Sharjah Chamber posts nearly 30,000 new and renewed memberships in H1 2026, reinforcing trade and exports
Sharjah Chamber posts nearly 30,000 memberships in H1 2026, issues 30,000 certificates of origin and strengthens export ties with Saudi Arabia and Gulf markets.
The Sharjah Chamber reported a significant uptick in business registrations and renewals during the first half of 2026, reflecting growing confidence in the emirate’s investment climate. Data released by the Sharjah Chamber show 2,800 new memberships and 26,100 renewals, with an additional 900 free zone memberships added or renewed in the period. The results underscore a sustained momentum in company formation, renewals and trade-related services across Sharjah’s commercial and industrial sectors.
Membership breakdown and free zone figures
The membership surge recorded by the Sharjah Chamber amounted to approximately 29,800 new and renewed entries in H1 2026, a near-30,000 total that officials say signals expanding business activity. New registrations reached 2,800, while renewals accounted for 26,100, and free zone memberships — which support logistics and export-oriented firms — totalled about 900. Chamber executives point to these figures as evidence that entrepreneurs and established firms alike are choosing Sharjah as a base for growth and market access.
Trade documentation and certification volumes
Alongside membership growth, the Sharjah Chamber increased its trade facilitation output, issuing roughly 30,000 certificates of origin during the six-month period. The chamber also processed 911 authentication and attestation transactions, supporting exporters, manufacturers and service providers that require formal documentation to access foreign markets. Officials said the uptick in certification services reflects higher cross-border commercial activity and growing use of Sharjah’s logistical and customs infrastructure.
Top export destinations and trade trends
Saudi Arabia emerged as the single largest destination for goods exported and re-exported from Sharjah in H1 2026, with trade flows to the kingdom valued at more than AED 1.5 billion. Following Saudi Arabia, the chamber identified Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Ethiopia among the leading target markets, illustrating a broadening export footprint across the Gulf and into East Africa. Chamber analysts attributed the spread of markets to diversified supply chains, strengthened trade partnerships and the competitive positioning of Sharjah-based firms.
Chamber leadership links results to strategic plan
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, director general of the Sharjah Chamber, said the positive indicators reflect the emirate’s resilient investment environment and deliberate policy support. He highlighted the chamber’s 2025–2027 strategic objectives aimed at empowering the private sector, enabling entrepreneurship and enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness. Al Awadi said the strategy prioritises flexible, sustainable business conditions that encourage innovation and allow companies to respond to global economic shifts.
Partnership expansion and investment attraction efforts
The Sharjah Chamber said it is intensifying local and international partnerships to help national companies reach new markets and attract quality foreign direct investment. Programs under development are intended to diversify Sharjah’s economic base by targeting strategic sectors and promoting value-added production. Chamber officials said initiatives will include capacity-building for SMEs, market access support and sector-specific promotion to draw investors aligned with the emirate’s economic diversification goals.
Services and initiatives planned for private sector readiness
Looking ahead, the Sharjah Chamber plans to roll out targeted programs designed to increase private-sector readiness for the evolving global economy. These measures are expected to focus on digital adoption, sustainability practices and skills development for entrepreneurs and established businesses. According to the chamber, such interventions will help firms scale, meet regulatory requirements in export destinations and compete in regional and international supply chains.
The Sharjah Chamber’s H1 2026 performance highlights a combination of administrative throughput, market expansion and policy alignment that together support the emirate’s aim to be a preferred destination for doing business. Continued issuance of trade documents, expanding membership numbers and a widening list of export partners signal momentum that chamber leaders intend to sustain through strategic programs and partnership-building into the remainder of 2026.