Sharjah Municipality has announced the extension of paid parking hours in areas subject to fees throughout the week and during public holidays, effective from November 1st. These areas, identifiable by blue information signs, will have parking hours from 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight. The change aims to provide more parking availability for residents with seasonal parking permits and visitors to commercial outlets in these areas. Parking hours in other areas will remain unchanged, operating from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with an extension during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department at Sharjah Municipality, highlighted that the emirate is experiencing significant residential, commercial, and tourism growth, enhancing its global status. He noted that paid parking helps curb negative behaviors and prevent misuse of public parking spaces, in line with Sharjah’s comprehensive development plan. The municipality has a yearly strategy to manage and expand paid parking areas, particularly in high-traffic zones.
Al Qaed explained that the decision to extend paid parking hours in specific areas was based on studies, public feedback, and reports regarding misuse of parking spaces after 10:00 PM. Comparisons were made with other cities that operate similar parking systems. Sharjah’s growing economy, which keeps the city bustling late into the night, necessitated longer parking hours to accommodate the needs of visitors and residents in these areas, who often struggle to find parking after 10:00 PM.
Residents with seasonal permits and visitors to restaurants and cafés frequently face difficulties finding parking spots after 10:00 PM, often having to park far from their destination. Al Qaed assured that the extension of parking hours will not lead to any increase in subscription fees. Subscribers will benefit from two additional hours of free parking daily, increasing their total parking time from 14 to 16 hours.
Sharjah Municipality conducted a public survey to gauge opinions on extending paid parking hours in tourist and high-traffic areas. The results showed strong support for the change, with many respondents indicating that the extension would make it easier for them to find parking. The municipality is working on raising public awareness about the new parking hours by sending SMS notifications to customers and distributing flyers placed on vehicle windshields in the affected areas.
Al Qaed also emphasized that Sharjah Municipality remains committed to expanding paid parking zones to meet public needs and improve services. Since the beginning of this year, the municipality has added fees to 16,000 new parking spaces, bringing the total number of paid parking spots in Sharjah to 86,000.