The Department of Economic Development in Sharjah has unveiled its strategic plan for 2026-2028 during its 22nd annual celebration. The initiative focuses on fostering a competitive, diverse, and sustainable economy. This strategic plan, part of the emirate’s overarching vision, aligns with Sharjah’s ambitions to drive economic growth and sustainability within a competitive business environment. “تعزيز التنافس.. اقتصادية الشارقة تطلق خطة استراتيجية 2026-2028” is an essential step toward achieving comprehensive development and dynamic business practices in the region.
Core Values Guiding the Strategy
The strategic plan is underpinned by a set of institutional values critical for its successful implementation. Key values include transparency, governance, sustainability, trust, innovation, proactivity, and a competitive entrepreneurial mindset. Together, these pillars ensure institutional excellence and elevate performance standards across various sectors.
Four Strategic Pillars
The strategy focuses on four main pillars aimed at enhancing the economic landscape of Sharjah. The first pillar emphasizes fostering a competitive economic environment that attracts investment. By positioning Sharjah as a preferred destination for investors, the plan aims to welcome impactful projects within vital sectors and cultivate an economic ecosystem that is both flexible and competitive on regional and global stages.
The second pillar is dedicated to establishing a secure and sustainable business environment. This involves creating a comprehensive framework that ensures the stability and continuity of economic activities through stringent regulatory and legislative systems. These measures are designed to protect both consumers and investors while promoting sustainability and balancing economic growth with resource conservation.
Innovation and Service Excellence
The third pillar focuses on delivering proactive and innovative services. This shift aims to transition toward smart service models that anticipate the needs of the business community with agility and efficiency. By championing a culture of innovation in government service delivery, bolstered by digital infrastructure and effective partnerships among various governmental and private entities, the strategy intends to enhance the overall quality of government services. This aligns with Sharjah’s broader objectives for improving customer experiences and the 2026-2028 digital transformation strategy.
Additionally, the plan includes several innovative initiatives aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing customer experiences. It also seeks to adopt the latest technologies and digital solutions to provide an exceptional experience for investors and clients in Sharjah.
Building a Distinct Institutional Framework
The final pillar of the strategy focuses on creating a distinctive institutional framework that empowers the Department to achieve operational efficiencies and strategic sustainability. This component prioritizes enhancing human capital capabilities, embracing digital technologies, and strengthening governance and transparency in resource management. Such efforts will ensure the department reaches optimal readiness levels while achieving institutional excellence.
According to the department, this strategic plan was crafted using an integrated approach based on an analysis of the current economic landscape and a vision for future opportunities. Emphasizing innovation and sustainability as key cornerstones, the plan aligns with the overall objectives of the emirate.
Commenting on the launch of the strategy for 2026-2028, H.E. Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Head of the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah and member of the Executive Council, stated that the strategy is rooted in the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It reflects the directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, who leads the Executive Council. This strategy aligns with the emirate’s agendas for economic and social development, ensuring financial sustainability and stimulating macroeconomic growth. The initiative also addresses economic changes while overcoming challenges anticipated for the future, setting a comprehensive vision that will serve as an economic roadmap for the emirate in the coming years.
Ultimately, the 2026-2028 strategy is a testament to the Department’s commitment to strategic planning. It is designed to align with the plans of local and federal governments, fulfilling the leadership’s vision of enhancing community satisfaction in the business environment. Through this plan, the Department aims to meet the aspirations of both citizens and residents from an economic perspective, considering it a primary driver for sustainable economic progress in the emirate.