Sharjah, the third-largest city in the United Arab Emirates, is a dynamic urban centre known for its cultural richness, economic vitality, and strategic infrastructure. As of 2025, the city has a population of approximately 1.91 million, with the metropolitan area encompassing over 2.5 million residents.

The city has a diversified economy with key sectors including manufacturing, trade, logistics, and tourism. In 2023, Sharjah's GDP was estimated at US$39.5 billion, and it is projected to grow by 7.5% in 2025. The emirate attracted $1.5 billion in capital investment during the first half of 2025, a 361% increase from the previous year, reflecting its growing appeal as an investment hub.

Sharjah's infrastructure development is robust, with significant investments in transportation, utilities, and industrial zones. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority has expanded its public transportation network by adding nine new low-emission buses, increasing the fleet to 138 vehicles. Industrial Area 6 is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at enhancing logistics and supply chain efficiency.

The city is also a leader in digital innovation. At GITEX Global 2025, Sharjah unveiled the world's first AI-powered trade name issuance service, streamlining business registration processes. Additionally, Sharjah's digital governance initiatives were showcased at the event, highlighting the emirate's commitment to creating a connected, human-centred digital society.

Culturally, Sharjah is renowned for its heritage and arts scene. The city was designated as the Islamic Culture Capital in 2014 and the World Book Capital in 2019 by UNESCO. It hosts the Sharjah Biennial, a significant contemporary art event, and the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the largest of its kind in the region. The Heart of Sharjah project, aimed at preserving the city's historic district, is set to be completed by 2025.

Sharjah's commitment to sustainability is evident in projects like the Sharjah Sustainable City, which integrates clean energy, waste recycling, and sustainable agriculture. This initiative reflects the emirate's vision for a green and resilient future.

Geography and Climate:

• Location: Sharjah is situated on the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the Persian Gulf to the west and surrounded by the emirates of Dubai and Ajman.
• Area: The city spans approximately 235.5 square kilometres.
• Climate: Sharjah experiences a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range between 38°C to 42°C, occasionally exceeding 45°C, while winter temperatures rarely exceed 30°C.

Population:

• City Population: As of 2025, Sharjah's population is estimated at 1.91 million. 
• Growth Rate: The metropolitan area population increased by 2.03% from 2024 to 2025.

Economy:

• GDP (2025): Sharjah's GDP reached approximately $39.5 billion.
• Projected Growth (2025): The economy is projected to grow by 7.5% in 2025.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): In the first half of 2025, Sharjah attracted USD 1.5 billion in FDI, marking a 361% increase from the previous year. 
• Key Sectors: Manufacturing, logistics, trade, and tourism are significant contributors to the economy. 
• Real Estate Market: The real estate sector saw transactions amounting to AED 44.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 58.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 

Government and Administration:

• Ruler: Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi has been the ruler of Sharjah since 1972. 
• Government Type: Sharjah operates under an absolute monarchy system. 
• Recent Initiatives: In 2025, the government announced plans to hire 700 Emirati citizens into newly created government positions by the end of the year. 

Infrastructure and Transportation:

• Public Transport: Sharjah's Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) expanded its public transportation network by adding nine new low-emission buses, increasing the fleet to 138 vehicles.
• Road Development: The SRTA is converting single-lane roads into dual carriageways to improve traffic flow and safety. 
• Industrial Area 6 Upgrade: Sharjah is enhancing Industrial Area 6 with 19 kilometres of new internal roads, improved pedestrian sidewalks, and dedicated parking facilities for vehicles and heavy trucks.

Technology and Innovation:

• Digital Transformation: At GITEX Global 2025, Sharjah unveiled the world's first AI-powered trade name issuance service, aiming to streamline business registration processes.
• Smart Infrastructure: The Sharjah Digital Department signed a strategic partnership with e& to enhance government network infrastructure through advanced technologies, boosting connectivity and supporting sustainable digital development. 

Culture and Society:

• Cultural Capital: Sharjah was designated as the Islamic Culture Capital in 2014 and the World Book Capital in 2019 by UNESCO.
• Major Events: The city hosts the Sharjah Biennial, a significant contemporary art event, and the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the largest of its kind in the region.
• Religious Sites: Sharjah is home to over 3,000 mosques, including the Al Noor Mosque and the newly inaugurated Quran Mosque in Aljada. 
• Heart of Sharjah Project: Aiming to preserve the city's historic district, the Heart of Sharjah project is set to be completed by 2025.

Education and Research:

• Educational Institutions: Sharjah is home to several universities, including the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. 
• Research Initiatives: The emirate invests in research and development, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, and technology. 

Healthcare:

• Healthcare Services: The Sharjah Healthcare City is a major development aimed at providing world-class medical services and facilities.
• Public Health: Sharjah has been recognised by the World Health Organisation as a healthy city, reflecting its commitment to public health and well-being. 

Tourism:

• Tourist Attractions: Sharjah offers a range of attractions, including the Sharjah Aquarium, Al Qasba, and the Al Majaz Waterfront. 
• Events: The emirate hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Sharjah Light Festival and the Sharjah International Film Festival.
• Cultural Experiences: Visitors can explore traditional markets (souks), museums, and art galleries that showcase Sharjah's rich cultural heritage. 

Environment and Sustainability:

• Sustainable Projects: Sharjah is investing in sustainable development projects, including the Sharjah Sustainable City, which focuses on clean energy, waste recycling, and sustainable agriculture. 
• Environmental Initiatives: The emirate is implementing policies to protect natural resources and promote environmental awareness among residents and businesses. 

Sports:

• Popular Sports: Football, cricket, and motorsports are popular in Sharjah. 
• Sports Facilities: The emirate boasts various sports facilities, including the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which has hosted numerous international matches. 
• Sports Events: Sharjah hosts international sporting events, such as the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championship and the Sharjah International Chess Festival.

Transportation:

• Airports: Sharjah International Airport serves as a major hub for international flights, particularly to destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. 
• Ports: The emirate has several ports, including Khalid Port and Hamriyah Port, facilitating trade and commerce. 
• Public Transport: Sharjah's public transportation system includes buses, taxis, and a network of roads connecting the city to other emirates.

International Relations:

• Global Engagement: Sharjah actively participates in international organisations and forums, promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation. 
• Diplomatic Relations: The emirate maintains diplomatic relations with various countries, focusing on trade, education, and cultural initiatives. 

Recent Developments:

• Economic Initiatives: Sharjah's economy continues to grow, with significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and education. 
• Cultural Projects: New cultural projects, such as the House of Wisdom and the Heart of Sharjah restoration, aim to preserve and promote the emirate's heritage.

Sharjah's administration in 2025 is characterised by a blend of traditional governance and modern reforms aimed at enhancing public sector efficiency, promoting digital transformation, and fostering socio-economic development.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has been the Ruler of Sharjah since 1972. He continues to lead the emirate, focusing on education, culture, and sustainable development. In 2025, he approved 165 scholarships for students at the Sharjah Maritime Academy, demonstrating his commitment to education and skill development.

The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) plays a pivotal role in the emirate's governance, overseeing various departments and implementing policies aligned with the ruler's directives. In December 2024, the SEC approved the 2025 budget, focusing on sectors like social development, infrastructure, and economic growth. 

Sharjah introduced significant human resources reforms in 2025 under Decree-Law No. (2), which included extending probation periods for new government employees from six to nine months, with a possible three-month extension. The decree also prioritised employment for Emiratis and their children, aiming to enhance local workforce participation and ensure fairness in hiring practices.

The Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) has been at the forefront of the emirate's digital transformation. In October 2025, at GITEX Global, the SDD unveiled the "Nabni" platform, an AI-powered system designed to streamline the building permit process by connecting municipal systems and enhancing efficiency and transparency. 

Additionally, the SDD showcased the "Sharjah Digital Hackathon," a collaborative initiative encouraging young innovators to develop AI-based solutions to enhance government services and quality of life.

Sharjah's administration continues to prioritise cultural and educational development. The emirate hosts various cultural events, such as the Sharjah International Narrator Forum, which in 2025 focused on "Tales of Travellers," highlighting the importance of storytelling in preserving heritage. In education, the administration has been investing in infrastructure and scholarships to support students and academic institutions, ensuring the development of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

In October 2025, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi called on the public to participate in the "Sharjah Census 2025," emphasising the importance of understanding residents' needs to provide meaningful assistance. 

This initiative reflects the administration's commitment to transparency and public engagement in governance. Sharjah's administration in 2025 reflects a balanced approach, combining traditional leadership with modern reforms to enhance public sector efficiency, promote digital transformation, and foster socio-economic development.

As of 2025, Sharjah's economy is experiencing significant growth and diversification, positioning the emirate as a dynamic economic hub within the UAE.

The Sharjah economy is projected to grow by up to 7.5% in 2025, driven by robust performance in key sectors such as trade, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. This growth is indicative of Sharjah's strategic initiatives to enhance its economic landscape and attract investment.

In the first half of 2025, Sharjah attracted $1.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), marking a 361% increase from the previous year. This surge in investment led to the establishment of 74 new projects and the creation of 2,578 new jobs, reflecting the emirate's growing appeal to international investors and its commitment to fostering a skilled workforce.

The real estate sector has also shown remarkable growth, with transactions reaching AED 44.3 billion ($12.06 billion) during the first nine months of 2025, a 58.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge indicates a strong demand for both residential and commercial properties, underscoring investor confidence in Sharjah's property market.

Sharjah's commitment to sustainable development is evident in projects like the Sharjah Sustainable City, which integrates clean energy, waste recycling, and sustainable agriculture. These initiatives aim to reduce utility bills by up to 50% and promote a low-carbon lifestyle, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The emirate continues to prioritise innovation and entrepreneurship, hosting events such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025, which explores topics like AI ethics and the economic potential of Generation Z. These platforms foster dialogue on emerging economic trends and encourage the development of innovative solutions.

Sharjah's infrastructure in 2025 is undergoing significant transformation, driven by strategic investments in transportation, utilities, and urban development. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity, sustainability, and the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.

Transportation and Mobility

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has expanded its public transportation network by adding nine new low-emission buses that comply with Euro 5 standards. This expansion increases the emirate's total bus fleet to 138 vehicles, aligning with Sharjah's sustainability goals and addressing growing demand for efficient public transport.

In addition, SRTA has completed the development and upgrade of a 17-kilometre road linking Interchange 10 and Al Rafi’a area to Emirates Road. This project aims to improve traffic efficiency and support industrial and commercial activity in the area.

The SRTA also participated in the Evolve Future Mobility Show 2025, showcasing pioneering initiatives that embody the authority’s drive towards smart transformation and sustainability in the transport sector.

Utilities and Urban Development

Sharjah is investing in modernizing its utility infrastructure to meet the growing demands of its expanding population and industries. The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has undertaken major initiatives to modernize aging water infrastructure, ensuring a reliable supply of utilities across the emirate.

Industrial and Commercial Infrastructure

Sharjah is focusing on enhancing its industrial infrastructure to support economic growth. The development of Al Sajaa Industrial Oasis, a 14 million square feet industrial zone, aims to become the largest industrial area in the UAE, providing facilities for various industries and boosting economic activity.

Cultural and Recreational Infrastructure

The Heart of Sharjah project, a cultural heritage initiative, is set to complete its five-phase restoration by 2025. This project aims to preserve and restore the old town of Sharjah, returning it to its 1950s state, and is proposed as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Additionally, Shees Park in Khor Fakkan, inaugurated in 2020, offers recreational facilities including a 25-meter-high artificial waterfall, walkways, an outdoor theater, and shaded seating areas, enhancing the leisure options for residents and visitors.