Sharjah City Municipality has announced a change in the working hours of public parking in paid areas throughout the week and on official holidays. Starting November 1, 2024, motorists will be required to pay for parking from 8 a.m. to midnight in areas marked by blue signs. Meanwhile, the working hours of other public parking will remain as usual from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., except during the holy month of Ramadan when the new timing will be applicable.
The adjustment in paid parking hours for areas with blue signs is aimed at ensuring more parking availability for residents with seasonal subscriptions and frequent visitors to local businesses and stores. Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department at Sharjah City Municipality, highlighted that Sharjah is experiencing an increase in tourism and heightened commercial and residential activities, thus elevating its global status.
Al Qaed expressed that charging fees for public parking spaces aligns with this growth momentum and reflects the Municipality's commitment to curbing negative behaviors and misuse. There is a comprehensive plan in place to enhance public parking areas across the emirate and implement fees accordingly, particularly focusing on key city areas.
The decision to introduce new fees for public parking spaces, applicable throughout the week and on official holidays, was made following studies and considerations regarding parking misuse after 10 p.m. Comparison with other cities with similar parking systems and an observation of Sharjah's economic progress informed this change. The economic growth necessitated longer parking hours to accommodate visitors and residents seeking parking solutions post-10 p.m.
Al Qaed's office assured that the extension in parking hours will not lead to an increase in subscription fees, as the prices will remain the same.
