Sharjah’s barrier-free smart parking lots: How it works and where to find it

Dubai: Sharjah residents and visitors can now experience a more efficient and accessible parking experience in some of the emirate's busiest areas, including popular tourist spots like the Hanging Gardens in Kalba. The introduction of ‘smart parking lots’ aims to address the growing demand for parking spaces in Sharjah’s high-traffic neighbourhoods and tourist destinations, according to Sharjah City Municipality.

What are smart parking lots?

In January this year, Sharjah City Municipality launched innovative, barrier-free smart parking lots in Al Khan and Al Qasimiyah (Al Nad). Unlike traditional parking systems, these smart parking lots utilise advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology to offer a seamless experience for users. The AI-powered system improves the parking process by eliminating the need for barriers and manual ticketing.

How does the smart parking system work?

The system is equipped with AI-driven cameras that automatically scan vehicle number plates upon entry and exit. When you park, the cameras capture your number plate, and the system tracks the duration of your parking session. Upon exit, the cameras read the plate once more, calculate the parking duration, and send a notification to the vehicle owner detailing the applicable fees.

Payment for parking can be easily made through the ‘Mawqef’ app, which is available for both Apple and Android devices. To check your parking fees, simply open the app, select the ‘Parking Lot Inquiry’ option, and enter your vehicle’s plate number. The app will display the parking fees associated with your car. You can then make the payment directly through the app.

Beyond paying for parking, the Mawqef app also offers several other useful features. Users can purchase seasonal parking permits, check real-time parking availability, and even pay for parking fines through the app.

Benefits for drivers

One of the key benefits of the new system is a 72-hour grace period before parking fines are issued. In addition, long-term parking subscriptions are available, with options ranging from daily to yearly passes, making it more convenient for regular parkers.

Where are the smart parking lots located?

These smart parking lots are strategically placed in popular tourist areas and busy neighbourhoods to meet the demand for parking. The current locations, along with their hourly rates, are as follows:

These parking lots are available 24/7, and there is a 10-minute grace period for drivers.

For those who require parking on a more regular basis, seasonal subscriptions are available, offering daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly options. To subscribe, users can either use the Mawqef app or visit the Sharjah City Municipality website. Subscriptions are linked to the vehicle’s licence plate and can be tailored to the duration of your stay. A one-month parking subscription starts at Dh166. Click here for a detailed guide: