Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Sharjah Municipality has prohibited the installation of car parking shades outside private residential property boundaries, warning that structures extending beyond approved plot limits will be removed and violators fined. The municipality said it has been carrying out inspection campaigns across residential areas and issuing removal notices to homeowners whose shades extend into public space. Authorities clarified that any structure built beyond the legally defined plot boundary is considered a violation, regardless of its design or purpose. Permits continue to be issued for shades constructed within private property limits. Engineer Khalifa bin Hada Al Suwaidi, Director of Technical Services at Sharjah Municipality, explained during the “Direct Line” programme on Sharjah radio that the regulations are intended to preserve urban order and protect infrastructure networks. He said the rules are necessary to prevent damage to underground utilities such as water pipelines, electricity cables and other service lines that may run beneath pavements and roadside areas. The move has prompted discussion among residents, particularly on social media, where some homeowners said their plots do not have enough internal space to install shades within their boundaries. Others pointed to the extreme summer heat in the UAE, when temperatures can exceed 45°C, as a reason for seeking vehicle protection. Some residents have also said they invested significant sums in installing the structures and suggested that shades could be allowed under a regulated permit system if they do not obstruct pedestrian pathways, traffic movement or infrastructure. Sharjah Municipality said it can provide technical support to homeowners, including assistance with redesigning internal parking layouts and improving vehicle access within private plots. Meanwhile, the issue of parking shades has also been addressed in Dubai under a regulated system. On January 22, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the “Permit to Install Parking Shades in Residential Neighbourhoods,” applicable to designated and properly reserved parking spaces. According to the RTA, permits are processed through contracting companies and installations must meet approved technical standards. Arif Shakri, Director of Right-of-Way at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said: “The approved requirements for installing parking shades in residential neighbourhoods stipulate that the shades must not affect the continuity of soft mobility or pedestrian movement, nor compromise road safety or the smooth flow of traffic.” He added: “The requirements further specify that the shades must not obstruct traffic signs, impact infrastructure utility lines located beneath pavements and parking areas, and must comply with the design and colour standards approved by RTA.” The RTA also stated that installations must be temporary and removable at the request of service entities in cases of development projects, maintenance works or emergencies. Authorities emphasised that compliance with approved standards must be verified during installation. ICA/Expat Media
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