Ajman parking timing is generally divided into paid and free periods for public parking. Charges are typically due during the main charge period, and most of the time parking is free during the break or on other days or public holidays. Depending on the classification of the parking area, some may have other rules.
Regular parking fees begin at AED 1 for 30 minutes, and drivers will be able to pay using various options, including SMS. It is important to verify the parking sign prior to departing the vehicle, because parking conditions change, and special parking areas, seasonal arrangements, and temporary changes are different.
Ajman Parking Timing During the Week
The week has been split into two paid parking sessions for standard public parking. The first is from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM and has a free afternoon window. Charges are picked up at 5:00 PM and usually collected at 10:00 PM.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
| Saturday | Paid, 8 AM–1 PM | Free, 1 PM–5 PM | Paid, 5 PM–10 PM |
| Sunday | Paid, 8 AM–1 PM | Free, 1 PM–5 PM | Paid, 5 PM–10 PM |
| Monday | Paid, 8 AM–1 PM | Free, 1 PM–5 PM | Paid, 5 PM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | Paid, 8 AM–1 PM | Free, 1 PM–5 PM | Paid, 5 PM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | Paid, 8 AM–1 PM | Free, 1 PM–5 PM | Paid, 5 PM–10 PM |
| Thursday | Paid, 8 AM–1 PM | Free, 1 PM–5 PM | Paid, 5 PM–10 PM |
| Friday | Generally free | Generally free | Generally free |
This split time is important because if a car is already in a paid time period when it parks at 4:30 PM, it may be allowed to move to a paid time period if it remains parked after 5:00 PM. Similarly, if a vehicle is left after 10:00 pm, it is usually not in the standard paid window; however, the sign placed at the site must be checked.
When Is Parking Free in Ajman?
The time window is free every day from Saturday to Thursday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Parking is also generally free on Fridays and public holidays, except for holidays declared by the municipality, and although there are also special parking facilities, the conditions are different.
Treatment for public holidays may vary from time to time. To name a few, Ajman waived fees for paid parking from May 26 to May 29, 2026, in compliance with Eid Al Adha, and will resume normal operations on May 30, 2026. The municipality also declared that on June 15, 2026, there will be a parking exemption throughout the city for the Hijri New Year holiday.
That’s the reason why it’s too general to write a permanent statement like “parking is always free on every public holiday”. The conservative approach would be to check the latest holiday notice in the municipality and the sign at your parking space.
Ajman Parking Fees
According to the official page of the service on the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, a normal ticket costs AED 1 for 30 minutes and AED 2 for one hour. The same governmental page states that VIP Parking is available at AED 3 for half an hour and AED 6 for an hour.
The published tariff of the Municipality follows the same hourly progression for longer, regular stays:
| Parking duration | Regular fee |
| 30 minutes | AED 1 |
| 1 hour | AED 2 |
| 1.5 hours | AED 3 |
| 2 hours | AED 4 |
| 2.5 hours | AED 5 |
| 3 hours | AED 6 |
| 3.5 hours | AED 7 |
| 4 hours | AED 8 |
| 4.5 hours | AED 9 |
| 5 hours | AED 10 |
The official service page also offers long-term tickets of AED 100 for 10 days, AED 200 for 20 days, and AED 300 for 30 days. Annual cards and cards of other subscription periods have different eligibility and pricing rules.
Comparing app or SMS payments is important, and the tariff is relevant. The base parking fee does not include any telecommunications surcharge, which is part of an SMS transaction.
How to Pay for Parking in Ajman
The digital parking system of the Ajman Municipality offers digital parking services, including SMS payment. It uses the MPDA mobile application and SMS number 5155 as submission channels for its official parking-reservation service.
The municipality’s published brochure indicates that the message should be sent to 5155 with the vehicle’s plate source, plate category, and plate number for SMS payment. The example format for an Ajman plate is AJM B 0123. The driver is sent a confirmation message with the electronic ticket information.
The municipality’s services page charges the one-hour SMS use at AED 2.38, through du or Etisalat. Gulf News also reports that SMS parking involves a telecom charge on top of a parking charge.
SMS parking steps
- Look at the sign and verify that the space is a paid parking space.
- Use the necessary plate information to prepare the SMS and send it to the plate no. 5155.
- Please wait for the confirmation message and verify the expiry of the ticket before leaving the vehicle.
The official brochure also describes how the extension process works: If the ticket is about to expire, the user can answer ‘Y’ to 5155 to request an extension of the booking.
Which Areas Have Paid Parking?
The City of Ajman has added new regulated paid parking areas to its paid parking network. Ajman Municipality has announced 1263 paid spaces in June 2025 at four locations: Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Street (near Garden City Towers), Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Nuaimi Street (near Ajman Pearl Towers), Al Baraa bin Malik Street, Osama bin Zaid Street.
This is helpful to see because it explains why drivers should not presume that all streets that were once clear of obstacles are now clear. Parking control measures can be implemented or expanded in designated streets based on the municipality’s demand and traffic management plans.
Hence, the term paid parking in Ajman does not indicate that all the roadside parking bays in Ajman are necessarily paid. Before deciding if a payment is required, check the signage for the parking sign, payment machine, etc. Please check the signage for the parking sign or payment machine before deciding whether payment is required. The UAE Government particularly recommends that motorists take advantage of the data that is being displayed on parking stations.
Special Areas and Different Parking Rules
Not all parking spots need to be considered a regular street parking spot. Although the city’s regular parking timing program has an evening paid session, some spots, especially close to parks, might provide free parking from 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM, reported Gulf News.
This is one factor that makes it seem like there is some confusion regarding the parking time at Ajman. A description of the standard hours of operation may be included in a city-wide summary, and a location-specific notice may include different hours.
The normal schedule can also be disrupted by seasonal schedules. During Ramadan 2026, for example, Ajman used a different paid-parking arrangement, with reported paid periods from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 8:00 PM to midnight.
The general guideline is to stick to the regular timing and check the local sign whenever you park in a special zone, near a park, or during Ramadan or a public holiday. This makes it easier to apply Ajman parking timing, as it is assumed that not all bays are the same.
What Happens If You Park During Paid Hours Without Payment?
Failing to park with a valid payment in a parking period may lead to an offence known as a parking violation. Motorists who park cars on UAE government land can be fined for parking violations and are referred to information on the parking facility, according to the UAE government.
The frequent error made is checking an older timetable from a website and not the current sign. When looking for Ajman parking timing before travelling, consider the timetable as a guideline only and the signs on the parking bay as a last resort.
Another error is that it assumes that once an SMS is sent, the ticket is active. The official SMS system gives a confirmation message containing the details of the electronic ticket, making it important to verify the confirmation.
How to Avoid Parking Problems
There are a few precautions that can make the process a lot safer:
- Read the sign first. Then read the words. Clarify paid hours, category, and any local restrictions before departing.
- Check the confirmation SMS. Check that plate information and expiration date are accurate.
- Recheck during holidays or Ramadan. An alternative timetable may be employed in the event of a temporary timetable.
- Do not assume nearby bays follow the same rule. Terms and conditions may vary in a special zone, VIP space, or park-side area.
The official service page of the municipality also confirms that a free parking card is available to those of determination and senior Emiratis under certain conditions, and that environmentally friendly parking cards are also available for free. Eligibility requirements apply.
Conclusion
Ajman parking timing follows a clear schedule for most public parking spaces, helping drivers know when charges apply and when parking is free. The cost and availability of parking vary according to length of time and type of parking, and the options for paying, including SMS, make it easier to pay without cash.
Check the parking sign before leaving your car to see the rules, fees and restrictions. This is particularly helpful in special parking areas and during public holidays or the month of Ramadan, when new parking instructions can be in effect. Parking properly will help you to avoid unnecessary tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ajman parking free on Friday?
Yes, Friday is a free parking day at the normal public parking lot. Be sure to look for local signs, though, that may have special parking regulations.
What are the paid parking hours in Ajman?
Parking begins at 8:00 am and runs through 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Is parking free between 1 PM and 5 PM?
Yes, the regular public parking schedule has a designated free time between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
How much is one hour of parking in Ajman?
Normal parking rates are AED 2 per hour. There is an SMS charge of AED 2.38 per hour for an SMS payment.
What number is used for Ajman SMS parking?
Use the official SMS parking number of Ajman Municipality, 5155, to request parking.
What is the Ajman SMS parking format?
The normal format is the parking source, followed by the category of the parking plate and the plate number (AJM B 0123), sent to 5155.
Can I extend an Ajman parking ticket by SMS?
Yes. Use the SMS service to reply Y to 5155 and extend your parking ticket.
Are public holidays free for parking in Ajman?
Ajman may waive parking fees on specific public holidays. Note that exemptions may differ for each holiday and date; please refer to the latest official announcement.
Does every Ajman parking space follow the same schedule?
No. VIP spaces, special areas, or park-side parking hours, fees, or conditions may vary.
Where can I verify the parking rules?
Look at the parking sign in the parking spot immediately before leaving your vehicle. Local parking rules and services are the responsibility of Ajman Municipality.
