SEDD Consolidates its Economic Position Hamad Al Mahmoud: 2025 Achievements Confirm Sharjah’s Economic Strength and Investment Attractiveness

HE Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department “SEDD” and Member of Sharjah Executive Council, emphasized that 2025 achievements reflected the strength of the local economy and the growth of the business environment in the emirate, which enhances Sharjah’s position as a competitive and sustainable economic center in UAE.

Commenting on such accomplishment, Al Mahmoud stated that SEDD achieved a significant progress in 2025 in developing services and enhancing customer experience. This was accomplished through building an integrated system that prioritizes customer needs, boosts institutional performance, and supports the sustainability of the local economy. Also, HE confirmed that the presence of 84,443 economic establishments in Sharjah highlights the strength of the emirate’s economic scope, noting that Sharjah is continuing its approach to achieving the targeted economic diversification through government laws and legislation that support and encourage economic development.

Additionally, HE pointed out that the digital transformation of services adopted by the Department has gone beyond the technical dimension to include operational approach and work mechanisms, through re-engineering services, developing advanced digital platforms, and upgrading core technical systems. Also, HE added that SEDD pays great attention to adopting and effectively managing artificial intelligence systems and improving a flexible digital infrastructure that is ready to keep pace with technological changes. This will ensure the provision of advanced government services that meet future aspirations and facilitate quick and effective communication between customers and the Department and that contribute to improving the quality of services and the speed of completing transactions. To carry on, HE stated that SEDD launched issuing trade names by AI service which represents a significant step forward in its digital transformation journey, aiming to enhance the service experience for individuals and businesses. This initiative marks a fundamental shift in streamlining procedures and reducing the time and effort required to complete transactions across the Department's various channels. Through such significant and distinguished service, SEDD seeks to provide an innovative and fast experience for beneficiaries based on artificial intelligence technologies to analyze the nature of the business activity and suggest innovative names that comply with regulatory requirements.

Also, as part of its commitment to enhance customer experience, SEDD has implemented a series of development steps aimed at simplifying procedures and improving service efficiency. These steps have been reduced in the customer journey, and the range of automated services has been expanded, contributing to faster transaction completion and reduced time and effort. In addition, SEDD launched the instant license service in July 2025, which has since yielded positive results, with 1,165 instant licenses issued. This reflects the growing demand for the service and its role in supporting the business environment. These efforts are complemented by the Department’s commitment to providing its various services through 18 service centers spread across different areas of the emirate, ensuring easy access to services and achieving a flexible and efficient customer experience that meets the aspirations of investors and entrepreneurs.

Likely, SEDD obtained two additional ISO international standard certifications, bringing the total number of certifications to 12 ones. Therefore, HE SEDD Chairman explained that the Department’s attainment of the ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for the artificial intelligence management system is a precedent at the level of Sharjah and UAE, stressing that this accreditation reflects SEDD’s obligation to the highest standards of responsible and safe governance of artificial intelligence, and enhances Sharjah’s position in the path of sustainable economic development.

HE Also noted that the Department obtained ISO 44001:2017 certification for conformity to the international quality standard (Collaborative Business Relationship Management), which confirms SEDD’s commitment to developing its various economic operations. This achievement complements the Department's ongoing commitment to institutional excellence and its established track record in this field, as it strives to implement global best practices in management. Furthermore, the Department seeks to build strong and fruitful and collaborative relationships across all sectors, fostering mutual coordination with all stakeholders. This is achieved through the adoption of an internationally recognized framework that serves SEDD’s objectives and contributes to customer satisfaction.

As for business indicators, SEDD head revealed a 7% growth in the total number of issued and renewed licenses, with issued licenses recording a remarkable growth of 34%, and renewed licenses growing by 4%, reflecting the vitality of economic activity and the expansion of the business base.

HE explained that the issued licenses achieved a remarkable increase in growth rates, with (Eitimad) domestic licenses leading the way with a growth rate of 57%, followed by e-commerce licenses at 50%, then professional licenses at 42%, while commercial licenses recorded a growth rate of 30%, and industrial licenses at 17%. This confirms the diversity of the economic base and the multiplicity of investment opportunities in the emirate.

Regarding the geographical distribution of issued licenses, Al Mahmoud noted that Sharjah City continued to lead with the issuance of 8,800 licenses with a growth of 30%, while the Central Region achieved a growth rate of 40%. On the other hand, the Eastern Region recorded the highest growth rates, reaching 68%, especially Khor Fakkan branch, which achieved a jump of 126% during 2025. Such thing is a clear indication of the success of the balanced development strategy.

Likely, Al Mahmoud emphasized that the industrial sector maintained stable growth, with the total number of industrial licenses increasing by 8%, new licenses issued by 17%, and renewed licenses by 7%. These significant figures enhance Sharjah’s attractiveness as an industrial environment that supports investment.

When it comes to national licenses, the number of new licenses issued increased by 12%, while renewals grew by 2%, bringing the total growth in national licenses to 3%. These indicators reflect the dynamism of economic activity in the emirate and the increasing demand for establishing national businesses, demonstrating the attractiveness of the investment environment and its role in supporting business growth.

Regarding foreign ownership, HE explained that foreign ownership licenses recorded an overall growth of 18%, with the number of licenses issued increasing by 25%, and those amended by 16%, reflecting the confidence of foreign investors in the stability and resilience of Sharjah’s economy.

Additionally, HE noted that the e-commerce sector continued its rapid growth, with an increase of 33%. Therefore, HE stressed that the Department is keeping pace with this transformation through flexible regulatory frameworks and fast digital services that support entrepreneurs and the digital economy.

Likewise, HE Al Mahmoud confirmed that SEDD conducted more than 262,000 inspection campaigns during 2025, noting that Department dealt with 16,627 commercial protection complaints. Also, based on the indicators, there was a decrease in consumer protection complaints by 3%, and a decrease in service agent complaints by 2%, reflecting the development of the level of compliance in the markets.

This confirms the effectiveness of the mechanism followed by the Department to ensure the safety of all economic practices, the high level of consumer awareness, and the ease of access to digital channels. Likely, HE emphasized that the Department dealt with these indicators quickly, as the rate of resolving and closing complaints reached 97%, which reflects the efficiency of the regulatory system and SEDD’s concerns to protect consumer rights and regulate markets.

As for its role in supporting the commercial sector and enhancing the attractiveness of Sharjah for local and regional investment, the Department has implemented a number of qualitative initiatives and projects that contribute to supporting and facilitating procedures, including the launch of "Instant License" service. This service allows issuing licenses within one working day without the need to attach certain documents like the Memorandum of Association or lease contract for the first year. This license enables investors to commence operations immediately, aiming to expedite and streamline procedures, shorten the customer journey, and ultimately boost economic growth in the emirate.

The Department also launched the Elite Initiative, a premium service for a select group of leading commercial companies in the emirate, to enhance their role in the local economy and create an environment of incentive and appreciation for best practices in the private sector.

Moreover, SEDD organized a number of meetings with investors and entrepreneurs as part of its "SEDD Council" initiative, with the participation of several business owners, investors, and entrepreneurs from various sectors. The meetings aimed at discussing means of mutual cooperation with concerned representatives of companies from the private sector, to provide them with all laws and regulations issued related to their activities, and to offer the best services, as well as to look into their ideas and suggestions to improve the working procedures. Such thing pays great role in enhancing Sharjah’s position on the economic map and developing all sectors in the emirate to comply with the highest quality standards in accordance with the best global practices and in support of the various economic sectors and their sustainability.

The Department also adopted an initiative to provide offices in business centers in cooperation with Al Teneiji Business Offices (free office at no cost), for citizens, GCC countries and children of female citizens. This initiative aims to encourage this category to launch their business projects and invest at minimal costs. Likewise, SEDD launched a new service called (Awn 60+), dedicated to senior citizens aged 60 and above. This service aims at facilitating the access of senior citizens to the Department’s services without the need to visit its headquarters in a manner that suits their health and social needs. This service reflects SEDD’s concerns to promote levels of satisfaction with its services, and strengthen its role as an institution that takes into account the various segments of society.

Concerning e-linking and integration operations, SEDD continued to strengthen the integration system with government entities, with the total number of linked entities within the integration system reaching 42 local and federal entities. This contributes to unifying procedures, exchanging data in a secure and efficient manner, accelerating the completion of transactions, and reducing duplication of requests, which positively impacts improving the customer experience and raising the efficiency of government work.

When highlighting its local and global participations, SEDD recorded a number of 91 visits and participations among events, exhibitions, conferences and economic forums. This reflects its keenness to enhance institutional presence, exchange experiences, and learn about the best global practices, in addition to supporting the promotion of investment opportunities in Sharjah and enhancing its position as an attractive economic center at the regional and international levels.

When discussing its focus on Emiratization process, Al Mahmoud explained that the Emiratization rate in SEDD reached 97% during 2025, an achievement that reflects its commitment to qualifying national talents and enabling them to lead the economic development process.

Additionally, as part of enhancing the system of job excellence, the Economic Department honored 116 employees within its Outstanding Employee of the Month Award program, which was done in recognition of their contributions to raising the efficiency of institutional performance and promoting a culture of excellence. It is worth mentioning that the rate of distinguished employees hit an increase of 20% during 2025. Also, HE added that the Department focuses on utilizing all available resources to develop its staff and prepare them according to the highest standards of competence. Therefore, the number of organized training programs reached 310, encompassing internal and external programs, human resources programs, specialized training, field training, volunteer work, and summer training for students from various educational institutions. SEDD also launched the "Little Economist" program for its employee’s children. This initiative embodies the Department's vision of empowering the community, starting with the family, and promoting positive values that support sustainable economic development. Through this program, SEDD also seeks to stimulate a spirit of innovation and financial responsibility in children, and prepare them to be active members of society in the future.

To carry on, Al Mahmoud explained that SEDD achieved a 96.8% customer satisfaction rate with its services, according to the data collected from its survey that was conducted to ensure the highest levels of service satisfaction. HE noted that these results confirm the Department's commitment to improving the level of services it provides to the public, investors, and partners.

When highlighting the outcomes of Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship “RUWAD”, HE SEDD Chairman stressed that the funding value of “RUWAD” projects during the past year amounted to 6.06 million dirhams, with 21 funded projects. On the other hand, the number of projects joining the membership reached 517 memberships, and the number of training programs and professional diploma programs reached about 60 programs. Also, the number of trainees from entrepreneurs reached 1474 trainees, while the value of purchases by government agencies from “RUWAD” members reached about 6.10 million dirhams. Such achievements confirm the continuous efforts that is placed to support SMEs in the emirate.

Finally, HE concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Sharjah is committed to building a diversified, smart, and sustainable economy, driven by innovation, supported by sound governance, and based on qualified national talent. Likely, HE stressed that 2025 results represent a new beginning towards a more ambitious phase in the emirate’s economic development journey, leading to a more productive and prosperous future.