SEC approves launch of the "Sharjah Census 2025" project

September 30, 2025 / 5:41 PM

Sharjah 24: His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, today, Tuesday, presided over the Council's weekly meeting at His Highness the Ruler's office. His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council, as well as His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Council, were in attendance.

Sharjah Executive Council discusses key government issues

During the meeting, the Council discussed a variety of government issues affecting all sectors to monitor and reinforce the emirate's growth by implementing additional services and facilitation measures that support societal stability and cohesion while also ensuring dignified living standards for families.

Approval of Sharjah Census 2025

In accordance with His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Council approved the launch of the Sharjah Census 2025 project, which is part of the emirate's plans to collect diverse demographic, social, and economic data on its population. This will provide a comprehensive image of Sharjah society and its requirements, as well as support for evidence-based decision-making using data and statistics.

Census phases and timeline

The Sharjah Census 2025 will be conducted in three phases. It will start with a full count of Emirati households via phone interviews on October 15, followed by a full count via in-person field interviews on November 3, and it will end with population estimates through office work in early January 2026. The preliminary results will be published in the first quarter of 2026, followed by the final results in the second quarter.

Second round of land grants approved

Following the guidance of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to help citizens build their homes and create extra income for a better life, the Council approved the second round of land grants for 1,500 people, including 550 residential land grants and 950 investment land grants across various cities and areas of Sharjah.

Ruwad membership programme regulation

The Council also approved a decision to regulate the membership programme for projects supported by the Sharjah Foundation for Entrepreneurship Support ("Ruwad"), which aims to support and assist small and medium-sized enterprises owned by emirate citizens, as well as to shape SMEs' development policies.

Membership benefits and legal framework

The ruling states that a member is exempt from government entity fees for five years from the date the project is established and must pay half of the government fees for an additional two years if the establishment engages in industrial activities. It also outlines the legal framework governing the membership programme, including terms, privileges, obligations, fees, project finance, business incubators, and other related areas.