Sharjah ruler approves largest budget in its history at AED44.5bn
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Sharjah Ruler and Supreme Council Member His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has approved the emirate’s 2026 general budget with total spending set at AED44.5 billion, up 3 per cent from 2025.
The budget prioritises financial sustainability, economic competitiveness and social welfare, while maintaining spending discipline amid global economic pressures. Infrastructure remains the largest allocation, accounting for 35 per cent of total spending, followed by economic development at 30 per cent and social development at 23 per cent.
Capital projects will continue across Sharjah’s cities and regions, with capital spending representing 35 per cent of the budget. Salaries and wages account for 30 per cent, operating expenses 25 per cent, subsidies and aid 12 per cent and debt servicing 15 per cent, down 1 per cent from last year.
Government revenues are projected to rise by 26 per cent in 2026. Operating revenues will contribute 69 per cent of total income, while capital revenues will account for 10 per cent. Tax revenues are expected to more than double compared with 2025, reaching 16 per cent of total revenues, while customs revenues represent 3 per cent and oil and gas revenues 2 per cent.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, said the budget reflects the Ruler’s directives and the Executive Council’s priorities, focusing on efficiency, financial sustainability and service quality. He said digital transformation of financial services, including electronic payment and collection systems, remains central to improving performance and reducing administrative procedures.
The 2026 budget also targets employment, housing, tourism development and investment in human capital, while strengthening government entities’ capacity to deliver projects and services. Measures to control and rationalise expenditure remain in place under Sharjah’s 2023–2030 financial plan.
Officials said the budget is designed to protect economic stability, support growth and maintain service delivery standards amid inflation, interest rate pressures and wider regional and global challenges.