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Finding a parking space is one thing; remembering to pay for it is another. In Sharjah, motorists can pay for public parking directly from their mobile phone without looking for a parking machine or carrying coins.
The SMS parking service is particularly useful when you are stopping somewhere for a short visit. You send your vehicle details and the required parking duration to 5566, and a virtual parking permit is issued after the request is processed.
This guide explains how the system works, what message to send, how much it costs, how to extend your session and what to do if your payment does not go through.
What Is Sharjah Parking SMS?
Sharjah Municipality provides an SMS-based payment option for motorists who want to use paid public parking.
Instead of receiving a paper ticket, your parking session is recorded electronically against your vehicle. Once the payment is accepted, you receive a confirmation message containing the permit details.
The service is available through UAE mobile numbers on Etisalat and du. UAE private vehicle plates can generally use the service without prior registration, while certain other plate categories require registration.
What Number Do You Send the Parking SMS To?
The official parking SMS number is:
5566
Before leaving your vehicle, wait for the confirmation message. Sending a message alone should not be treated as proof that the parking session has been successfully activated.
How to Pay for Parking by SMS in Sharjah
The process is fairly simple.
1. Open your SMS app
Use the regular messaging application on your mobile phone.
2. Enter 5566
Put 5566 in the recipient field.
3. Enter your plate details
For a UAE private vehicle, the basic format is:
Plate Source Plate Number Duration
For example:
SHJ 5215 1
Here, SHJ represents Sharjah, 5215 is the plate number and 1 represents one hour.
4. Send the message
Send the SMS and wait for the response.
If the details are accepted, the system sends a confirmation containing your virtual parking permit information. Sharjah Municipality states that confirmation should normally arrive within 60 seconds.
SMS Format for Different UAE Plates
You can also use the service when your vehicle is registered in another emirate.
| Vehicle registration | Example |
|---|---|
| Sharjah | SHJ 5215 1 |
| Dubai | DXB 5215 1 |
| Abu Dhabi | AUH 5215 1 |
| Ajman | AJM 5215 1 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | RAK 5215 1 |
| Fujairah | FUJ 5215 1 |
| Umm Al Quwain | UAQ 5215 1 |
The number in the final position indicates the parking duration.
Always enter your actual plate source and number rather than copying the example above.
How Many Hours Can You Select?
The SMS service currently provides options for:
- 1 hour
- 2 hours
- 3 hours
- 5 hours
For example, someone parking a Sharjah vehicle for two hours could send:
SHJ 5215 2
The system then processes the applicable parking charge and SMS service fee.
How Much Does Parking by SMS Cost?
The parking fee depends on the duration selected. In addition to the parking charge, Sharjah Municipality currently lists a 38 fils SMS service fee.
The Municipality’s examples are:
| Duration | Parking fee | SMS fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | AED 2 | AED 0.38 | AED 2.38 |
| 2 hours | AED 5 | AED 0.38 | AED 5.38 |
| 3 hours | AED 8 | AED 0.38 | AED 8.38 |
| 5 hours | AED 12 | AED 0.38 | AED 12.38 |
Parking charges and rules can change, so always check the information displayed at the parking location.
Can You Pay With a Dubai Number Plate?
Yes. A vehicle registered in Dubai can be used for the SMS parking system in Sharjah.
You need to use the correct plate source in the message. For a Dubai plate, the format begins with DXB.
For example:
DXB 5215 1
The same principle applies to eligible private vehicles registered in other UAE emirates.
Do You Need to Register Your Vehicle?
For most UAE private plates, you can use the service without registering the vehicle first.
Registration is required for certain categories, including:
- UAE non-private plates
- GCC vehicle plates
If you regularly drive different vehicles or use a plate category that requires registration, check the Municipality’s registration requirements before relying on the SMS option.
How to Extend Your Parking Time
You don’t necessarily have to wait until the current session ends before arranging more parking time.
Sharjah Municipality sends a reminder 10 minutes before the permit expires.
If you want to extend the session by another hour, send:
Y
to:
5566
The extension request needs to be made before the existing permit expires.
After the request is accepted, you should receive a new confirmation message.
What If You Don’t Receive a Confirmation?
This is one of the most important things to remember.
If you send the request but no confirmation arrives, check the following:
- Is 5566 the correct recipient?
- Did you enter the plate source correctly?
- Is the plate number accurate?
- Did you use the correct duration?
- Does your prepaid mobile account have enough balance?
- Are you using an eligible UAE mobile number?
- Did you follow the required spacing and format?
Do not assume that parking has been paid simply because the SMS was sent. Wait for the confirmation.
What If You Have a Prepaid SIM?
The service can be used with UAE prepaid mobile connections, but your account needs sufficient balance to cover the relevant charges.
If the balance is too low, the parking request may not be completed.
For frequent visitors to Sharjah, keeping enough credit on the mobile account can prevent problems when using this payment method.
Can You Receive the Response in Arabic?
Yes.
Sharjah Municipality’s instructions provide an Arabic-language option for users who prefer to receive the service response in Arabic.
The Municipality’s instructions explain how to add the Arabic identifier to the beginning of the request.
What Should You Do After Sending the SMS?
Once the message has been sent, don’t immediately walk away from the car.
Take a moment to:
- Wait for the confirmation.
- Check the vehicle details.
- Confirm the parking duration.
- Check the permit expiry time.
- Keep the confirmation message until you leave.
This takes only a few seconds and can save you from discovering later that the request failed.
Check the Parking Signs Too
An SMS payment does not mean that every parking space can be used under the same conditions.
Before parking, look at the signs around the area. Pay attention to:
- Paid parking hours
- Special parking restrictions
- Reserved spaces
- Maximum permitted duration
- Any location-specific instructions
Some Sharjah parking areas operate under different rules, so the sign at the location remains important.
What About Parking Fines?
If you believe you received a parking violation even though you had a valid electronic permit, contact Sharjah Municipality for assistance.
The Municipality can check the parking record associated with the vehicle and payment.
For official assistance, Sharjah Municipality lists 993 as its Call Centre number.
Keep your confirmation SMS available when contacting them, as it can help with checking the parking transaction.
SMS Parking or Parking Machine: Which Is Easier?
Both options have their place.
| Option | Useful when |
|---|---|
| SMS payment | You want to pay quickly from your phone |
| Parking machine | You prefer using a physical payment point |
| Digital parking services | You regularly manage parking electronically |
| Long-term parking options | You need parking for extended periods |
For a quick visit to a shop, restaurant, office or public facility, paying from your phone can be more convenient than searching for a machine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple mistakes can cause unnecessary trouble.
Using the wrong plate code
A Dubai plate should not be entered as a Sharjah plate. Make sure the emirate/source matches your registration.
Entering the wrong plate number
Double-check the number before pressing send.
Forgetting the confirmation
The confirmation message is important. If you don’t receive one, investigate before leaving the vehicle.
Waiting until the last minute
If you need additional time, extend the session before it expires.
Ignoring local signs
Always check the rules displayed at the parking location, even if you have successfully paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sharjah parking SMS number?
The official number is 5566.
What is the SMS format for parking?
For an eligible UAE private plate, the format is generally the plate source, plate number and required duration, for example SHJ 5215 1.
Can I use a Dubai vehicle in Sharjah?
Yes. Eligible Dubai private plates can use the service by entering the appropriate Dubai plate code.
Is there an extra charge for using SMS?
Yes. Sharjah Municipality currently lists a 38 fils SMS service fee in addition to the applicable parking charge.
How can I extend my parking session?
Send Y to 5566 before the current permit expires.
Do private UAE vehicles need registration?
Generally, UAE private plates can use the service without prior registration. Some other vehicle and plate categories require registration.
What should I do if my parking SMS fails?
Check your plate information, message format, mobile balance and the number 5566. If the problem continues, contact Sharjah Municipality.
Final Takeaway
For drivers who only need parking for a short visit, this mobile payment option is a convenient alternative to finding a parking machine. The important part is getting the vehicle details right and waiting for the confirmation before leaving.
Save 5566 in your phone if you regularly drive in Sharjah, but don’t rely on the number alone. Always check the parking signs, keep an eye on your expiry time and extend the session when necessary.
