Sharjah has revolutionised its rental and property services through digital integration, reducing what once required multiple government office visits to a process completed in minutes. Between 2022 and 2024, the unified system connecting utilities, municipalities, and real estate authorities generated Dh250 million in government savings while residents saved Dh1 million and over 79,000 hours.
For Sharjah residents, moving into a new home no longer means visiting multiple government offices. A comprehensive digital integration between utilities, municipalities, and real estate authorities has transformed the rental process while generating significant savings for both government and residents.
The unified digital system linking Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah City Municipality, the Real Estate Registration Department, and the Department of Town Planning and Survey has delivered remarkable results. Between 2022 and 2024, the system generated Dh250 million in government savings and reduced more than 1.2 million work hours across government entities.
“The rental process, which once required multiple visits and lengthy procedures, can now be completed in just a few minutes,” according to the Sharjah Digital Department.
Residents have benefited directly, saving Dh1 million and more than 79,000 hours through simplified digital processes. The system enables complete service journeys through a single digital channel, eliminating the need for multiple office visits that previously characterised property transactions.
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), told Khaleej Times that the future of government services in Sharjah will be “defined by integration and simplicity, where every experience is connected, seamless, and centred around people”.
At Gitex Global 2025, SDD is showcasing several digital initiatives including Digital Sharjah, a unified gateway offering more than 70 government services through a single app, and the Aqari Platform, a comprehensive real estate ecosystem connecting 19 entities to automate property transactions.
The Aqari Platform demonstrates the system’s effectiveness. In just six months, it processed more than 2,000 transactions fully online, registering 42,000 real estate units and 1,300 buildings without requiring users to visit any government office. Twelve government service centres now operate entirely through the platform.
“Whether it’s paying bills, registering a business, or verifying rental contracts, all services are available securely and around the clock,” said Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of SDD. “This not only saves time and effort but also supports sustainability by reducing travel, paperwork, and resource consumption.”
The digital transformation aligns with broader UAE smart governance goals. Sheikh Saud emphasised that artificial intelligence and data play growing roles in shaping the city’s future, with the goal being “progress with purpose — using innovation to enhance well-being, strengthen community trust, and ensure that every advancement ultimately serves people”.
This digital revolution places Sharjah alongside other UAE emirates embracing technology-driven property services, complementing initiatives like Dubai’s 24/7 digital sales and Abu Dhabi’s digital portal, as the region continues to set global standards for government service delivery.
