Sharjah offers a Dh1,000 industrial licence at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum

New Sharjah initiative cuts the cost of starting industrial businesses

UAE entrepreneurs can launch factories in Sharjah for Dh1,000

Sharjah boosts manufacturing sector with new investor incentives

‘Make it in the Emirates’: Sharjah unveils low-cost industrial licence

Sharjah targets investors with fast-track industrial setup offer

Big opportunity for entrepreneurs as Sharjah lowers licence costs

Sharjah strengthens position as industrial hub with new initiatives

Sharjah is stepping up efforts to attract industrial investment, as the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship take part in the latest edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum.

For entrepreneurs and expats looking to start or expand industrial ventures, one of the standout announcements is a special initiative offering instant industrial licences for just Dh1,000, covering all permitted industrial activities in the emirate.

Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to simplify business setup, reduce costs, and accelerate project launches, making it easier for investors to enter the market.

Speaking at the forum, Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud said the initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, while supporting innovation and long-term growth in the industrial sector.

Beyond licensing, SEDD is also using the platform to connect with global manufacturers and industry leaders, aiming to build partnerships that support technology transfer and enhance the quality and global reach of Made in Sharjah products.

For business owners and aspiring founders, the initiative offers lower entry barriers, faster setup processes, and access to funding and support services.

How to apply for an industrial licence

Setting up an industrial business in Sharjah is becoming faster and more accessible. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to apply through the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD):

1. Choose your activity
Select the industrial activity you want to operate. This licence covers a wide range of permitted manufacturing activities in Sharjah.

2. Submit your application
Apply through SEDD’s official website, service centres, or via initiatives promoted at the Make it in the Emirates forum.

3. Provide required documents
Typically includes:

• Passport/Emirates ID copy
• Business details
• Initial approvals (if required for specific activities)

4. Get instant approval
The initiative offers fast-track processing, allowing many applications to be approved quickly.

5. Pay the fee
Pay the Dh1,000 licence fee, which covers all permitted industrial activities under this offer.

6. Start operations
Once approved, you can begin setting up your industrial project and access additional support services.

Entrepreneurs can also tap into funding, advisory, and training support through Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship to help grow their business.

Workplace safety is getting a stronger push in Sharjah, as Sharjah Police has introduced a specialised team to help companies improve compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

The initiative, led by the General Directorate of Prevention and Safety, focuses on identifying unregistered companies, registering them within the system, and providing hands-on training and technical support under the Sharjah Occupational Safety and Health System.

For businesses and workers across the emirate, many of them part of the UAE’s diverse expat community, the move aims to create safer, more sustainable work environments while reducing workplace incidents.

Rather than waiting for issues to arise, the new team reflects a shift towards a more proactive prevention model, according to Brigadier Dr Ahmed Saeed Al Naour. The approach focuses on helping companies understand risks, meet safety requirements, and strengthen their readiness using modern safety practices.

Through field visits, training programmes, and ongoing consultations, authorities hope to raise awareness of best practices and ensure they are effectively implemented on the ground.

Officials say the initiative also supports business continuity, helping companies operate more efficiently while protecting employees, an increasingly important factor for organisations looking to attract and retain talent in the UAE.

Colonel Jassim bin Talai’a added that building a culture of safety is a shared responsibility, encouraging companies to actively engage with the programme and take advantage of the support offered.

For workers, this means safer day-to-day working conditions, fewer risks on-site, and greater awareness of their rights and safety procedures, as more companies are guided to meet proper standards and prioritise employee wellbeing.

The UAE is marking International Workers’ Day on May 1, recognising the vital role workers play in driving the country’s growth and long-term development.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the occasion reflects the country’s continued focus on worker welfare, labour rights, and the creation of a supportive work environment across sectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Abdulrahman Al Awar said workers remain a key pillar of the UAE’s economic and social progress, contributing to its position as a leading global destination for living and working.

For many expats in the UAE, who make up a significant part of the workforce, the day serves as a reminder of the country’s evolving labour landscape, with increasing emphasis on safety, wellbeing, and social protection.

Recent figures highlight that progress. Between 2021 and 2025, the UAE workforce more than doubled, while the number of companies rose significantly, reflecting strong economic momentum. Skilled labour also saw steady growth, supporting the country’s push towards a more competitive and diversified economy.

Worker protection measures continue to expand, with high compliance reported for initiatives such as the midday break policy, which aims to reduce heat stress during the summer months. Social safety nets have also strengthened, with the majority of eligible workers now enrolled in the unemployment insurance scheme.

On the ground, efforts to improve daily living conditions are also visible. Thousands of rest stations have been introduced for delivery workers, while labour accommodation standards have expanded to benefit millions across the country.

To mark the occasion, authorities are distributing gifts to workers at worksites, accommodations, and airports, a gesture that reflects the UAE’s broader focus on community, appreciation, and inclusion.

As the country continues to grow, International Workers’ Day serves not just as a celebration, but as a reflection of how the UAE is shaping a more balanced, inclusive, and future-ready labour market.