Motorists in Sharjah will now need to pay for public parking until midnight following the implementation of new parking regulations that came into effect on July 1.

The updated policy, introduced by Sharjah City Municipality, standardises paid parking hours across the emirate, covering Sharjah city, Kalba, Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid. Areas marked with yellow parking signs will now follow the same operating schedule as blue-sign parking zones.

Paid Parking from 8am to midnight

Under the revised system, paid public parking is available daily from 8am to midnight.

The municipality clarified that Fridays and official public holidays will continue to offer free parking, except for designated premium parking spaces that remain chargeable throughout the week, including holidays.

More than 124,000 paid parking spaces covered

The new regulations apply to approximately 124,000 paid public parking spaces across the emirate.

While operating hours have been extended, the municipality noted that parking fee structures may differ depending on the type of parking zone, particularly in smart parking areas and popular tourist destinations where separate pricing mechanisms are already in place.

Benefits  for subscription holders

Sharjah City Municipality confirmed that the extended operating hours will not increase seasonal parking subscription fees.

Instead, subscribers will benefit from two additional hours of parking access each day, with the exemption period increasing from 14 hours to 16 hours, offering greater value without extra cost.

Why the parking timings were extended

According to the municipality, the decision was introduced to keep pace with Sharjah’s growing commercial activity and increasing demand for parking, especially during evening hours.

Many residents, restaurant visitors and café customers have experienced difficulty finding available parking after 10 PM. Extending paid parking hours is expected to improve space availability, discourage misuse of parking areas and ensure a smoother turnover of vehicles in busy commercial and residential districts.

Officials also said the move will help reduce illegal and random parking while improving traffic flow and providing better services for both residents and visitors.

Drivers urged to follow new rules

Authorities have encouraged motorists to comply with the updated parking schedule and pay parking fees through the available digital channels, including SMS and the Sharjah Digital mobile application.

Drivers are also advised to consider seasonal parking subscriptions, which offer a quick and convenient way to access public parking across the emirate.

The municipality believes the new unified parking system will improve parking management, enhance customer experience and support Sharjah’s continued urban and economic development.

Sharjah has expanded its innovative Bus on Demand service, bringing flexible public transportation to more residential neighbourhoods and educational districts. The move is part of the emirate’s ongoing efforts to create a smarter, more connected, and sustainable transport system for residents and visitors.

Introduced in June 2025, the service allows commuters to book shared bus rides through a dedicated mobile app. Instead of following fixed routes, passengers are picked up from the nearest designated location and can track their journey in real time, including estimated arrival times.

Rising demand highlights success

The Bus on Demand initiative has witnessed steady growth since its launch. By the end of March 2026, the service had completed 2,664 trips, serving 2,758 passengers.

Demand continues to rise, with user numbers increasing by 24% during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting growing public confidence in the convenience and reliability of the service for everyday commuting.

More areas added to the network

As part of the latest expansion, the service now covers:

• University City
• Al Juraina
• Al Nouf

These newly added locations join the existing service areas of Muweilah Commercial and Aljada, improving connectivity between residential communities, universities, and key destinations across Sharjah.

The expansion is expected to make commuting more convenient for students, families, and professionals while reducing dependence on private vehicles.

Smart technology powers the service

Passengers can reserve rides through the Bus on Demand Sharjah mobile application, which uses intelligent routing technology and real-time operational data to determine the most efficient routes.

The system continuously adjusts routes based on demand, helping reduce waiting times and improve overall travel efficiency.

Affordable travel for everyone

The service offers a flat fare of Dh8 per trip, making it an affordable transportation option.

To encourage greater public transport use, accompanying passengers receive a 25% discount, providing added value for families and groups travelling together.

Supporting a Smarter and Sustainable Future

Officials from the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority said the expansion reflects the emirate’s commitment to developing a modern public transport system that delivers flexible mobility solutions while improving residents’ quality of life.

The initiative also supports the UAE’s Year of the Family goals by providing safe, convenient, and time-saving travel options that strengthen community well-being.

In addition, the Bus on Demand service helps connect neighbourhoods that are not covered by traditional bus routes, making it easier for passengers to access Sharjah’s wider public transport network.

As demand continues to grow, the latest expansion marks another step toward creating a smarter, more accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation system across the emirate.

Legend Motors has expanded its product portfolio in the UAE with the launch of two new Kaiyi SUV models, the Kaiyi X7 AWD and the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, as the Chinese automotive brand strengthens its presence in one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing vehicle markets.

The latest launches underline Kaiyi’s strategy to grow its footprint across the Middle East by offering both conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and new-energy models that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Speaking during the launch event in Dubai, Cannon Wang, Group Vice President, Leadership and Strategy at Legend Holding Group, said the UAE remains a strategic market for the company’s regional ambitions.

“Dubai represents a global benchmark for automotive excellence, where innovation and customer expectations come together. It is a natural gateway for Kaiyi’s regional expansion, and we see strong long-term potential in the UAE market as we introduce products that combine technology, value and performance,” Wang said.

The newly introduced Kaiyi X7 AWD is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 256 horsepower and 390Nm of torque. The SUV is paired with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 6.9 seconds.

Alongside it, the company unveiled the Kaiyi X7 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack. The vehicle offers an all-electric driving range of up to 150 kilometres under the CLTC testing cycle and features EV, Hybrid and Power Assist driving modes.

The launches come as Chinese automotive manufacturers continue to expand their presence across the Gulf region, driven by increasing demand for technologically advanced SUVs and electrified vehicles.

The UAE automotive market records annual new vehicle sales of around 300,000 units, with SUVs accounting for nearly half of total sales. The growing preference for fuel-efficient and technology-focused vehicles has encouraged several global and Chinese manufacturers to broaden their product offerings in the country.

Tony Wu, Deputy General Manager of Kaiyi International, said the company remains committed to supporting the UAE’s transition toward cleaner mobility while continuing to serve customers seeking petrol-powered vehicles.

“Aligned with Dubai’s Vision 2030, we see a clear direction towards accelerating the adoption of new energy vehicles. While our petrol-powered E5 and X3 models continue to perform strongly among retail and fleet customers, we are equally committed to supporting the region’s shift towards cleaner, future-ready mobility solutions,” Wu said.

Harsh Chaturvedi, General Manager of Kaiyi UAE, said the company’s focus is on making advanced automotive technology accessible to a wider customer base.

“True innovation lies in making cutting-edge technology accessible, practical and aligned with the everyday expectations of our customers. It’s not just about specifications but delivering a refined sense of control, comfort and modern luxury,” he said.

Through its UAE operations under Legend Motors, the automotive division of Dubai-based Legend Holdings, the company is also investing in after-sales services, spare parts availability and customer support as it seeks to strengthen its presence across the UAE and the wider GCC market.

The launch of both petrol-powered and plug-in hybrid variants reflects Kaiyi’s broader strategy of offering multiple powertrain options as demand for electrified mobility continues to grow across the Middle East.