Knowing the SMS format, the vehicle registration code, and the payment procedure makes paying for public parking in Sharjah very easy. Sharjah Parking SMS service lets legal drivers purchase a virtual parking permit with a UAE mobile cell number without heading to the parking meter. This service is provided by Sharjah Municipality and has a short code of 5566.
To pay, please send your vehicle’s registration emirate code, plate number, and the parking length to 5566. Sharjah-registered private vehicles (12345) can request 1-hour parking by sending SHJ 12345 1. Please check your confirmation message to see if your payment has been accepted and your permit is valid.
How to Pay Sharjah Parking by SMS
The SMS payment process enables drivers who are eligible to pay directly from their mobile phones. It’s important to enter the right registration information, choose an approved length of time, and confirm the registration before leaving the car.
Step 1: Check Your Parking Zone
Always look at the parking sign or information board close to the parking space first. Ensure it is a public parking bay, that it is accessible via Sharjah Municipality’s SMS service, and that any restrictions, operating hours, or special conditions are noted.
Be aware that not all parking facilities have the same payment system. Some smart parking systems and other restricted private car parks may have alternative payment systems.
Step 2: Write the Correct SMS
Go into the messaging window on your phone and type the following:
Plate source, plate number, duration
If your plate number is Sharjah 12345 and the time was 1 hour, write:
Message to send
SHJ 12345 1
Send to
5566
Copy example SMS
Use the actual plate number and the correct code for the emirate where the plate was issued, instead of 12345 and SHJ, respectively. The last number is the desired length of time to park in hours.
Step 3: Send the Message to 5566
Use a UAE-supported mobile number to send the prepared message to 5566. It is offered officially for eligible Etisalat and Du prepaid and postpaid customers.
Prepaid customers need to have sufficient mobile credit to pay the parking fee and the SMS transaction fee. If the balance is not enough, the transaction might not be able to be completed.
Step 4: Check the Confirmation Message
Once you’ve made your request, wait for the parking service to respond. The confirmation should include the virtual permit information, including information that can be used to identify the vehicle and the validity of the permit.
According to Sharjah Municipality, the confirmation is received within 60 seconds, typically. Don’t assume that the parking payment was successful if no confirmation arrives. Look for an error message, and if there is one, call the municipality.
Wait till the parking session is over before discarding the confirmation SMS. It will help confirm the expiry time and answer a payment/enforcement enquiry.
Sharjah Parking SMS Codes for All Emirates
You can use the SMS parking service with eligible private vehicle plates registered in different UAE emirates. The code on the plate indicates the issuing emirate, rather than the city you are parking in.
| Vehicle registration emirate | SMS code | Example for one 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 |
These are the abbreviations that can be found in the municipality’s SMS parking instructions.
For instance, if you have a Dubai-registered car, driving in a Sharjah public parking area, enter the code “DXB”, then enter your Dubai plate number and the duration. Please don’t go into Sharjah just because you are parking in SHJ.
Does Khor Fakkan Use a Different Parking Code?
Sharjah Municipality (SM) announced in March 2025 that there will be no separate KH city code for the unified SMS format. The standard plate-source format can be used in the emirate, including Khor Fakkan.
This is important because the old online instructions might still list KH as an extra code. Adhere to the current municipal guidelines and not the previous example.
Sharjah Parking SMS charges
Total SMS cost for parking is the parking charge plus the SMS charge. These are additional fees.
The SMS transaction fee from Sharjah Municipality for sending SMS to 5566 is 38 fils per SMS. The examples published in this service show how service charges are added to the parking charge.
| Parking duration | Published parking tariff example | SMS transaction fee | Example total |
| 1 hour | AED 2.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 2.38 |
| 2 hours | AED 5.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 5.38 |
| 3 hours | AED 8.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 8.38 |
| 5 hours | AED 12.00 | AED 0.38 | AED 12.38 |
Important: These are examples of what is listed on the municipal FAQ, not a promise of the tariff at each parking spot today. Verify the parking signs in the neighborhood and the change received from the parking lot before using these figures.
How the SMS Fee Works
The 38-fils fee will not be an extra hour of parking; it is simply a service transaction fee. An additional SMS charge may apply if you send another SMS to extend your session.
When determining the budget, keep in mind the advertised parking amount, as well as any transaction fee and any other charges that are clearly displayed by the service. Don’t just use parking duration to calculate the total.
Sharjah SMS Parking Duration and Extensions
According to the instructions published by Sharjah Municipality, parking is allowed for 1, 2, 3, or 5 hours. There is some conflicting language on some official pages, however, with respect to the allowed time length, such as references to ‘1-hour bookings’. To determine the length of service response, check the current service response.
How to Extend Your Parking Time
SMS may be available to extend the session if you need to park for more than one session.
The following process is described in the municipality’s instructions:
- For the reminder message, check that it normally arrives 10 minutes before the permit expires.
- If you need more time before the expiry, press Y on 5566.
- Check the new expiry time and wait for the extension confirmation.
Even if you sent the letter, the extension isn’t complete. The important evidence to note is the confirmation message that the request was completed.
What Happens If You Miss the Expiry Time?
The fact that a late extension was made does not automatically mean that it applies to dates following the expiration of the original permit. If necessary, send a new valid parking request, follow the parking services, and make sure your vehicle is on the parking permit.
If you will be away for a few hours, set a phone reminder before the expiration time. This is especially helpful when at appointments, shopping, or working in a hectic commercial environment.
Registration Requirements for SMS Parking
The service is not available to all vehicles without registration first. Sharjah Municipality is differentiating between the UAE-registered private plates and other plates.
| Vehicle type | Registration requirement |
| Private plate registered in a UAE emirate | Generally no prior registration required |
| Non-private UAE plate | Registration required |
| GCC-country plate | Registration required |
You can register using the official service website. The service is available to registered users, who can register vehicles and use the service based on the conditions that apply.
How to Register a Vehicle
For vehicles with non-private UAE plates or plates from any of the GCC countries, you can start the registration process on the official Sharjah Municipality Parking Portal.
Complete the registration process, enter the required information, and activate the account. The municipality also provides telephone support for registration enquiries: 06 514 5244.
Use the vehicle details that are linked to the vehicle you are actually parking in. When driving a rental or company car, don’t assume that the same SMS you used to drive a different car will apply to this car.
Mobile Networks and Payment Requirements
In the official terms of service, both Etisalat and du are listed as supported mobile operators. Both prepaid and postpaid users can use the service, subject to the applicable requirements.
In order to pay for parking and the transaction charge, there will need to be enough funds on prepaid accounts. This may be deducted from their mobile bill for postpaid customers.
Before sending your request, check that your phone can send SMS messages, your account is active, and you have entered the correct destination number. A message from an unsupported number or the wrong details can lead to no valid permit.
In case you are not one of the two mobile operators listed by the municipality, please check with the mobile operator if you can use SMS payment.
Sharjah Parking Timings and Paid Parking Zones
Parking fees are dependent on the zone and rules that are posted within the zone. The sign next to the parking space must be consulted, and it must not be assumed that all public parking bays operate on the same schedule.
Sharjah has launched paid parking options in specific zones, available every day of the week, including Fridays, and on public holidays. Parking information signs with a blue color indicate these areas. Other zones may be in operation at different times.
When you need to depart your car, inspect the following:
- The days and hours during which parking fees will apply.
- If the zone is open every day of the week.
- The longest allowed parking time.
- Any restrictions, reserved spaces and special permit requirements.
Payment of parking by SMS is no substitute for a parking restriction. If the fee is paid, for instance, it doesn’t grant permission to park in a reserved spot or a spot where parking is not allowed.
Is parking free on Fridays?
There are some public parking areas in Sharjah that will provide free parking on Fridays, but this is not applicable to all locations. Seven-day paid parking areas can continue to charge on Fridays and during public holidays.
Before using a parking spot, be sure to read the signs at the exact spot first before deciding whether to pay or not. Don’t solely use a general timetable that has been published for other neighbourhoods.
Does the Same Schedule Apply Across Sharjah?
No. The emirate offers various parking solutions such as ordinary public spaces, seven-day paid parking areas, and smart parking areas.
The parking fee, payment, and time allowed may vary based on the parking facility. If the signs/payment instructions call for a separate procedure, do that one and not the standard SMS procedure.
Common Sharjah Parking SMS Errors
There are various reasons why an SMS transaction may be unsuccessful: it may be due to incorrect vehicle details, an insufficient amount of mobile credit, a registration problem, or a message formatting error. Carefully reviewing these aspects before sending the request can ensure that it does not get delayed.
| Problem | What to check |
| No confirmation received | Check your mobile signal, the sent message, and any incoming error reply |
| Incorrect plate details | Verify the issuing emirate code and actual plate number |
| Transaction failed | Check prepaid credit and account eligibility |
| Vehicle cannot be registered | Confirm the plate category and registration requirements |
| Extension not confirmed | Check the original expiry time and await the reply |
| Parking fine received despite payment | Keep the SMS confirmation and contact the municipality |
Incorrect SMS Format
All the service needs is the plate source followed by the number and the duration of parking. The space may be missing, or the emirate code may be wrong, or the duration may not be recognized, which can result in a transaction failure.
Sharjah private plate numbers are in the format SHJ 12345 1 (example), where you replace the sample number with your plate number.
Insufficient Mobile Balance
For prepaid users, they must have enough credit to cover the parking fee and the transaction fee. A transaction-failed message is likely if your balance is too low for the transaction.
Review your available credit before sending a further request. If you don’t know what the status of the first transaction was, check the messages thoroughly to ensure that you don’t make an unnecessary double payment.
No Confirmation Message
The sending of a message does not mean that parking has been paid. Normally it takes 60 seconds until confirmation is received, and this can be impacted by issues with the mobile network or transaction.
In case of no confirmation, see if you got an error message and recheck the status of the transaction via the official service channels provided. NEVER consider a pending or unconfirmed request as proof of payment.
What to Do If You Receive a Parking Fine After Paying by SMS
Keep the parking violation confirmation message if you are still ticketed after paying through the SMS service. Match the plate number, permit information, payment time, and the payment expiration time to the violation information.
According to the official FAQ of Sharjah Municipality, the parking inspectors will use connected handheld devices to verify the online parking database. It also says motorists may appeal a ticket if it is issued in error by contacting the municipality’s call centre at 993 or going to the appropriate municipal service centre.
If you are disputing a transaction, include the details necessary to identify the transaction and violation. Define the timing of the sending of the SMS and provide the confirmation information. The municipality can then look at the case, and the payment is not a given when the driver states it was paid.
Alternative Ways to Pay for Parking in Sharjah
For motorists who like to pay right from their cell phone, SMS can be helpful. Not all parking lots can offer every type of parking, however.
Mawqef App
The Mawqef app was launched by the City of Sharjah to offer digital services related to parking. Reporting on the launch mentioned features like payment of public parking, checking and payment of fines, public parking subscription zones, and smart parking yards.
The app could be helpful for drivers who prefer to oversee parking digitally rather than compose an SMS on each occurrence. Before using a specific app feature, review the apps currently in your list and what they offer.
Parking Machines
If a parking meter is available, drivers can adhere to the directions given on the meter and pay for their parking. This may be helpful when mobile messaging is not possible, or the driver is more comfortable using a paper payment system.
Please ensure that you have the right ticket for the right duration and adhere to the guidelines when parking in the spot.
Parking Subscriptions
A subscription to the municipal parking may be more convenient for regular drivers than paying for each parking session. Depending on the zone and the conditions of the permit, the necessary subscription is chosen.
An SMS extension is not a subscription, and a subscription is not necessarily for all parking areas in Sharjah. Verify zone coverage and date of expiry before using a space.
Conclusion
The Sharjah Parking SMS service helps the public pay for public parking without having to go to the parking meter. Please provide the plate code, registration, and parking time to 5566 and use the confirmation message to make sure your car’s virtual permit is active. Be aware of the parking surcharge, SMS transaction fee, and the hours of operation listed on the local parking signs.
Make sure you use the right details, extend session time to the end of the day if needed, and never assume a sent message equals payment. In case of any registration or payment problems or any parking dispute, please visit the official Sharjah Municipality parking website or call the Sharjah Municipality call centre at 993.
Read Also: Ajman Parking Timing: Paid Hours, Free Periods, Fees and Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sharjah Parking SMS number?
The official SMS parking number is 5566. Provide information about your vehicle and parking time and await a confirmation of the payment.
What is the correct Sharjah parking SMS format?
Read the Plate Code, Plate Number, and Duration. SHJ 12345 1 means that one hour of parking is provided for a vehicle registered in Sharjah.
How much does Sharjah SMS parking cost?
The SMS fee charged for any transaction will be AED 0.38 (plus relevant parking charge). The total will be based on the duration of parking and the parking zone charge.
Can I pay for Sharjah parking with a Dubai-registered car?
Yes, private cars registered in Dubai can be used for this service as long as they are eligible. You should use DXB when using SMS, not SHJ.
How can I extend Sharjah parking by SMS?
Follow the service instructions by sending Y to 5566 before the current permit expires. Always wait for confirmation before assuming that the parking time has been extended.
Is Sharjah parking free on Fridays?
Certain parking areas provide free parking on Fridays; others have paid parking at designated rates for 7-day parking. Please be sure to look at the signs at your parking spot.
Do I need to register for Sharjah SMS parking?
Typically, UAE private vehicle plates do not need to be pre-registered for eligibility. Registration might be needed for non-private UAE plates and GCC vehicle plates.
Which mobile networks support Sharjah Parking SMS?
The service is available for eligible numbers on Etisalat and du (prepaid & postpaid). Users of a prepaid service must have enough credits to pay for the parking and SMS rates.
How long does Sharjah parking SMS confirmation take?
The confirmation is typically received within 60 seconds. If you do not get a response, look for an error message and make sure that you have paid.
What should I do if I receive a parking fine after paying by SMS?
Hold on to the receipt for the payment and call Sharjah Municipality at 993 and inquire about the fine. Provide your vehicle, payment, and violation details for review.
