Sharjah Parking Timing | Guide to Parking in Sharjah

Sharjah is one of the most vibrant cities in the UAE, has a broad variety of residential zones, commercial hubs, as well as famous tourist attractions. As the city’s population continues to increase, so does the demand for convenient and efficient parking. If you’re a resident, tourist, or business owner, knowing Sharjah’s parking hours is vital to avoid parking tickets and ensure you’re not in a hurry to park your car.

We’ll give you an extensive guide on Sharjah Parking Timing, including everything from parking hours to charges and suggestions to make parking more enjoyable.

General Overview

Sharjah is well-established in its parking system with clear guidelines concerning parking hours. Parking in a majority of Sharjah is organised according to a specific schedule, ensuring an efficient flow of traffic while also accommodating the increasing population.

Sharjah’s Standard Parking Hours

Weekdays (Sunday to Thursday): Parking is usually charged between 8:00 am and 10:30 pm. Meters are in use during these times.
Weekends (Friday and Saturday): Free parking on Fridays is available in the majority of places; however, the parking meters remain in use on Saturdays, between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm.
Public Holidays: Times for public holidays can vary, and it is recommended to look at the Sharjah city’s municipal and the RTA websites to find any announcements or special announcements.

Parking timing systems are governed by automated machines and mobile apps, which make it simple for motorists to pay for parking online. Parking meters generally accept payment via coins, prepaid cards or mobile applications.

Sharjah Parking Timings & Fees Overview

Parking Zone	Operating Hours	Hourly Rate	Daily Rate	Weekend Rate	Payment Methods
Standard Zones (e.g., Al Majaz, Al Qasba)	Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday & Public Holidays: Free (except blue signage zones)	AED 2 – AED 4	AED 20 – AED 30	Free on Fridays	SMS, Sharjah Parking App, Parking Meters, Prepaid Parking Cards
Seven-Day Zones (e.g., Al Sharq, Industrial Areas)	7 Days a Week: 8:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight	AED 2 – AED 4	AED 20 – AED 30	Free on weekends	SMS, Sharjah Parking App, Parking Meters
Residential & Low-Traffic Areas (e.g., Al Nahda, Al Mareeja)	Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday & Public Holidays: Free (unless otherwise indicated)	AED 2 – AED 3	AED 15 – AED 25	Free on Fridays	SMS, Sharjah Parking App, Parking Meters
Shopping Malls (e.g., Sahara Centre, City Centre Sharjah)	Varies by mall: Free for 3-4 hours, then paid	Free for 3-4 hours	AED 20 – AED 30	Free on weekends	SMS, Sharjah Parking App, Parking Meters
Sharjah Airport (Short-term Parking)	24/7, hourly parking	AED 3 – AED 5	AED 25 – AED 40	Free after 10:00 PM	RTA App, Valet, Parking Meters
Sharjah Airport (Long-term Parking)	24/7, long-term parking	AED 2 – AED 4	AED 20 – AED 30	Free after 10:00 PM	RTA App, Valet, Parking Meters
Tourist Locations (e.g., Al Noor Island, Desert Park)	Varies by location: Free for 2-3 hours, then paid	Free for first 2-3 hours	AED 15 – AED 25	Free after 6:00 PM	Parking Meters, RTA App

Key Parking Zones in Sharjah

Sharjah is split into several important areas for parking, all of which have their parking schedules. Let’s look at the most crucial ones:

Central Parking Areas in Sharjah

The city’s central areas, including Al Majaz, Al Qasba, Al Khan, Al Nahda, and Al Sharq, offer a variety of free and paid parking, contingent on the time and location of the day. These areas are frequently visited by tourists and residents alike. It is therefore essential to know their exact timings.

Al Majaz: This area is renowned for its vibrant waterfront and family-friendly activities. Parking is usually paid between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. After that time, the parking is free; however, it is recommended to confirm this as some areas within Al Majaz might have restricted hours.
Al Qasba: Popular for eating and entertainment, Al Qasba features paid parking from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm. There is also no-cost parking in the evenings.
Al Khan: Located near the beach, Al Khan offers both paid and free parking. Parking is charged between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. Free parking is provided in the evening.
Al Nahda: A busy commercial and residential zone. The parking rules in Al Nahda are the same as those of central Sharjah. Parking that is paid for is enforced from 8:00 am until 10:15 pm.
Al Sharq: This area has several offices as well as commercial places. Parking is free throughout the day. You’ll also find parking meters on most of the streets.

Residential Areas

In residential areas, the parking times can differ according to the type of residential neighbourhood (e.g. apartments, condominiums and villas). Certain areas provide permit-based parking, where residents have to present a permit to be allowed parking during specific dates. This is how parking works for these types of zones.

Parking hours: Residential parking usually operates 24 hours per day, but it is possible to have parking restrictions at specific times, especially for guests.
Parking Permit: Visitors have to park in designated areas with permission from the residents or authorities. Be aware of these rules to avoid paying fines.

Parking in Popular Areas and Tourist Spots

Tourism-driven areas in Sharjah, like Al Noor Island, Sharjah Desert Park, as well as Al Majaz Waterfront, see high pedestrian traffic, particularly on weekends and during holidays. In these locations, parking is based on the same pattern:

Al Noor Island: This picturesque spot is limited in parking spots. Parking is available for free; however, it’s restricted to a short period in the peak tourist season.
Sharjah Desert Park: For those who visit this Desert Park, parking is easy and available for free; however, it is recommended to arrive early because the park is often crowded at weekends.
Al Majaz Waterfront: A well-known family attraction. The parking is free in peak times from 8:30 am until 10:00 pm, but it is free after that.

Sharjah Mall Parking Timings

Shopping malls form an integral element of Sharjah’s shopping landscape. With malls such as Sahara Centre, City Centre Sharjah and Mega Mall, parking could be a problem, especially during peak hours. This is what you need to be aware of when parking in these malls:

Mall Parking Timings and Fees

Sahara Centre: Parking is usually free for the first four hours, but after that, fees are charged. The mall can be full on weekends; therefore, it’s recommended to arrive early to reserve a space.
City Centre Sharjah: Free parking is provided for the first three hours, and there are fees for longer stay. Valet services to make your life easier at a cost.
Mega Mall: Paid parking is available on weekdays between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm. However, parking is available on weekends. Mega Mall also offers convenient underground parking.

It’s recommended to be there early, particularly on weekends, so that you can park near the entrances to save yourself the hassle of looking for a parking space.

Additional Mall Parking Tips

Short-Term Parking: For those visiting on weekdays, the majority of parking spaces are readily available. But parking spots can get crowded in peak shopping hours (usually between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm).
Long-Term Parking: Weekends are generally more crowded, so plan for longer parking hours. If you arrive early in the morning and later at night (after 7 pm) will give you the best chance of locating parking.

Sharjah Airport Parking Timings

For travelers flying into the direction at Sharjah International Airport, understanding the parking options at the airport is essential. The airport offers a range of parking options that are suitable for both longer and short-term stays.

Sharjah International Airport Parking

Short-Term Parking: Right just outside the airport, this parking space is charged for parking during the time of the day. The parking fee is typically priced per hour.
Long-Term Parking: To accommodate longer stays, it is possible to reserve long-term parking spaces, in which parking is less expensive, and options range from daily to 24-hour prices.

The parking in the parking lot at Sharjah Airport is accessible 24 hours a day. However, always be aware of any changes to prices or hours, particularly during peak travel times.

Airport Parking Tips

Valet service: Sharjah International Airport offers valet parking to passengers who are looking for an efficient alternative. This option is more costly, but provides added convenience.
Shuttle Service: This airport offers an unpaid shuttle service that connects various parking areas to make it easier for passengers to reach the terminal.

Sharjah Free Parking Zones

Sharjah has free parking, but they are typically restricted and usually only at certain times. Here’s a rundown of the locations that you can park for no cost:

Saturdays and Sundays: parking is typically at no cost on Fridays, notably in areas that aren’t near malls and bustling commercial streets.
Evenings: After 10:00 pm, Many parking spaces are free, allowing residents and tourists to park their vehicles without having to pay.

It’s always good to seek out these free areas, particularly in the event of more than a few days or in non-peak times.

Sharjah Parking Fees & Payment Methods

Understanding the structure of parking fees in Sharjah is vital to avoid any unexpected expenses. What you should expect to see:

Hourly and Daily Parking Fees

Hourly Parking Rates: Vary between AED 2 and four dollars per hour, dependent on the location.
Daily Parking Prices: For long-term parking at a cost per day between AED 20 and AED 30 is common in a variety of central locations.

Payment Methods

RTA Parking App: One of the easiest methods of payment for parking in Sharjah is to use the RTA Parking App. Park in the designated space and then open the app, and then pay for parking. The app will also send you reminders so that you don’t get penalised for staying too long.
Parking meters: In a variety of locations, you’ll see parking meters that allow you to pay with cash or a prepaid card.
SMS Payment: Certain zones also permit paying for parking using an SMS message to a specific number.

Monthly Parking Permits

Businesses or residents, Parking permits for monthly use can be an economical alternative. The permits are accessible throughout Sharjah, particularly in residential areas. They also permit parking for long periods.

Parking Tips in Sharjah

Here are some tips that will make parking in Sharjah easy and efficient:

Arrive Early: Parking spots in popular areas get crowded quickly, especially on holidays and weekends. Being early can increase your chances of securing a parking spot.
Check for Free Parking Times: If you’re trying to save money on parking, make use of the free parking hours, particularly during weekends.
Use Parking Apps: Parking apps do not just allow you to pay online, but also provide parking spaces in real-time.
Observe Parking Signs: Make sure you look over parking signs for any changes in time or regulations. Failure to adhere to parking rules could lead to penalties.
Long-Term Parking Solutions: For extended stays, consider ridesharing or public transportation to save money on parking.

Conclusion

Sharjah parking rules are fairly simple; however, understanding these rules is vital to ensure an easy parking experience. If you’re going to a mall, an airport, or simply parking in a residential area, adhering to the right timings for parking will help you avoid penalties and disappointment.

Take note of the parking areas and pay attention to the time restrictions to ensure your convenience and avoid costly expenses.

FAQ’s

What time is the parking to start in Sharjah?

Parking in Sharjah generally begins at 8:15 am and continues until 10:15 pm. Parking is free after these hours.

Are there free parking spaces in Sharjah?

Yes, there are no-cost parking spaces, particularly on the weekend (Fridays) or after 10:00 pm.

What is the cost of parking in Sharjah for an hour?

Parking charges typically vary from AED 2 to AED 4 per hr, dependent on the location.

What is the best way to be able to pay parking fees in Sharjah?

Pay with RTA’s RTA parking app as well as parking meters. You can also pay via SMS within certain areas.

Can I park overnight in Sharjah?

Parking is not free at certain times, generally after 10:00 pm. Be sure to read the parking regulations before leaving your car overnight.