February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Sharjah is the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates by both area and population, located adjacent to Dubai along the Arabian Gulf coast. It is the only emirate with coastline on both the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. UNESCO designated Sharjah as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998, recognizing its investments in heritage preservation, museums, and the arts. The emirate is governed by the Al Qasimi ruling family.

UAE Context

Sharjah has carved a distinct identity within the UAE by focusing on culture, education, and manufacturing rather than competing directly with Dubai and Abu Dhabi in finance and tourism. The emirate hosts the Sharjah Biennial, the Sharjah Book Fair (one of the largest in the world), and over 20 museums and cultural institutions. Economically, Sharjah has built a strong manufacturing base, particularly in industrial zones like the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF Zone) and Hamriyah Free Zone. Its relatively lower cost of living compared to Dubai makes it a residential hub for workers employed across the northern emirates.

Key Data

  • Area: Approximately 2,590 square kilometers
  • Population: Estimated 1.8 million residents
  • UNESCO designation: Cultural Capital of the Arab World (1998)
  • Major free zones: SAIF Zone, Hamriyah Free Zone
  • Key sectors: Manufacturing, education, cultural tourism, real estate

Significance for Vision 2031

Sharjah contributes to the We the UAE 2031 vision through its role as a cultural and educational anchor. The emirate’s emphasis on knowledge-based industries, publishing, and creative arts supports the national agenda of building a diversified, innovation-driven economy. Its manufacturing sector and free zones add industrial depth to the UAE’s non-oil economic portfolio.