population grows to 1.8 million with a 61% active workforce  

Report : Mohamed Khader Navas

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed the unveiling of the preliminary results of Sharjah Census 2022, announced by the  HYPERLINK "http://www.dscd.ae/" Department of Statistics  HYPERLINK "http://www.dscd.ae/" and Community Development in Sharjah (DSCD), on Wednesday night. The key findings have revealed that the emirates population has experienced a staggering 22 percent growth in the past few years to reach 1.8 million, compared to 1.4 million in 2015. The report also states that 61 percent of the emirate’s population is part of the active workforce, offering a positive outlook on the ever-increasing opportunities to work and invest in Sharjah’s fast-growing and diversified economy.  

The working population in Sharjah has also increased by 22 percent since the last census report was published, increasing from 856,000 in 2015 to 1.1 million in 2022. The number of students enrolled in various educational institutions across Sharjah also increased by 23 percent, from 253,000 to 310,000, reflecting on the success of Sharjah’s leading strategies to further advancing both the quality of education and enabling greater access to learning opportunities to more children coming from all segments of society.

The announcement ceremony held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of DSCD; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of DSCD; heads and directors of various local government bodies; as well as VIPs from Sharjah and the UAE.

During the ceremony, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honoured 50 entities from the government, semi-governmental, and private sectors that contributed to the success of the Sharjah Census 2022, which coincides with the 10th anniversary of the establishment of DSCD.

Population demographics

The approximately 1.8 million individuals residing in Sharjah comprise 208,000 Emirati citizens including 103,000 males and 105,000 females. The resident population of expatriates stands at 1.6 million including 1.1 million males and 500,000 females.

Age distribution: A young workforce

At the heart of Sharjah’s socioeconomic success is a young and highly skilled workforce that actively contributes to the development and advancement of various sectors. 914,000 individuals aged between 20-39 years make up the emirate’s largest segment, accounting for 51 percent of the total population. Following closely, the age group of 40 to 59 years came in second with 443,000 individuals, representing 24 percent. Meanwhile, the age group of 19 years and younger, totaling 399,000 individuals, constitute 22 percent of the population, and those over 60 years of age represent 3 percent of the total population of 55,000 individuals.

A thriving  public and private education sector

The census results also revealed that the percentage of students in the emirate has grown by 23 percent, reaching 310,000. The number includes 249,000 in private educational institutions and 61,000 in public education.

Geographical demographics in Sharjah and its regions

The census has indicated a healthy population distribution in the main city and various regions in Sharjah. Sharjah City is home to 1.6 million individuals, followed by Khorfakkan with 53,000, Kalba with 51,000, Al Dhaid with 33,000, Al Hamriyah with 19,000, and Al Madam with 18,000 residents. The population of Dibba Al-Hisn has grown to 15,000, while Al Bataeh is home to 7,000 individuals, and 6,000 live in Mleiha.

The numbers indicate an incremental growth of the population, workforce and student figures in Sharjah. These findings not only underscore the emirate's commitment to growth but also underscore its efforts in fostering diversity, inclusivity and integration among various nationalities who call Sharjah home and play a vital role in shaping the future of the emirate.

Household composition and family dynamics

The total number of occupied housing units in the emirate has reached 244,000, including 63,000 houses, 7,000 multi-storey buildings, and 38,000 other types of structures. The number of households in the emirate stands at 340,000, including 42,000 Emirati families and 245,000 expatriate resident families. Additionally, there are 53,000 collective households.


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Key Census findings:

208,000 Emirati citizens, including 103,000 males and 105,000 females
1.6 million expat residents including 1.1 million males and 500,000 females
310,000 enrolled in educational institutions serving the emirate
42,000 Emirati families
245,000 expat resident families
244,000 housing units occupied
63,000 houses occupied.
7,000 occupied multi-storey buildings
38,000 other types of structures