Sharjah issued and renewed 38,169 business licenses during the first half of 2026, a 2% increase from the same period last year, according to the Sharjah Economic Development Department.
The department said 4,597 new licenses were issued during the six-month period, up 5% from a year earlier, while 33,572 licenses were renewed, also posting 2% growth.
Commercial licenses accounted for the largest share of new registrations with 2,514, followed by professional licenses with 1,407. The emirate also issued 276 industrial licenses, 233 Eitimad licenses and 167 e-commerce licenses.
Among renewed licenses, e-commerce posted the strongest growth, increasing 52% from the first half of 2025.
The department also reported processing more than 90,000 commercial control transactions and receiving 12,429 commercial protection complaints during the period, most of which involved consumer protection concerns.
Sharjah Economic Development Department Chairman Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud said the figures demonstrate continued investor confidence and the emirate’s ability to sustain economic growth despite geopolitical tensions and regional challenges.
He said Sharjah continues to strengthen its position as a leading investment destination through economic diversification, infrastructure development and policies that support business growth.
