Sharjah City Municipality has announced that paid public parking hours across the emirate will be extended until midnight from July 1, 2026, in a move aimed at addressing rising demand for parking spaces.

The new timings will apply to all paid parking areas in Sharjah, Kalba, Khorfakkan and Al Dhaid, including zones marked with yellow signboards. These will now operate in line with blue-zone areas, which already remain chargeable until 12am.

The municipality said parking will remain free on Fridays and official public holidays, except in designated areas where charges apply throughout the week, including holidays. In total, the revised system covers around 124,000 paid parking spaces across the emirate.

Under the new rules, parking fees will be applicable from 8am to midnight, although operating mechanisms may vary in certain smart parking zones, particularly in tourist-heavy locations.

Hamed Al Qaed, Director of the Public Parking Department at Sharjah City Municipality, said the decision follows a detailed study of parking usage patterns, occupancy levels and demand across different parts of the emirate. He added that the review also included benchmarking against other systems and feedback from residents and visitors.

He said growing commercial, economic and tourism activity had increased pressure on parking availability, particularly in the evening hours, making extended operation necessary to improve turnover and reduce congestion.

According to the municipality, the change is also intended to address difficulties faced by residents, subscription holders and visitors—especially those visiting restaurants and cafes—who often struggle to find parking after 10pm.

Officials said the extended hours are expected to improve space availability, reduce illegal or informal parking, and enhance traffic flow in busy commercial and residential districts. The move is also aimed at supporting Sharjah’s broader appeal as a place to live and visit.

The municipality clarified that there will be no increase in seasonal parking subscription fees. Existing subscribers will effectively receive two additional hours of daily coverage, with the current 14-hour free window increasing to 16 hours.

Motorists have been urged to comply with the updated timings and use official payment channels, including SMS services and the Sharjah Digital app. The municipality also encouraged residents to make use of seasonal parking permits available through its online services.

Abu Dhabi has launched a $2 billion Global Water Platform aimed at strengthening water and food security in developing countries and expanding access to clean and safe water worldwide.

Developed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the initiative will support high-impact water projects while championing innovative technologies and sustainable solutions for water resource management.

Goal to reach 10 million beneficiaries

The platform plans to mobilise $2 billion (Dh7.34 billion) in funding from local and international financing institutions. Its first phase will allocate $1 billion (Dh3.67 billion) over five years, from 2026 to 2030, to reach around 10 million beneficiaries globally.

The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation while promoting inclusive and resilient development.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, called on local and international partners to collaborate through joint financing, strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange to accelerate solutions that enhance water security and empower developing nations.

Fatima Ateeq Al Mazrouei, Support Services Department Director at ADFD, said the initiative will also finance innovative programmes, support scientific research and youth-led initiatives, and organise awareness campaigns focused on water-related challenges.

Why it matters to investors

• Defensive, long-term asset class: Water infrastructure and security projects offer stable, long-duration returns backed by essential demand and government support.
• $2bn capital mobilisation opportunity: Abu Dhabi’s platform signals a sizeable pipeline of bankable projects, co-financing opportunities and public-private partnerships across developing markets.
• Climate-resilient growth sector: Rising water scarcity, population growth and climate pressure are driving sustained global investment into water, sanitation and food security solutions.
• Policy-aligned investment: The platform aligns with UN SDG 6, increasing eligibility for development finance, blended capital structures and ESG-focused funds.
• Innovation upside: Focus on pioneering technologies and scalable solutions opens opportunities for investors in water tech, infrastructure, data, desalination and resource management.
• Strong sovereign backing: Led by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the initiative benefits from institutional credibility, risk mitigation and long-term policy commitment.

The passing of Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, marks the loss of a remarkable visionary whose leadership transcended borders and industries.  The chairman of the Hinduja Group and one of Britain’s wealthiest businessmen died in London on Tuesday, November 4, at the age of 85, according to PTI. Fondly known as ‘GP’ in global business circles, Hinduja had been unwell for several weeks and passed away in a London hospital, said sources.

Under his stewardship, the Hinduja Group evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate spanning automotive, energy, banking, infrastructure, and technology, with a growing footprint in the Gulf region, particularly in the UAE.

He recognised the UAE not just as a commercial hub, but as a key growth market and a platform for innovation and sustainability. His belief in the nation’s vision of economic diversification inspired strategic collaborations that strengthened local industries while deepening India’s enduring partnership with the Emirates.

Hinduja also acknowledged the region’s dynamic reforms and its emergence as the ‘Capital of Global Wealth,’ aligning perfectly with the Group’s guiding philosophy of ‘think local, act global.’ Under his direction, the UAE became an essential regional hub for the Hinduja Group’s business expansions across the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

One of the Group’s most promising ventures in the region is Switch Mobility, formed through the merger of Ashok Leyland’s electric vehicle division and the UK-based Optare. The company exemplifies Hinduja’s long-term vision for a greener, smarter future. In line with the UAE’s sustainability goals and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Switch Mobility had planned trial runs of its electric buses and light trucks in both countries this year, signalling a new era of sustainable mobility in the Middle East.

Hinduja’s influence was never confined to business. He believed deeply in “business with a purpose”, emphasising philanthropy, education, and community empowerment as integral parts of success. His humility, spirituality, and people-first leadership style earned him respect across continents.

As the UAE continues to evolve as a hub for innovation and sustainable development, Gopichand Hinduja’s legacy endures in every partnership, investment, and idea that bridges nations for a better tomorrow. 

Gopichand Hinduja leaves behind his spouse Sunita, two sons Sanjay and Dheeraj, and daughter Rita.

Sources: India Today, Gulf News, PTI