How Sharjah cut rental process from multiple visits to minutes

Sharjah has transformed its rental process from a cumbersome, multi-visit ordeal to a seamless digital experience, saving residents both time and money. Through a unified digital system integrating key government entities such as the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah City Municipality, the Real Estate Registration Department, and the Department of Town Planning and Survey, the emirate has achieved remarkable efficiency gains. Between 2022 and 2024, this system saved Dh250 million and reduced over 1.2 million work hours across government bodies. Residents have directly benefited, saving Dh1 million and more than 79,000 hours, as services like moving into a new home can now be completed in minutes through a single digital channel. Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), emphasized that the future of government services in Sharjah will be defined by integration and simplicity, with every experience designed to be seamless and people-centric. Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the SDD, highlighted key digital projects showcased at Gitex Global 2025, including Digital Sharjah, an AI-powered chatbot, and the Aqari Platform, which has processed over 2,000 transactions and registered 42,000 real estate units entirely online. Sharjah’s digital transformation aligns with the UAE’s broader smart governance goals, leveraging AI and data to enhance urban life, sustainability, and community trust.