Sharjah Issues and Renews More Than 38,000 Business Licenses in H1 2026
The department issued 4,597 new licenses during the six-month period, up 5% year-on-year, while 33,572 licenses were renewed, reflecting 2% growth compared to the first half of 2025.
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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 the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
The department issued 4,597 new licenses during the six-month period, up 5% year-on-year, while 33,572 licenses were renewed, reflecting 2% growth compared to the first half of 2025.
According to SEDD, commercial licenses accounted for the largest share of newly issued licenses at 2,514, followed by 1,407 professional licenses, 276 industrial licenses, 233 Eitimad licenses, and 167 e-commerce licenses.
Among renewed licenses, commercial licenses totaled 21,619, followed by 9,479 professional licenses and 1,854 industrial licenses. The department also renewed 413 Eitimad licenses and 207 e-commerce licenses, with the latter recording the highest annual growth rate at 52%.
By location, the department’s main center issued the largest number of new licenses at 2,156, followed by the Industrial Areas Branch with 1,492 licenses and the Central Region Branch with 484. Khor Fakkan issued 271 licenses, Kalba 157, and Dibba Al Hisn 37.
The Industrial Areas Branch also recorded the highest number of license renewals, processing 14,989 renewals during the first half of the year. The main center renewed 12,675 licenses, followed by the Central Region Branch with 3,279, Khorfakkan with 1,342, Kalba with 1,051, and Dibba Al Hisn with 236.
SEDD also reported carrying out 90,106 commercial inspection transactions during the first half of 2026 as part of its commercial oversight activities.
The department recorded 12,429 commercial protection complaints during the reporting period, including 11,134 consumer protection complaints, 795 commercial fraud complaints, and 500 complaints related to service agents.
Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, said that the latest economic indicators reflect continued investment activity and sustainable growth in the emirate, adding that the results demonstrate the confidence of investors and the business community in Sharjah’s economy.
He added that Sharjah’s economy has continued to demonstrate resilience despite regional geopolitical developments, attributing this to economic diversification, infrastructure development, and ongoing development projects across the emirate.
Al Mahmoud said Sharjah will continue to strengthen its position as an investment destination by supporting economic diversification, enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors, and continuing to develop legislation and services that support the business environment.
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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 the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
The department issued 4,597 new licenses during the six-month period, up 5% year-on-year, while 33,572 licenses were renewed, reflecting 2% growth compared to the first half of 2025.
According to SEDD, commercial licenses accounted for the largest share of newly issued licenses at 2,514, followed by 1,407 professional licenses, 276 industrial licenses, 233 Eitimad licenses, and 167 e-commerce licenses.
Entrepreneur Middle East Staff
Entrepreneur Staff
