The number of business licences issued and renewed in Sharjah rose 2% year-on-year to 38,169 during the first half of 2026, thus reflecting continued growth in business activity in the northern emirate, according to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
The total included 4,597 new licences, up 5% from a year earlier, and 33,572 licence renewals, an increase of 2%, stated SEDD in its half-year report.
Commercial licences accounted for the largest share of new registrations at 2,514, followed by 1,407 professional licences and 276 industrial licences. The department also issued 233 Eitimad licences and 167 e-commerce licences, it added.
Among renewed licences, commercial permits totalled 21,619, while professional and industrial licences reached 9,479 and 1,854, respectively. Renewed e-commerce licences rose 52% year-on-year to 207.
The Industrial Areas branch processed the highest number of licence renewals at 14,989, followed by SEDD's main centre with 12,675 renewals.
Separately, SEDD said it handled 90,106 commercial inspection transactions during the first six months of the year and recorded 12,429 commercial protection complaints, including 11,134 consumer protection complaints and 795 complaints related to commercial fraud.
SEDD Chairman Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud said the figures reflected sustained investment activity and business confidence despite regional geopolitical tensions, citing the emirate's diversified economy, infrastructure development and continued investment in development projects.
“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 stated.
“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,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service
