Sharjah Announces Free Public Parking for Hijri New Year Holiday on June 15

Motorists in Sharjah will be able to use public parking spaces free of charge on Monday, June 15, as the emirate marks the Hijri New Year holiday, authorities have announced.

The parking fee exemption applies to standard public parking areas across Sharjah. However, the municipality clarified that smart parking yards and designated paid parking zones that operate throughout the year, including on official holidays, will remain chargeable. These areas are generally identified by blue signboards and are commonly referred to as blue zones.

Motorists have been advised to pay close attention to parking signage, as blue-marked parking spaces will continue to require payment despite the public holiday.

Under normal circumstances, public parking in Sharjah is free on Fridays in standard zones, while paid parking remains applicable in designated blue zones and smart parking areas throughout the week. In most regular parking zones, free parking is available during late-night hours, typically between 10pm and 8am, subject to local signage and regulations.

The announcement comes as several emirates across the UAE introduce holiday-related parking and toll exemptions for residents and visitors.

Ajman authorities have also confirmed free parking in paid public parking zones during the Hijri New Year holiday on June 15. Similarly, motorists in other emirates are expected to benefit from parking fee waivers and toll exemptions in line with customary public holiday arrangements.

In Dubai, public parking is generally offered free of charge during official public holidays in accordance with standard Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) policy. However, multi-storey parking facilities and certain designated paid parking zones typically remain subject to regular fees.

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, public parking operated under the Mawaqif system is usually free during official public holidays, with normal parking charges resuming on the following working day. Abu Dhabi’s Darb toll gates are also generally exempt from charges on Sundays and public holidays, providing additional convenience for road users.

The UAE government has declared Monday, June 15, a paid public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year. Although the exact beginning of the Hijri New Year is traditionally confirmed through the sighting of the crescent moon on Dhul Hijjah 29, authorities have aligned the holiday with the weekend to provide residents with a longer break.

The move follows a Cabinet resolution that came into effect on January 1, 2025, allowing certain public holidays to be shifted to the beginning or end of the week when they fall on weekdays, creating more structured long weekends for residents across the country.