Sharjah’s Business Licensing Landscape Flourishes with 5% Growth in Third Quarter
The Sharjah Economic Development Department reports robust expansion in business activity, with nearly 19,500 licences issued and renewed during the quarter, reflecting the emirate's compelling proposition for commercial enterprise.
Sharjah has demonstrated remarkable momentum in its business licensing sector, with the Sharjah Economic Development Department recording 19,327 business licences issued and renewed during the third quarter of 2026. This substantial figure encompasses 1,738 newly issued licences alongside 17,589 renewals, representing a commendable 5% growth trajectory that underscores the emirate’s thriving commercial ecosystem.
The licensing performance reflects an economic environment of considerable stability and expansion, positioning Sharjah as an increasingly attractive destination for business investment and entrepreneurial endeavour. Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, emphasised that these figures crystallise the emirate’s proven capacity to nurture business expansion and cultivate investment opportunities. He attributed this success to Sharjah’s remarkably diverse economic foundation, the flourishing services sector, its strategically advantageous geographic position and the continuous refinement of government service delivery. These elements collectively reinforce Sharjah’s competitive standing within the regional business landscape.
Fahad Ahmed Al Khamiri, Director of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, underscored the essential role of cultivating a flexible and responsive business environment that addresses investors’ evolving requirements. The department continues to advance its digital service offerings, streamline administrative procedures and enhance investor engagement mechanisms, thereby facilitating both the establishment and expansion of business enterprises throughout the emirate.
Commercial licences dominated new licensing activity with 1,012 issuances, followed by professional licences at 345, Eitimad licences at 138, e-commerce licences at 137 and industrial licences at 106. Within renewals, commercial licences similarly commanded the highest volume at 11,454, succeeded by professional licences with 4,686, industrial licences numbering 927, Eitimad licences at 352 and e-commerce licences at 170.
Source: WAM