Sharjah is said to offer 70,000+ parking spaces across more than 50 parking locations in the city. That’s quite a number. But not all parking spaces are free.
If you are searching for “Sharjah free parking’ or ‘free parking in Sharjah,’ you are not alone. The parking system in Sharjah is a bit difficult to understand. Unlike many other areas where the RTA rolls out the traffic and parking rules, in Sharjah it is looked after by the Sharjah Municipality and Public Works Department. Gladly, they have introduced several measures to make parking more organized and efficient.
Down in this blog, we will be telling you everything you need to know about free parking in Sharjah. Let’s start.
Types of Parking Available in Sharjah
Sharjah is said to offer 70,000+ parking spaces across more than 50 parking locations in the city. That’s quite a number. But not all parking spaces are free. It’s a good mix of paid and free parking marked with blue and white markings on the curb and signage to tell you what kind of parking it is.
Broadly, Sharjah offers three kinds of parking:
On-road parking: As the name suggests, these are spaces designated along major roads and neighborhoods. It is also one of the most common parking spaces you will find.
Public parking lots: These kinds of parking spaces are designated for areas that see cars in great numbers. Think around shopping malls, theatres, government buildings, and popular attractions across the cities.
Multi-story car parking: You will find multi-story car parks in areas with high demand because they offer convenient and secure parking options.
Free Parking Sharjah: Timings Across the Week
Sharjah has pre-decided parking timings, like most other places, for free parking. Here’s a quick look for you:
Why does Friday have a different time? Well, that’s because Sharjah experiences greater demand on Friday near mosques and other places where people offer their prayers. Another thing to note is that these timings are only applicable to public zones. As for the blue zones in Sharjah, the parking is paid on all days of the week except for Friday.
Free Parking in Sharjah during Ramadan
Ramadan and Eid are significant observations in Sharjah. For this reason, the duration for free parking in Sharjah is different. For all days of the week, except Friday, the timings are from 12 AM to 8 AM. On Fridays, free parking is available for 24 hours.
Free Parking in Sharjah: Where All Can You Park?
There are multiple places in Sharjah that allow you to part at zero costs. Here’s an overview of the same:
Residential Areas
Al Nahda: Popular for its high-rise apartments, shopping centers, and family-friendly parks, Al Nahda offers modern amenities with easy access. This area features schools, hospitals, and Al Nahda Park, which makes parking a must-have.
Al Majaz: Al Majaz is a scenic waterfront community boasting the Al Majaz waterfront that offers stunning views, excellent restaurant options, and recreational opportunities. It’s a well-connected location that also has a lot of parks and cultural attractions.
Al Qasimia: Home to the very iconic King Faisal Mosque and shopping centers, this central district is known for its affordable housing, educational institutions, and cultural landmarks. Since it has a mix of residential and commercial spaces, it’s quite easy to find parking here.
Public Parks and Beaches
Popular spots such as the Al Mamzar Beach Park, Sharjah Aquarium, Al Ittihad Park, and Al Noor Island offer free parking spots for visitors.
Shopping Malls
You may find free parking spots for yourself near these shopping malls:
Sahara Centre
City Centre Sharjah
Safeer Mall
However, check the hours these slots are available for you. Otherwise, you may end up with a parking fine.
Parking Violation Fees in Sharjah
Although Sharjah offers free parking spaces if you are not paying attention to the details –hours, spaces, and restrictions—you may end up with a parking fine. Here’s a breakdown of the Sharjah parking fines along with the violations.
Conclusion
Does Sharjah offer free parking spaces? Yes, it does. Does this mean you can park just about anywhere? No.
Sharjah has dedicated spaces for parking with pre-decided timings to avail free parking. To avail of this, you must have all the information with you. During national holidays and public observation, the Sharjah Municipality may also announce special timings. To keep track of the same, it is best to follow the official handle of the municipality.
For more information on UAE’s laws—traffic, parking, roads, things to look out for—keep reading our blogs here.