Sharjah real estate 2025: Why investors are eyeing the UAE's emerging property market

Arabian Business

09-04-2025

As the UAE's real estate engine powers ahead, most eyes instinctively turn to the glittering towers of Dubai or the ultra-luxury coastal enclaves of Abu Dhabi. But shift your gaze just slightly to the north, and you'll find something just as compelling – something quieter, more deliberate, and arguably more strategic. Welcome to Sharjah.
To understand what's driving this transformation, we sit down with Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group – Sharjah's largest and most influential real estate developer – to explore why the emirate is no longer content to play a supporting role.
What follows is not just an insider's guide to one of the region's most dynamic markets, but a fresh lens on how real estate, culture, and public policy can unite to shape the cities of the future.
Let's begin with the basics. As the UAE real estate sector continues its rapid expansion, what makes Sharjah such a compelling investment destination right now?
Sharjah's business-friendly environment, backed by fair regulatory legislation, future-ready infrastructure, a highly talented workforce, and more than 60,000 SMEs and start-ups, have been key factors that have contributed to boosting FDI attractiveness. Sharjah's 6 specialised free zones and 33 industrial zones, coupled with its strategic location and global accessibility via sea and air ports on both the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, have yet again proved the Emirate's appeal as a gateway to the GCC and the wider region, with an estimated GDP of $2.2 trillion for 2024.
Sharjah is keen to attract and facilitate investments seeking growth in the Emirate's secure and stable environment. Leveraging the close relationship between the private and public sectors can facilitate investor access to incredible investment opportunities and provide all the support needed, from ideation to implementation. As Sharjah's leading real estate firm, with a market share exceeding 35 per cent, Alef plays a vital role in meeting the evolving needs of the new generation of entrepreneurs. We offer modern lifestyle models, fully integrated communities, and unique experiences that enhance luxurious living.
Sharjah's regulatory climate also fosters innovation by creating long-term incentives for businesses and developers. Unlike other high-growth markets where volatility can pose risks, Sharjah stands out for its steady performance, community-centric planning, and the unique blend of tradition and modernity that investors increasingly see as the future of livable urban environments.
The idea of 'lifestyle' has evolved dramatically over the past few years – especially post-pandemic. What major trends are you tracking across the real estate sector in 2024, and what do you expect in 2025?
Over the past year, several trends in the real estate sector have been notable in Sharjah and globally, namely:
Continued demand for homes with dedicated locations conducive to remote work: The transition to remote work has significantly impacted the real estate market. Globally, there is a reduced demand for office space, while the desire for residential and multifamily housing is rising. The pandemic has shifted our perspectives on living and working, leading to a rapid transformation of the real estate market.
According to a survey conducted by Owl Labs, 77 per cent of respondents stated that they would be happier if they had the option to telecommute. While telecommuting may not benefit everyone, those who do it claim to be more productive than they would be in a traditional workplace. In the UAE, for example, a whopping 90 per cent of the workforce shows a penchant for hybrid or entirely remote work settings, according to a report by Matsh.
Growing interest in eco-friendly and energy-efficient homes: Homebuyers are keenly interested in houses that align with their eco-friendly values. This shift towards sustainable living has given rise to a flourishing trend in the real estate market – the demand for eco-friendly homes. According to the latest report by Property Finder, UAE developers can leverage sustainability to add value to their properties, as 70 per cent of investors are willing to pay premiums for green facilities.
Strong desire for smart homes to streamline daily living: In the dynamic world of residential living, smart homes have become symbols of innovation, comfort, and security, revolutionising traditional living spaces worldwide. According to a report by MarkNtel Advisors, the Middle East Smart Home Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 22 per cent from 2023 to 2028. Projects like Dubai South, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, and NEOM are signalling a smart, connected future.
Preference for suburban living due to space and lifestyle changes post-pandemic: We have seen strong predictions for the real estate sector for 2024. These include overall recovery and stability for the real estate sector as a whole, further advancements in smart technology for the home and office that utilise AI-driven mechanisms, and continued emphasis on sustainable living. We are also expected to see a return to the urban landscape; as life continues to stabilise after the pandemic, there is a high chance of a resurgence back to city living due to lessened costs.
We also expect to see increased affordable housing initiatives and efforts from governments and the private sector through incentives, policy changes, and innovative and sustainable approaches to construction. Finally, an interesting focus next year will be catering to the new generation of buyers; younger millennials entering the housing market may prioritise different amenities and community features, which may spur innovative and revolutionary takes on living.
As developers, this means staying ahead of the curve – but also staying grounded. The best projects will be those that can fuse tech-enabled convenience with human-first design.
How do Sharjah's real estate dynamics compare with Dubai's? Are the trends interlinked or diverging?
Sharjah's geographical position relative to Dubai has meant that the Emirate has long been considered an important real estate market, particularly for those looking for a lively, modern yet traditional place to live and thrive in. As such, Sharjah serves as a home base for a significant number of people who work in Dubai and commute daily to their place of employment.
This has led to the real estate market in Sharjah being heavily tied to the market in Dubai, with people moving to Sharjah in periods where Dubai rents rise, and moving back from Sharjah at times of lowering costs in Dubai. Both 2015 and 2016 saw a trend towards the latter, with prices in Dubai considered more affordable and therefore less movement north. Sharjah benefits residents by being relatively in the middle when it comes to cost of living, contributing to high occupancy rates compared to other Emirates.
What we're seeing now, however, is a shift in perception. Sharjah is no longer just a cost-effective alternative – it's becoming a destination in its own right, with a growing cultural identity and infrastructure ecosystem that makes it viable long-term for families, entrepreneurs, and institutions.
Let's talk product. What makes Alef Projects distinct, and why should an investor choose your communities over others?
Alef Communities are committed to supporting Sharjah's vision and recognise the exceptional potential of this evolving modern metropolis. Sharjah's real estate market is highly stable, which is crucial in making it an attractive destination for those looking to invest. Alef creates an ultimate living experience and offers investors a guaranteed secure investment. Al Mamsha is Sharjah's first fully walkable community that combines modern living, retail, and leisure in an upscale, pedestrian-friendly, and tech-savvy environment.
Hayyan represents a unique experience of forming the green heart of Sharjah. The project includes the largest swimming lagoon in the emirate, extending over 50,000 square feet. The project, comprising organic edible gardens and green trees, enhances the Emirate of Sharjah's vision to achieve a sustainable green environment with globally applicable environmental standards. We previously launched two neighbourhoods, Alma and Arim, both of which experienced exceptional demand. This strong market response has led us to introduce the Samr neighborhood, a new phase within the Hayyan development project.
Our newly launched project, Olfah, was introduced in September this year. The project offers a genuine and immersive living experience, spanning 84,814.40 square meters. It features Sharjah's largest private community park, situated on an elevated podium covering over 26,000 square meters. Most apartments enjoy uninterrupted views of the expansive green spaces, creating a serene and engaging environment for residents.
What sets Alef apart is not just scale or speed – but vision. Each project is built with intent: a commitment to sustainability, walkability, and community-centric design that elevates daily life.
We often hear the comparison: 'Can Sharjah rival Dubai?' Do you believe the emirate can truly stand on equal footing in terms of real estate viability?
As the third-largest of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE, Sharjah enjoys a large population, a strategic location for regional connectivity, and significant real estate activity, all of which contribute towards an expanding construction sector. Sharjah provides unmatched affordability and stability, making it a unique destination. Its competitive pricing, robust yields, and lower market volatility set it apart. Additionally, Sharjah boasts a high quality of life, exceptional infrastructure, and a thriving economy, enhancing its appeal further.
The Emirate has several major real estate developments under construction, many of which are mixed-use developments that could help to radically transform the landscape in the Emirate. The opportunities available in Sharjah now mean that many more companies from the rest of the UAE, and other GCC countries, are looking to get involved in the near future, further opening the Emirate to outside investments.
How important have government regulations been in paving the way for this growth? Has recent legislation in Sharjah made investment easier?
The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has issued a decision at the end of 2022 that allows full ownership with no time restrictions in real estate projects to all nationalities. The decree allows citizens of any country to own real estate of all kinds in Sharjah. The real estate registration developments aim to keep up with the growth of this vital sector and to provide ownership opportunities to all nationalities in a 'regulated fashion while maintaining stability'. The legislation also protects the rights of owners and investors of all nationalities.
Another major strength of Sharjah lies in the government's consistent dedication to advancing the emirate and supporting vital sectors, particularly real estate. Recent initiatives, incentives, and stimulus packages have played a crucial role in driving the growth of the property market.
The government's strategic plans to establish the emirate as a hub for economic activity and tourism are also promising for increasing property demand. With sustained government backing, one can have confidence in the continued prosperity of the real estate sector in the years to come.
As CEO, where are you steering the business next? What should we expect in the coming year?
We continue to work heavily on expanding our real estate portfolio well into the next year and beyond. Our focus has always been on building solid and sustainable developments that cater to the exact needs of our robust clientele.
In September, we launched our newest project, Olfah, featuring Sharjah's largest private community park and offering a unique combination of high-rise living and a connection to nature. This latest development wholeheartedly embodies the core values of Alef, striving to serve our community by providing luxury living spaces that are directly connected to nature.
Most recently, we have launched Al Mamsha Hamsa at ACRES 2025, following the exceptional success and high demand generated by Al Mamsha Raseel. This new neighbourhood is set to further solidify Al Mamsha as a sought-after destination in Sharjah's real estate landscape.
Al Mamsha Hamsa comprises of three buildings with a total of 420 units spanning 50,000 square metres of built-up area, featuring one- to three-bedroom apartments.
Al Mamsha Sharjah serves both visitors and residents as the first fully pedestrian-friendly community in Sharjah, combining luxury living with unparalleled amenities in a comfortable and stylish environment.
In Hayyan, we have successfully launched our latest neighbourhood, Samr, following the strong demand for Alma and Arim villas and townhouses.
Alef has also announced the opening of new offices in Dubai to better serve its broker partners in the region in addition to the sales centres in both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
We are gearing up to announce other exciting new projects/launches very soon this year.
You mentioned partnerships earlier. Is Alef Group actively seeking collaborations or joint ventures?
We at Alef place a premium on research and development and collaborations with private and public entities for bilateral relations. We are currently undertaking several discussions across multiple markets to establish long-lasting relationships.
Lastly, let's talk lifestyle. What does Sharjah offer that sets it apart from the rest of the Emirates – from a cultural and everyday-living perspective?
From vibrant souks and inspiring art galleries to enlightening mosques and historic monuments, Sharjah is aptly named the UNESCO cultural capital for the Arab World. The Sharjah government, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Sharjah Museums Authority have made incredible efforts to preserve and share Emirati history and heritage.
Today, Sharjah has over 20 museums and galleries, featuring modern art, priceless paintings and Arabian artefacts that offer a comprehensive insight into the history of the UAE. The city also boasts several nature and adventure activities, including trekking and camping in nature reserves, water sports at nearly every Sharjah beach, and motorsports in the desert. The iconic Sharjah Corniche offers a beautiful night-time view of the Arabian Gulf.
For residents of the UAE, Sharjah is also a preferred residential base with a wealth of family-friendly activities. From casual dining, cafe and leisure options to cultural programs and events, development in this city is focused on family and children. As a result, parents in this city always have several options for things to do with kids. Sharjah also benefits students; as the Emirate known for its love of cultural preservation and of academic excellence, Sharjah is home to the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah, and more.
The takeaway
This isn't just about real estate – it's about redefining where and how we choose to live. In a country known for hypermodern skylines, Sharjah is focusing on a different formula: culture, connectivity, and community-first planning. And if Alef's projects are any indication, it's a focus that's beginning to pay off. From sustainable green neighbourhoods to tech-enabled walkable communities, what's being built in Sharjah today could very well become the blueprint for urban living across the Middle East tomorrow.