Sharjah records strong growth in business services, investment

Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department and Member of the Sharjah Executive Council, affirmed that the results of 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in the department’s journey, reflecting the strength of the local economy and the growth of the business environment in the emirate, further reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a competitive and sustainable economic hub.

Al Mahmoud stated that during 2025 the department achieved significant qualitative results in developing services and improving customer experience by building an integrated system centred on customer needs, enhancing institutional efficiency and supporting the sustainability of the local economy.

He confirmed the presence of 84,443 economic establishments in Sharjah, noting the emirate’s continued progress towards economic diversification through supportive laws and government legislation that encourage development.

He explained that the department’s digital transformation has gone beyond the technical dimension to include operational thinking and working mechanisms, through service re-engineering, the development of advanced digital platforms and the modernisation of core technical systems. The department has also adopted artificial intelligence solutions, managed them effectively and developed a flexible digital infrastructure capable of keeping pace with technological change.

In this context, the launch of a commercial name issuance service using artificial intelligence represents a significant step in advancing digital transformation and enhancing the service experience for individuals and companies.

To further enhance customer experience, the department implemented several development measures to simplify procedures and improve service efficiency. These included reducing the number of steps in the customer journey and expanding automated services to accelerate processing times.

In July 2025, the department launched an instant licence service, which has delivered positive results, with 1,165 instant licences issued since its introduction. These efforts are supported by a network of 18 service centres across the emirate, ensuring easy access and a smooth, efficient experience for investors and entrepreneurs.

The department also achieved a significant milestone by obtaining two additional international ISO certifications, bringing the total to 12.

Al Mahmoud noted that securing ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems is a first at both the Sharjah and national levels, reflecting the department’s commitment to the highest standards of responsible and secure AI governance and strengthening Sharjah’s path towards sustainable economic development.

The department also obtained ISO 44001:2017 certification for Collaborative Business Relationship Management, reaffirming its commitment to developing economic operations, applying global best management practices and building strong, productive partnerships that support its objectives and enhance customer satisfaction.

Regarding business indicators, the Chairman revealed that total issued and renewed business licences increased by 7 per cent. Newly issued licences recorded notable growth of 34 per cent, while renewed licences grew by 4 per cent, reflecting the vitality of economic activity and the expansion of the business base.

Home-based licences led growth with a 57 per cent increase, followed by e-commerce licences at 50 per cent and professional licences at 42 per cent. Commercial licences grew by 30 per cent and industrial licences by 17 per cent, highlighting the emirate’s diversified economic base and wide investment opportunities.

In terms of geographical distribution, Sharjah City continued to lead with 8,800 licences issued and 30 per cent growth. The Central Region recorded 40 per cent growth, while the Eastern Region achieved the highest growth rate at 68 per cent. Notably, the Khorfakkan branch registered a remarkable 126 per cent increase, clearly demonstrating the success of the emirate’s balanced development strategy.

Al Mahmoud affirmed that the industrial sector maintained steady growth, with total industrial licences rising by 8 per cent. Newly issued industrial licences increased by 17 per cent, while renewed licences grew by 7 per cent, further strengthening Sharjah’s attractiveness as a supportive industrial environment for investment.

Regarding national licences, newly issued licences increased by 12 per cent, while renewed licences grew by 2 per cent, bringing overall growth in national licences to 3 per cent.

With respect to foreign ownership, foreign-owned licences recorded overall growth of 18 per cent, with issued licences rising by 25 per cent and amended licences by 16 per cent, demonstrating foreign investors’ confidence in the stability and flexibility of Sharjah’s economy.

The e-commerce sector continued its rapid expansion, with e-trading licences recording overall growth of 33 per cent.

The Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department confirmed that the department carried out 262,615 inspection visits during 2025. He noted that the department addressed 16,627 commercial protection complaints over the past year.

Indicators for 2025 showed a 3 per cent decline in consumer protection complaints and a 2 per cent decrease in service agent complaints, reflecting improved levels of compliance across markets.

In supporting the commercial sector and enhancing Sharjah’s appeal for local and regional investment, the department implemented several qualitative initiatives and projects aimed at simplifying procedures.

Among these was the launch of the “Instant Licence” service, which is issued within one working day and enables investors and entrepreneurs to obtain a commercial licence immediately without the need to submit a memorandum of association or a lease contract during the first year.

The department also launched the “Elite” initiative, a specialised service for a selected group of leading commercial companies in the emirate, aimed at strengthening their role in the local economy and creating an environment of motivation and recognition for best practices within the private sector.

Additionally, the department organised several meetings with investors and entrepreneurs as part of its “Sharjah Economic Development Majlis” initiative, with the participation of company owners, investors and entrepreneurs from various sectors. These meetings discussed avenues for cooperation between the department and private sector representatives, provided them with all relevant laws and regulations related to their activities, delivered optimal services, received their developmental feedback and continuously worked to enhance their operations.

These efforts aim to strengthen Sharjah’s position on the economic map, develop all sectors in the emirate in line with the highest quality standards and global best practices, and support the sustainability of the various economic sectors.

The department also launched an initiative to provide offices in business centres in cooperation with Al Taneji Business Centres, offering free offices at no cost to UAE nationals, citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and children of Emirati mothers. This initiative aims to encourage these groups to start their commercial projects and invest with minimal expenses.

WAM