Population in Sharjah soars 51% in 10 yrs to 2.13 million

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Sharjah’s population has grown by 51 percent over the past decade, reaching over 2.1 million people, with Emirati nationals making up 11 percent and notable increases in education, technology use, and private sector employment among citizens. The census data will guide Sharjah’s shift toward a smart, integrated system using AI and advanced analytics to support future planning aligned with the emirate’s 2030 vision.

Sharjah’s population has reached 2,135,888, marking a 51 percent increase over the past decade, according to the results of the Sharjah Census 2025 announced on Wednesday. The demographic breakdown reveals that males constitute 67 percent of the population, while females make up 33 percent. Non-UAE citizens represent 89 percent, with Emirati nationals accounting for the remaining 11 percent.

The census indicated that the Emirati population in Sharjah now stands at 234,431, having grown by 33.6 percent between 2015 and 2025. Among Emiratis, females slightly outnumber males, with 118,213 women compared to 116,128 men. Sharjah city is home to the largest share of residents, hosting 1,899,202 people, followed by other areas including Khorfakkan (61,936), Kalba (59,401), Al Dhaid (39,295), Al Hamriyah (22,354), Al Madam (21,230), Dibba Al Hisn (16,116), Al Bataeh (9,077), and Mleiha (7,178).

Within the Emirati population, Sharjah city recorded 134,933 citizens, comprising roughly 58 percent of the total Emirati residents in the emirate. Other significant Emirati communities are found in Kalba (34,278), Khorfakkan (28,628), Al Dhaid (10,915), and Dibba Al Hisn (9,848).

The census also highlighted educational trends showing that 64 percent of Emiratis are enrolled in government educational institutions, while 36 percent attend private schools. Social indicators point to increased technology use among Emirati senior citizens, with 67 percent reported as technology users. Moreover, the illiteracy rate among Emiratis has declined by 18 percent over the ten-year period. Employment data revealed a 178 percent rise in the number of Emiratis working in the private sector.

Sustainability measures showed progress, with 18.6 percent of residential units utilizing alternative energy sources, and 71.3 percent of homes equipped with safety and security systems.

The census results were unveiled at a ceremony held by the Department of Statistics and Community Development at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department. Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, emphasized the importance of the data for future planning and improving quality of life in the emirate. He noted that Sharjah is transitioning toward an integrated smart system that combines government records, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to better anticipate future needs, a strategy aligned with the emirate’s vision for 2030.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.