In a significant move to stimulate investment and enhance market dynamics, Sharjah has announced substantial reductions in real estate transaction fees for the upcoming ACRES 2026 event. This initiative, approved by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, is designed to position Sharjah as a prime destination for sustainable real estate investment. The changes aim to attract a diverse array of investors, solidifying the emirate’s reputation ahead of the exhibition, which is set to take place at the Expo Centre Sharjah from January 21 to 24, 2026.
Sharjah’s Real Estate Landscape
Under the new incentives, property transactions carried out during ACRES 2026 will benefit from various reductions in fees:
- 0.5% discount on selling fees for real estate developers
- 1% discount on purchasing fees for UAE and GCC nationals
- 2% discount for buyers of other nationalities under freehold ownership
- 1% discount on usufruct arrangements
This strategic decision by the Sharjah Executive Council is expected to galvanize developers into launching major projects swiftly while appealing to new investors from various backgrounds. The hope is to elevate the exhibition’s influence and create a vibrant marketplace.
ACRES 2026: A Platform for Growth
ACRES 2026, held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, is organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) in partnership with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) and Leader Events Management. Spanning 10,000 square meters, the exhibition will feature prominent property developers, real estate investors, tourism development firms, mortgage providers, banks, and brokers.
The event will also spotlight several new real estate projects and high-value developments, offering exclusive investment opportunities supported by government incentives and facilitation measures that aim to make Sharjah a more attractive investment hub.
Impact of Reduced Fees
Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD), expressed optimism regarding the fee reductions. He remarked that these changes are a proactive measure designed to enhance Sharjah’s competitiveness at both local and regional levels.
“We are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the outcomes of ACRES 2026, driving sustainable growth across the real estate sector,” Al Shamsi noted, emphasizing the initiative’s alignment with Sharjah’s vision to foster comprehensive development and reinforce its status as an investment-friendly city.
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, echoed these sentiments, stating that the SEC’s decision highlights Sharjah’s commitment to enhancing the real estate sector’s appeal to a broad spectrum of investors. The fee reductions are expected to not only attract new market entrants but also strengthen the exhibition’s significance as a specialized regional real estate platform.
Encouraging Market Transactions
Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group at SCCI and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of ACRES, emphasized that the decision will foster a more competitive real estate environment. “The property market is witnessing a shift toward greater competitiveness and rising demand for value-driven real estate projects,” he stated.
Al Suwaidi further highlighted that the exemptions and incentives would create an optimal environment to expedite deal execution and enhance transaction volumes, thereby broadening the economic impact by attracting new segments of investors.
Boosting Investor Confidence
Nawaf Obaid, CEO of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “ACRES”, termed the SEC’s decision a strategic catalyst for market growth. He pointed out that reducing transaction fees provides critical operational support for companies aiming to expand their market reach and expedite deal closures.
Obaid also noted that exhibitors are demonstrating a high level of confidence, having fully booked all available space for ACRES 2026 two months ahead of the event. This strong demand underlines the optimism surrounding Sharjah’s real estate sector and the expected success of ACRES 2026.