Gone are the days of bureaucratic hurdles for Sharjah residents looking to move into a new home. What was once a time-consuming process involving multiple visits to various government offices has been transformed into a swift, digital experience that can be completed in minutes. This change is thanks to a groundbreaking digital integration between utilities, municipalities, and real estate authorities, which is not only streamlining services but also creating significant savings for both the government and its residents.
Between 2022 and 2024, the unified digital system connecting the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah City Municipality, the Real Estate Registration Department, and the Department of Town Planning and Survey has generated an impressive Dh250 million in savings. It has also cut down on more than 1.2 million work hours across these government bodies.
For the people of Sharjah, the benefits are just as tangible. Residents have collectively saved Dh1 million and over 79,000 hours of their valuable time through these simplified digital processes. The rental process, which previously involved up to seven steps and required physical visits, has now been condensed to just three simple online steps. This unified system allows residents to manage their entire move-in journey seamlessly through a single digital channel.
A Vision of Simplicity and Integration
The driving force behind this transformation is a clear, people-focused vision. In an interview with Khaleej Times, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD), stated 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.”
This commitment to a human-centric digital future is showcased at major technology events like Gitex Global 2025, where Sharjah presents its latest digital innovations.
In a separate interview, Lamia Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the SDD, highlighted several key projects:
- Digital Sharjah: A unified gateway and app offering over 70 government services from 19 different entities, available 24/7. From paying bills to registering a business, it’s a one-stop shop for residents’ needs.
- DS Assistant: An AI-powered chatbot providing instant support in both voice and text, making it easier for users to navigate the digital services.
- Aqari Platform: A comprehensive real estate ecosystem that is revolutionizing property transactions. By connecting 19 entities, it automates processes and enhances transparency for everyone in the market.
- Mada Rainfall Monitoring System: An advanced GIS-based solution that tracks rainfall to enable proactive urban planning and improve public safety.
“Whether it’s paying bills, registering a business, or verifying rental contracts, all services are available securely and around the clock,” Al Shamsi said. “This not only saves time and effort but also supports sustainability by reducing travel, paperwork, and resource consumption.”
The Aqari Platform: A Game-Changer for Real Estate
The Aqari platform stands out as a testament to Sharjah’s digital success. In just its first six months, the platform processed over 2,000 transactions entirely online. It has successfully registered 42,000 real estate units and 1,300 buildings without requiring a single visit to a government office. Furthermore, twelve government service centers now operate exclusively through the platform, a move that has streamlined operations and boosted investor confidence.
Building a Future-Ready Emirate
Sharjah’s digital transformation is a key part of the broader UAE strategy for smart governance. “We work closely with federal and local entities to exchange knowledge, align frameworks, and co-develop solutions that serve national priorities,” Sheikh Saud bin Sultan said. “This cooperation enhances national integration, efficiency, and readiness for the future.”
Artificial intelligence and data are central to this forward-thinking approach. The goal is to create a city that is not only smarter but also more responsive to the needs of its people.
“In Sharjah, we harness these capabilities to make urban life safer, more sustainable, and more responsive to people’s needs,” Sheikh Saud explained. “Our goal is not automation for its own sake, but progress with purpose — using innovation to enhance well-being, strengthen community trust, and ensure that every advancement ultimately serves people.”
