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Sharjah issues and renews 19,327 business licences in third quarter, up 5%

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A traditional covered souk arcade in Sharjah with arched walkways and small shopfronts, no readable signs Economy
A traditional covered souk arcade in Sharjah with arched walkways and small shopfronts, no readable signs

The Sharjah Economic Development Department issued 1,738 new licences and renewed 17,589, with commercial licences the largest group.

The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) issued and renewed 19,327 business licences in the third quarter of 2026, 5% more than a year earlier, Sharjah 24 reported on 20 October. The total comprised 1,738 new licences and 17,589 renewals.

Commercial licences led new issuances with 1,012, followed by professional licences (345), Etimad licences for Emirati micro-businesses (138), e-commerce licences (137) and industrial licences (106).

Among renewals, commercial licences again came first with 11,454, followed by professional (4,686), industrial (927), Etimad (352) and e-commerce (170).

Separately, the Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (Ruwad) said it financed 10 small and medium-sized businesses with AED 3.727 million in the quarter and added 168 new projects to its membership.

For founders choosing where to set up on the mainland, Sharjah offers commercial, professional, industrial and e-commerce licences through SEDD. The department lists activities, trade-name checks and fees on its website.

Sources