Al Dhaid City Municipality, in coordination with Sharjah City Municipality, has announced the implementation of paid public parking services across the city of Al Dhaid starting January 1, 2025. This initiative aims to reduce the misuse of parking spaces, align with the comprehensive development in the emirate, and cater to the growing tourism and investment influx. It is also designed to ensure the provision of top-notch services for all segments of the community, including residents, visitors, shop owners, and patrons of Al Dhaid.
In this regard, H.E. Hamad Rashid Al Tunaiji, Director of Al Dhaid City Municipality, stated that introducing paid parking represents a significant step in advancing the city's development, enhancing the economy, and promoting a modern and aesthetic urban environment. The measure also seeks to curb parking misuse and discourage behaviors negatively impacting the city's image or inconveniencing business owners and residents.
He highlighted that a joint task force from Al Dhaid Municipality and Sharjah Municipality has been established to oversee the requirements and phases of implementing paid parking. This includes comprehensive studies of target areas, particularly high-traffic zones, obtaining necessary permits, assessing needs, and launching public awareness campaigns.
The paid parking system will operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with Fridays exempt except for designated spaces requiring fees every day, identifiable by blue signboards. Additional signs will clarify the parking fee timings.
He praised the collaboration with Sharjah Municipality, emphasizing their role in providing expertise, specialized personnel, tools, and mechanisms for the successful implementation and continuous monitoring of the parking system.
H.E. Obaid Saeed Al Tunaiji, Director-General of Sharjah Municipality, reaffirmed the municipality's support for conducting a comprehensive survey of Al Dhaid's areas to prepare them for the parking fee system. This initiative aligns with the city's rapid urban, commercial, and tourism development, thanks to the vision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Al Tunaiji revealed that 1,900 parking spaces in various areas of Al Dhaid have been subjected to fees after thorough technical and statistical studies conducted jointly by the two municipalities. The implementation included the installation of seven large signs indicating paid parking zones and service timings, 161 smaller signs, and 19 coin-operated payment machines.
Additionally, multiple payment options are available, including SMS, Digital Sharjah app, Mowqef app, and prepaid cards. The municipality will conduct regular inspections using digital scanning vehicles to monitor violations and ensure proper use of parking facilities.