
Final Thoughts
The Sharjah SMS parking system (mParking) is an efficient tool for drivers. By sending a simple text to 5566, you can easily pay for parking from anywhere. Always remember to check the new Blue Zone timings, especially on Fridays, and use the correct plate source code to avoid fines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the SMS number for Sharjah parking?
The official Sharjah parking SMS number is 5566. This code is used for all mParking payments, regardless of your mobile provider (Etisalat, du, or Virgin).
2. How do I pay for Sharjah parking with a Dubai plate?
To pay with a Dubai plate, use the DXB source code. Send an SMS to 5566 with the format: DXB [YourPlateNumber] [Hours]. For example: DXB 12345 1.
3. Is parking free in Sharjah on Fridays?
Parking is free on Fridays and public holidays only in the standard zones (paid Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM – 12 AM). In “Blue Zones” (7-day zones, 8 AM – 12 AM), parking is paid 7 days a week, including Fridays.
4. What is the new Sharjah parking time?
Since 1 July 2026, standard zones across Sharjah, Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid are paid from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Midnight), Saturday to Thursday. “Blue Zones” are paid over the same hours seven days a week.
Last updated: October 2026
Reviewed by: Fahad Al-Mutawa, UAE Transport Specialist
More guides you may need
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
DubaiHowto is an independent informational platform created to help UAE residents and visitors understand everyday services such as public transport, telecom, government procedures, visas, fines, and utility systems.
Our editorial team researches and verifies content using official UAE sources (including government portals, service providers, and regulatory authorities) and real on-ground experience of living in the UAE. Each guide is written to be practical, easy to understand, and regularly updated to reflect the latest rules, fees, and procedures.
We focus on clarity, accuracy, and usefulness — especially for people navigating UAE systems for the first time. Learn More about DubaiHowto.
Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers