Sharjah’s move to extend paid parking hours in seven-day zones may mean slightly higher costs, but for many residents, it’s a welcome change. This extension helps keep parking spaces available, preventing non-residents from occupying spots overnight.
Long-time Sharjah resident Abu Ahmed explained that finding a parking spot in his neighborhood has become increasingly difficult, with commercial vehicles and shop cars taking over spaces at night. These vehicles typically park at 10pm when parking becomes free and leave before charges start again in the morning.
“Sometimes, we spend 10 to 15 minutes driving around just to find a parking spot near our building in the evenings or on weekends,” he said.
With the new policy, which affects zones marked by blue signs, Sharjah motorists will have to pay for parking from 8am to midnight, starting November 1. Previously, paid parking hours lasted only from 8am to 10pm. These updated hours will apply daily, including on public holidays, offering residents increased access to parking.
“Thanks to these extended paid hours, I expect finding a parking spot will no longer be such a hassle,” Ahmed said, noting that the extra fees should deter non-residents from occupying spaces in the blue zones overnight.
In addition to residents, many delivery drivers are also welcoming the expanded hours, saying the change will make it easier for them to find parking near delivery spots. Delivery worker Mashooq Khan shared that he’s often struggled to find parking in busy parts of Sharjah in the evenings.
“I’ve spent a lot of time looking for a parking spot, which isn’t easy when you’re carrying large items for delivery. Parking spaces are often full, but I hope this new initiative from Sharjah Municipality will make it easier to find parking near my delivery locations,” Khan said.
Rise in Private Parking Fees
The rising demand for parking in Sharjah, especially in neighborhoods close to Dubai, has also led private parking owners to raise their fees, according to residents.
“They know public spaces are packed, so they’re capitalizing on the demand as traffic increases with new residents moving to Sharjah and Dubai,” said expat Saleem Noman, who now relies on private parking lots.
Noman shared that his monthly parking fee has increased from Dh250 to Dh300. In Al Majaz, fees have risen to Dh350 due to the prime location, which provides easy access to the main road. “Sometimes it takes up to 15 minutes just to reach the main road,” he explained.
With Sharjah Municipality’s new measures, Noman is hopeful that finding parking closer to his home will become easier, allowing him to avoid higher private lot fees.
