Sharjah Attracts Dh3.51 Billion in Industrial Investment Over Five Years
📋 Key Takeaway: Sharjah’s industrial investment has exceeded Dh3.51 billion over five years, with significant contributions in 2025, highlighting the emirate’s competitiveness and growth potential.
Significant Investment Milestones
Sharjah has reported a remarkable Dh3.51 billion in industrial investments across 99 projects over the past five years, according to recent data from fDi Markets, a service of the Financial Times. Notably, in 2025 alone, the emirate attracted Dh1.6 billion from 31 projects. These figures were revealed by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ event, held in Abu Dhabi from May 4 to 7.
The event served as a platform for Sharjah to showcase its industrial capabilities, which account for approximately 40 percent of the UAE’s total industrial establishments. The emirate is home to over 2,800 factories distributed across 21 industrial zones, underscoring its strategic importance in the region’s industrial landscape.
Showcasing Economic Integration
At the Sharjah pavilion, key entities such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), and Gulftainer were present to demonstrate the emirate’s interconnected industrial ecosystem. This collaborative approach aims to support all stages of industrial project establishment and expansion, reflecting a robust business environment.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, emphasized the importance of this integrated ecosystem, stating that it is designed for long-term competitiveness. He pointed to the rising industrial output and exports as direct outcomes of Sharjah’s strategic infrastructure and regulatory alignment, which are crucial for fostering sustained manufacturing growth.
Continued Growth and Future Prospects
Sharjah’s industrial sector continues to expand, with 532 new licenses issued in 2025, marking a 17 percent increase from 2024. The total number of licenses reached 3,886, reflecting an overall growth of 8 percent. This growth trajectory is indicative of the emirate’s commitment to enhancing its industrial framework and attracting further investments.
The demand for industrial assets has surged, with industrial real estate transactions increasing by 88.7 percent in 2025 to Dh9.24 billion, compared to Dh4.9 billion in 2024. With 4,416 properties traded and 14 industrial real estate developments currently underway, investor confidence in Sharjah’s industrial landscape remains robust.
Implications for the Future
The ‘Make it in the Emirates’ platform plays a crucial role in fostering public-private partnerships and promoting industrial innovation. By showcasing opportunities in advanced manufacturing and supply chains, the event contributes significantly to the UAE’s broader industrial strategy, reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for industry and production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total industrial investment in Sharjah over the past five years?
Sharjah has attracted Dh3.51 billion in industrial investment across 99 projects.
How many new industrial licenses were issued in Sharjah in 2025?
In 2025, Sharjah issued 532 new industrial licenses, a 17 percent increase from the previous year.
What role does the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ event play?
The event serves as a platform to accelerate industrial growth and showcase investment opportunities in the UAE.
How has the demand for industrial real estate changed in Sharjah?
Demand for industrial real estate has surged, with transactions rising 88.7 percent in 2025.
What is Sharjah’s share of the UAE’s total industrial establishments?
Sharjah accounts for around 40 percent of the UAE’s total industrial establishments.
