Sharjah records 38,169 new and renewed business licenses, with a growth of 2% during the first half of 2026

Sharjah, 12 July / WAM / The total number of business licenses issued and renewed in Sharjah during the first half of the current year reached 38,169 licenses, with a growth rate of 2% over the same period last year. The number of licenses issued reached 4,597 licenses, with a growth of 5% during this period of the year 2026, while the number of renewed licenses reached 33,572 licenses, with a growth rate of 2% over the same period last year.

According to the data issued by the Sharjah Department of Economic Development in its report for the first half of the year 2026, commercial licenses reached 2,514 licenses, followed by professional licenses with a total of 1,407 licenses for the same period, then industrial licenses with a total of 276 licenses, and accreditation licenses came fourth with 233 licenses, and electronic commerce licenses with a total of 167 licenses.

As for renewed licenses in the first half of the year 2026, 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, Etemad licenses came fourth with 413 licenses, while electronic trading licenses came with a total of 207 licenses, with a growth rate of 52% over the first half of last year.

According to the geographical distribution of licenses issued during the first half of the current year according to the branches, the number of licenses issued in the main center of the department reached 2,156 licenses, followed by the Industrial Branch with 1,492 licenses, then the Central Region Branch with 484 licenses, while the number of licenses at the Khor Fakkan Branch reached 271 licenses, while the Kalba Branch recorded 157 licenses and the Dibba Al-Hisn Branch recorded 37 licenses.

As for renewed business licenses by branch only, the Industrial Branch issued the number of licenses with approximately 14,989 licenses, followed by the main center with 12,675 licenses, the Central Region Branch with 3,279 licenses, then the Khor Fakkan Branch with 1,342 licenses, followed by the Kalba Branch with 1,051 licenses, and the Dibba Al-Hisn Branch with 236 licenses.

The Sharjah Economic Development Department is committed to working with merchants and consumers to create a fair relationship between the two parties, as the Department communicates through all possible means with consumers in the markets of the Emirate of Sharjah to raise their awareness and inform them of their basic rights by providing platforms, websites, and continuous field tours, as the total number of commercial control transactions during the first half reached 90,106 transactions from the year 2026.

The total number of commercial protection complaints reached 12,429 complaints during the first half of this year, and the largest share was for consumer protection complaints, which amounted to 11,134 complaints, followed by commercial fraud complaints, 795 complaints, while the number of service agent complaints reached 500 complaints.

His Excellency Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Head of the Department of Economic Development, 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. He stressed that Sharjah’s economy showed during the first half of this year exceptional resilience and a high ability to grow even in light of the geopolitical tensions and surrounding regional challenges, stressing that the emirate succeeded in transforming challenges into real opportunities for growth thanks to the diversification of its economy, the development of its infrastructure, and the continuation of projects. Development and urban development in various cities of the emirate.

He added that the emirate continues to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent investment destinations in the region, based on a diversified economy, policies that support growth, and an effective partnership between the government and private sectors, in addition to the continuous development of legislation and services that stimulate the business environment.

He also pointed out that the performance indicators issued by the Department of Economic Development confirm that business sectors continue to achieve sustainable growth in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, which aims to improve the economic system and enhance its ability to continue growth.

He added that the data reflects a noticeable increase in investment activity, which enhances confidence in the strength of the emirate’s economy, pointing out that the department relies on these indicators in evaluating economic performance and drawing up future plans, stressing the continuation of work on developing government services in line with international best practices by accelerating procedures and facilitating the investors’ journey. He pointed out the launch of the trade name reservation service relying on artificial intelligence techniques, in addition to the “instant license” service that allows the issuance of commercial licenses within the first year without the need to attach a contract of incorporation or a lease.

For his part, His Excellency Fahd Ahmed Al Khamiri, Director of the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah, said that the results of the first half of the current year reflect the strength of the local economy and the emirate’s attractiveness for investments, and confirm the continued confidence of the business community in the opportunities available in various sectors, pointing out that the department continues to implement initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing the business environment and supporting economic development by adopting the latest digital technologies, developing smart services, implementing government accelerators, and adhering to the best standards of quality and business continuity to ensure the provision of advanced digital services that meet the aspirations of investors and entrepreneurs.

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