Sharjah property transactions hit $12.7 billion in first nine months of 2026

Sharjah recorded AED 46.8 billion ($12.7 billion) in real estate transactions in the first nine months of 2026, as rising investor interest and rental returns boosted the emirate’s property market, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Officials shared the figures at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026), highlighting growing demand, regulatory reforms and infrastructure development as factors supporting the market.

How much did Sharjah property transactions total in 2026?

Real estate transactions reached AED 46.8 billion between January and September. The market attracted about 10,000 new investors from more than 130 nationalities, while rental yields were estimated at 8% to 12%, making property an attractive option for investors.

During a panel discussion titled “Real Estate as an Economic Engine,” industry leaders highlighted rising demand for off-plan properties, integrated residential communities and long-term rental income. They also stressed the importance of construction quality, supporting infrastructure and clear regulations.

What do investors want from Sharjah’s property market?

Obaid Abdulrahman Al Madhloum, director of the Real Estate Projects Regulation Department at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, said investors prioritise security, stability and clear legislation alongside financial returns.

“Transparency is fundamental to building confidence and supporting sustainable investment,” he said.

Buyer preferences are shifting from completed properties towards off-plan units and integrated communities, prompting the department to update its systems and regulations, he added.

How does Sharjah’s Aqari platform support property buyers?

Al Madhloum highlighted Aqari, a platform under the Sharjah Digital initiative that offers services including development project registration, preliminary sale contracts, property resale and escrow accounts. The services were introduced at the start of 2026.

Regular publication of real estate transaction data also helps investors and developers make informed decisions, he said.

Why are more tenants considering buying property in Sharjah?

Eng. Raymond Khouzami, vice chairman of Al Thuriah Properties, said rising rents, urban expansion and economic growth were influencing more tenants to consider buying homes rather than continuing to pay annual rent.

Investors, meanwhile, are increasingly holding properties to generate rental income instead of seeking short-term gains through resale.

Khouzami described rental yields of 8% to 12% as attractive, adding that buyers are paying closer attention to finishing quality, interior design, space planning, maintenance and after-sales services.

Demand for larger family apartments is also increasing. The entry of new developers has intensified competition, encouraging companies to improve their offerings, he said.

Expanding road and bridge networks, schools, community facilities and economic zones are also supporting residential growth. Accessibility, neighbourhood quality and nearby services have become important considerations for buyers.

How is Shurooq measuring the success of property projects?

Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, chief real estate officer at the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said project success was increasingly being measured by residents’ experiences after moving in, rather than solely by sales volumes or the speed of sales.

Developers must deliver the facilities and services promised to buyers, he said, adding that Shurooq considers residents’ needs from the earliest planning stages and incorporates sustainability into its projects.

This includes providing everyday amenities within communities to reduce travel and help manage living costs, as well as adopting environmental practices that allow resources to be reused.

The approach aims to balance investment returns with residents’ long-term quality of life. Shurooq’s portfolio includes Sharjah Sustainable City, Maryam Island and Ajwan in Khorfakkan.

What property opportunities does Sharjah offer?

The panel highlighted opportunities across Sharjah’s varied real estate market, from established districts and emerging residential communities to coastal destinations that attract homebuyers and holiday-home investors.

The session was moderated by Hazza Ebrahim Al Mansoori, CEO of MAL Properties and group business development director at Yas Holding Technology.

The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) organised SIF 2026 with the UAE Ministry of Investment under the theme “Building Adaptive Economies.” The forum brings together business leaders, investors and policymakers.