With Growth of 2% 38,169 Issued & Renewed Licenses in Sharjah 2026 H1

Hamad Al Mahmoud: “Economic diversification enhances Sharjah's investment leadership”

Fahad Al Khamiri: “F2026 first half results reflect the strength of Sharjah's economy”

Sharjah Economic Development Department “SEDD” revealed in its report for the first half of 2026 the most important developments and events witnessed by the economic sectors and the measures and efforts taken by the Department in all sectors and activities. This report provides a comprehensive tool for those dealing with the economic sectors in the emirate, and highlight the most important results achieved. Such thing confirms SEDD’s efforts aimed at reaching a balanced and sustainable economic performance, and enhancing business continuity in various fields.

According to this report that reveals SEDD’s achievements at the first half of this year, the total number of business licenses issued and renewed in Sharjah reached 38,169, with a growth rate of 2% compared to the same period last year. In details, the number of licenses issued reached 4,597, with a growth rate of 5% during this period of 2026, while the number of renewed licenses reached 33,572, with a growth rate of 2% compared to the same period last year.

Distribution of Licenses by Type When discussing the distribution of issued licenses by type, commercial licenses reached 2,514 ones, followed by professional licenses with a total of 1,407 licenses for the same period. Then, industrial licenses hit a number of 276 licenses, while Eitimad licenses came fourth with 233 licenses. Also, e-commerce licenses hit a total of 167 licenses.

As for the renewed licenses in the first half of 2026, the renewed commercial licenses reached 21,619 licenses, followed by professional licenses with a total of 9,479 licenses, then industrial licenses with a total of 1,854 licenses. Also, Eitimad licenses came fourth with 413 licenses, while e-commerce licenses came with a total of 207 licenses, with a growth rate of 52% compared to the first half of last year.

Geographical Distribution of Licenses According to the geographical distribution of licenses issued during the first half of this year by branch, the number of licenses issued at the main center of the Department reached 2156 licenses, followed by the Industrial Areas Branch with an average of 1492 licenses, then the Central Region Branch with 484 licenses, while the number of licenses at the Khor Fakkan Branch reached 271 licenses. In addition, Kalba Branch recorded 157 licenses, whereas Dibba Al Hisn Branch recorded 37 licenses.

As for the renewed business licenses by branch, the Industrial Areas branch topped the list with approximately 14,989 licenses, followed by the main center with 12,675 licenses. On the other hand, the Central Region branch recorded a number of 3,279 licenses, whereas Khor Fakkan branch hit a number of 1,342 licenses. Also, Kalba branch recorded 1,051 licenses, while Dibba Al Hisn branch completed 236 licenses.

90,106 Commercial Control Transactions Furthermore, SEDD is committed to working with traders and consumers to establish a fair relationship between the two parties. Therefore, the Department communicates with consumers in the markets of Sharjah through all possible means to raise their awareness and inform them of their basic rights by providing platforms, websites, and continuous field visits. Such thing resulted at attaining a total number of 90,106 transactions in commercial control transactions during the first half of 2026.

12,429 Total Commercial Protection Complaints When highlighting the field of commercial protection, SEDD recorded a total number of 12,429 commercial protection complaints during the first half of this year. In details, the largest share was for consumer protection complaints with a number of 11,134 complaints, followed by commercial fraud complaints, that reached 795 complaints, while the number of service agent complaints amounted to 500 ones.

Commenting on this, HE Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud, SEDD Chairman and Member of Sharjah Executive Council, said that the economic indicators confirm the continued investment momentum and sustainable growth witnessed by the Emirate, noting that these results reflect the confidence of the business community and investors in the promising economic opportunities that Sharjah provides in various sectors. Also, HE stressed that Sharjah’s economy has shown exceptional resilience and a high capacity for growth during the first half of this year, even in light of the surrounding geopolitical tensions and regional challenges, confirming that the Emirate has succeeded in turning challenges into real opportunities for growth, thanks to the diversification of its economy, the development of its infrastructure, and the continuation of development and construction projects in various cities of the Emirate.

HE added that Sharjah will continue to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent investment destinations in the region, based on a diversified economy, growth-supporting policies, an effective partnership between the public and private sectors, in addition to the continuous development of legislation and services that stimulate the business environment.

Also, HE pointed out that the performance indicators issued by SEDD confirm the continued sustainable growth of business sectors, that goes in line with the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the pursuit of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, aimed at improving the economic system and enhancing its ability to continue growing.

Likely, HE SEDD Chairman stated that the data reflects a significant increase in investment activity, which reinforces confidence in the strength of the emirate's economy. He also noted that the Department relies on these indicators to assess economic performance and formulate future plans. In addition, HE emphasized the ongoing efforts to develop government services in line with global best practices by expediting procedures and facilitating the investor journey. Likewise, HE highlighted the launch of a trade name reservation service powered by artificial intelligence, along with the "Instant License" service, which allows for the issuance of trade licenses within the first year without the need to submit the Memorandum of Association or lease agreement.

For his part, HE Fahad Ahmed Al Khamiri, SEDD Director, stated that the results for the first half of 2026 reflect the strength of the local economy and the emirate's attractiveness to investments, confirming the continued confidence of the business community in the opportunities available across various sectors.

Moreover, Al Khamiri pointed out that SEDD will carry on its role in implementing initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the business environment and supporting economic development, through adopting the latest digital technologies, developing smart services, implementing government accelerators, and adhering to the best standards of quality and business continuity, in order to ensure the provision of advanced digital services that meet the aspirations of investors and entrepreneurs.