SM converts 5,857 parking spaces to paid parking all year-round

This decision comes as part of the second phase of the conversion of the parking spaces, which can be identified by the blue parking information boards. It also comes in response to the desire of a large sector of customers, and in line with the strategic plan of the municipality aimed at supporting the capabilities of the city of Sharjah in tourism, investment and housing attractions, and providing the best services to residents and visitors.

In this context, Thabet Al Tarifi, Director General of the Sharjah Municipality, stressed that the municipality is keen to create and provide public parking spaces for the public on an ongoing basis, as it works according to annual plans to subject new areas to fee parking. This is done according to a set of indicators, taking into account the nature of the area, the readiness of the infrastructure, and the density of the vehicles, the vitality of the sector, and the quality of the commercial and industrial establishments in the area. Then the municipality prepares the parking lots in the concerned area, and begins installing small and large signboards that clarify that the area has been subject to fees and clarify the working hours and the payment mechanism.

In a related context, Khalid bin Falah Al-Suwaidi, Assistant General Manager for the Customer Service Sector, explained that subjecting areas to fees throughout the week and official holidays comes in response to the public’s comments about the lack of adequate parking in many vital areas during the holidays, because those who live in those areas park their vehicles for hours during the holiday. Building on this, the municipality has worked to convert those spaces to paid slots during the holidays to allow area visitors to get parking at any time. He added that those with annual subscriptions to public parking lots can use all parking spaces in the area.

In a related context, Ali Ahmed Abu Ghazin, Director of the Public Parking Department at SM, explained the parking lots subject to fees throughout the week and official holidays can be identified through the 579 blue panels installed on the signboards in those areas. The decision includes all streets in Al Ghuwair, the inner streets in Al Shuwaihean, Al Zahra Street in Al Musalla and Al Ghuwair areas, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street in Al Nabaa, Al Ghuwair, Al Majarah and Al Shuwaihean areas, Al Marija Street in Al Marija and Al Jubail areas, Al Wahda Street in Al Nahda and Al Majaz 2 areas, Al-Corniche Street in Al-Majaz areas 1, 2 and 3, and Jamal Abdul Nasser street in both directions in Al Majaz 2, and Al Ittihad Street in Al Nahda.

Abu Ghazin stated that the municipality provides more than 50,000 parking spaces subject to fees in various areas of Sharjah City. Work is underway to subject 3,500 additional parking spaces to fees in the areas of Al Khan and Al Mamzar. Fees can be paid using coins, through text messages, prepaid cards or through an electronic wallet that will be launched soon, or through subscriptions provided by the municipality.