Sharjah has recorded AED 46.8 billion (approximately $12.74 billion) in real estate transactions during the first nine months of 2026, attracting around 10,000 new investors from over 130 nationalities. This surge in investment is bolstered by rental yields estimated between 8% and 12%, enhancing the emirate’s appeal as a property investment destination, according to discussions at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026).
Industry leaders at SIF 2026 emphasized the growing demand for off-plan properties and integrated residential communities, highlighting the importance of regulatory clarity and quality infrastructure in fostering investor confidence. Obaid Abdulrahman Al Madhloum, Director of the Real Estate Projects Regulation Department at the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD), noted that investors prioritize security and stability when assessing potential financial returns.
Regulatory Transparency and Investor Confidence
During a panel discussion titled ‘Real Estate as an Economic Engine’ at SIF 2026, Al Madhloum stated, “Transparency is fundamental to building confidence and supporting sustainable investment.” He pointed out that buyer preferences are shifting towards off-plan units and integrated communities, reflecting a broader trend in the market.
The panel, moderated by Hazza Ebrahim Al Mansoori, CEO of MAL Properties, also discussed the role of the Aqari platform, part of the Sharjah Digital initiative, which aims to enhance access to property services. This platform facilitates project registration, preliminary sale contracts, and escrow account services, thereby providing investors with essential market information.
Rising Rental Yields and Changing Buyer Expectations
Eng. Raymond Khouzami, Vice Chairman of Al Thuriah Properties, highlighted how rising rents and urban growth are influencing property ownership decisions. He noted that many tenants are considering purchasing homes instead of continuing to pay rent, while investors are increasingly focused on generating long-term rental income.
Khouzami estimated rental yields in Sharjah to be between 8% and 12%, making the market an attractive proposition for investors. He remarked, “Buyers are becoming more discerning, paying greater attention to finishing quality, interior design, and maintenance services.” This shift indicates a growing demand for larger family-oriented apartments and high-quality amenities.
Assessing Success Through Residents’ Experience
Yousif Ahmed Al Mutawa, Chief Real Estate Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), emphasized a shift in how the success of real estate projects is evaluated. He stated that the focus is moving from sales volumes to the residents’ experience after moving into a development. “A project’s success must be assessed by the experience residents have when they move into the community,” he said.
Al Mutawa also highlighted the importance of sustainability in project planning, ensuring that residential communities provide essential amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life. Shurooq’s portfolio includes various developments like Sharjah Sustainable City and Maryam Island, reflecting diverse residential opportunities across the emirate.
The discussions at SIF 2026 underscored the potential of Sharjah’s real estate market, driven by regulatory transparency, rising rental yields, and a focus on enhancing the living experience for residents. As the emirate continues to attract a diverse range of investors, its property sector is poised for sustained growth.
According to Economy Middle East, the Sharjah Investment Forum serves as a platform for business leaders and policymakers to explore investment opportunities and economic resilience.
