Sharjah has approved a $12.1 billion general budget for 2026, highlighting a continued focus on infrastructure investment, economic competitiveness and social welfare, while maintaining financial sustainability.

Approved by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the budget supports long-term development across economic, social, cultural and scientific sectors, alongside priorities such as housing provision, tourism infrastructure and resource sustainability.

Expenditure in Sharjah’s 2026 budget is set to rise 3% compared with 2025, with capital projects representing 35% of total spending, reflecting the government’s ongoing focus on infrastructure development. 

Sectoral allocations place infrastructure at the top with 35%, followed by economic development at around 30%, a 17% increase from 2025, and social development at 23%, up 6%.

Public revenues are projected to grow 26% year on year, driven by expanded revenue sources and improved collection efficiency through technology-driven systems. 

Operating revenues account for 69% of the total, while tax revenues make up around 16%, more than doubling from 2025. Customs and oil and gas revenues contribute smaller shares at 3% and 2%, respectively.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, said the budget provides a clear framework for strategic and financial priorities aligned with the emirate’s long-term vision. 

The plan emphasizes financial sustainability, digital transformation, employment generation, skills development and human capital investment. It also seeks to enhance service delivery, improve spending efficiency, rationalize expenditure with limited economic impact, and mitigate global and regional economic challenges such as inflation, rising interest rates and geopolitical risks.