The Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of paid parking hours for designated “blue zones” in the city, effective November 1.
Motorists will now be required to pay for parking from 8 AM to 12 midnight, a significant increase from the previous hours of 8 AM to 10 PM.
This change aims to improve parking availability and efficiency for residents, visitors, and businesses in the emirate.
Sharjah paid parking in 7-day zones
The revised parking schedule applies to all seven-day zones marked by blue signage, which indicate where fees are required. Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department, emphasized that the decision to extend parking hours stems from a marked increase in commercial, residential, and tourist activities in Sharjah. This initiative aligns with the municipality’s goal of managing parking spaces effectively amid the city’s ongoing growth.
In addition to the extended hours, the municipality is keen to address ongoing concerns regarding parking availability after 10 PM. Many residents and visitors have reported difficulties finding parking spaces during late-night hours, particularly after dining or attending events. Al Qaed noted that the decision to extend parking hours is also a response to public feedback and a survey conducted to gauge community support for this adjustment.
The city has maintained its commitment to providing a range of parking subscription options for daily users.
Individuals and businesses can select from various prepaid plans, with options available for all areas or specific sections of Sharjah. Importantly, the cost of these subscriptions will remain unchanged, even with the extended hours, providing added convenience for users. Subscribers will now benefit from two additional hours of parking time daily, allowing for a total of 16 hours of coverage.
Furthermore, the municipality is actively informing the public about these changes. Information is being disseminated through SMS notifications and leaflets placed on vehicle windshields in affected areas. This outreach is intended to ensure that all users are aware of the new parking regulations and the benefits of subscribing to seasonal parking services.
16,000 paid parking spaces in Sharjah
As part of its strategic planning, the Sharjah City Municipality has designated 16,000 paid parking spaces this year alone, bringing the total to 86,000 throughout the city. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to urban planning and management, addressing the increasing demand for accessible parking in a rapidly growing environment.
With the new parking hours set to begin on November 1, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a more organized and accessible parking experience in Sharjah.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
