Sharjah approves $12bn spend in 2026 budget

Sharjah will spend AED45 billion ($12 billion) next year to support economic growth and fund strategic initiatives and projects.

The 2026 budget expenditure was approved by Sharjah ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported.

Sharjah is approximately 2,590 sq km, with a population of around 1.8 million, making it the third biggest of the seven emirates that makes up the UAE.

Spending will increase by 3 percent in the next year’s budget compared to 2025, with the government allocating 35 percent of the overall budget for capital projects.

Salaries and wages will account for 30 percent of the budget, while operating expenses will make up 25 percent.

Subsidies and aid will account for 12 percent of the total budget, while loan repayments and interest will make up for 15 percent.

Public revenues are estimated to increase by 26 percent compared to 2025. Tax revenues are expected to reach 16 percent of total public revenues, doubling from the 2025 tax revenue budget.

Similarly, customs revenues will make up 3 percent of total public revenue, while oil and gas revenues will account for 2 percent.

No details were given on total revenue collection for 2026 or the likely budget deficit/surplus.

In October the UAE cabinet approved the federal budget for 2026, with estimated revenue of AED92.4 billion ($25.2 billion) and similar, balanced expenditure.

“The federal budget for 2026 is the highest since the establishment of the Union,” UAE Prime Minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said.

The UAE announced a federal allocation of AED900 billion for its 2027-2029 budget cycle in July.