The total number of business licenses issued and renewed in Sharjah reached 38,169 during the first half of 2026, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
The emirate issued 4,597 new licenses during the six-month period, marking annual growth of 5%, while 33,572 licenses were renewed, reflecting a 2% increase compared to the first half of 2025.
SEDD said the figures reflect continued business activity and investment momentum across the emirate despite a challenging regional economic and geopolitical environment.
Commercial Licenses Continue to Lead
Commercial licenses represented the largest category among newly issued permits, accounting for 2,514 licenses during the first six months of the year.
Professional licenses followed with 1,407 new issuances, while the department issued 276 industrial licenses, 233 Eitimad licenses, and 167 e-commerce licenses.
Commercial licenses also dominated renewals, with 21,619 licenses renewed during the period. Professional license renewals reached 9,479, while industrial license renewals totaled 1,854.
SEDD also renewed 413 Eitimad licenses and 207 e-commerce licenses, with e-commerce recording the fastest annual growth rate among all categories at 52%.
Industrial Areas Drive Licensing Activity
Sharjah’s main center recorded the highest number of newly issued licenses with 2,156, followed by the Industrial Areas Branch with 1,492 licenses and the Central Region Branch with 484.
Khor Fakkan issued 271 new licenses during the first half of the year, while Kalba recorded 157 and Dibba Al Hisn issued 37 licenses.
The Industrial Areas Branch also led in license renewals, processing 14,989 renewals during the reporting period.
The main center renewed 12,675 licenses, followed by the Central Region Branch with 3,279 renewals. Khor Fakkan recorded 1,342 renewals, while Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn processed 1,051 and 236 renewals respectively.
Commercial Oversight Activity Expands
Alongside licensing activity, SEDD carried out 90,106 commercial inspection transactions during the first half of 2026 as part of its market monitoring and regulatory activities.
The department also recorded 12,429 commercial protection complaints during the period, including 11,134 consumer protection complaints, 795 commercial fraud complaints, and 500 complaints related to service agents.
Investor Confidence Remains Strong
Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, said the latest indicators demonstrate continued confidence among investors and the business community in Sharjah’s economy.
“The latest economic indicators reflect continued investment activity and sustainable growth in the emirate and demonstrate the confidence of investors and the business community in Sharjah’s economy,” Al Mahmoud said.
He added that Sharjah has continued to demonstrate economic resilience despite regional geopolitical developments, supported by economic diversification, infrastructure investments, and ongoing development projects across the emirate.
According to Al Mahmoud, the emirate will continue strengthening its position as an investment destination by supporting diversification efforts, enhancing public-private sector cooperation, and developing legislation and services that improve the business environment.
Why It Matters
Sharjah’s licensing data highlights the emirate’s continued appeal as a business destination within the UAE, particularly for SMEs and entrepreneurs. The rapid growth of e-commerce licenses also reflects broader digital transformation trends across the Gulf region, as businesses increasingly embrace online business models and digital commerce channels.
