Sharjah issued and renewed 38,169 business licenses during the first half of 2026, marking a 2% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
The department’s latest report showed that 4,597 new licenses were issued during the first six months of the year, up 5% year-on-year, while 33,572 licenses were renewed, recording a 2% increase.
License breakdown
Commercial licenses accounted for the largest share of new licenses at 2,514, followed by 1,407 professional licenses. Industrial licenses reached 276, while 233 Eitimad licenses and 167 e-commerce licenses were also issued.
For renewed licenses, commercial licenses topped the list with 21,619 renewals, followed by 9,479 professional licenses and 1,854 industrial licenses. The department also renewed 413 Eitimad licenses and 207 e-commerce licenses. E-commerce license renewals recorded the highest annual growth at 52%.
Branch performance
The SEDD main centre issued 2,156 new licenses during the first half of the year, followed by the Industrial Areas branch with 1,492 licenses and the Central Region branch with 484. Khor Fakkan issued 271 licenses, while Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn recorded 157 and 37 licenses respectively.
The Industrial Areas branch also recorded the highest number of renewed licenses at 14,989, followed by the main centre with 12,675. The Central Region branch renewed 3,279 licenses, while Khor Fakkan, Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn renewed 1,342, 1,051 and 236 licenses respectively.
Consumer protection
The report said SEDD completed 90,106 commercial control transactions during the first half of 2026 as part of its market inspection and consumer awareness efforts.
The department also handled 12,429 commercial protection complaints. Consumer protection complaints accounted for 11,134 cases, followed by 795 commercial fraud complaints and 500 service agent complaints.
Commenting on the results, Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of SEDD, said: “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 added: “Sharjahâs economy has shown exceptional resilience and a high capacity for growth during the first half of this year, even in light of the surrounding geopolitical tensions and regional challenges, confirming that the Emirate has succeeded in turning challenges into real opportunities for growth, thanks to the diversification of its economy, the development of its infrastructure, and the continuation of development and construction projects in various cities of the Emirate.”
Al Mahmoud said Sharjah would continue strengthening its position as a regional investment destination through economic diversification, supportive policies, public-private partnerships, and the continued development of legislation and business services.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
