Sharjah’s gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by an annual 4.8 per cent in 2021, as per official data released by the emirate’s Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD).
With nearly Dhs130.5 billion in GDP earnings last year compared to Dhs124.6 billion in 2020, the emirate’s economy, particularly the non-oil sectors, accelerated reinforcing its growing status as a regional hub for business, trade and investments.
The data testifies to Sharjah’s resilience in adapting to the fast-changing economic landscape of the post-pandemic era, DSCD underlined, adding that indicators of future growth remain positive for a multitude of sectors owing to the emirate’s agile economic diversification policies and practices.
The 2021 GDP growth findings are based on a detailed economic study led by DSCD, which featured a thorough review of Sharjah's macroeconomic data from 2020 and preliminary estimates for the year 2021. The study includes all economic activities in line with the International Standard Classification of Economic Activities (ISIC.4) and is based on a survey of both independent bodies and the government sector.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of DSCD, said, "The exceptional growth Sharjah witnessed in 2021 clearly indicates the success of the emirate's strategies for sustainable growth and development. These are based on diversity of market sectors and incomes, balanced growth, and the strategic distribution of development capital."
He added, "Sharjah's economy has proved its agility in adapting to far-reaching local and global changes. The numbers highlight the success of the emirate’s integrative strategies guiding both developmental and economic entities in public and private sectors. As Sharjah continues its developmental journey, DSCD reaffirms its commitment to offering stakeholders a robust source of accurate data and information, which reflects current and future socioeconomic realities."
Data shows that the emirate’s trading sector was the most significant contributor to GDP at 23.8 percent. Transformative industries stood at 17.0 per cent, construction at 9.3 per cent, and real estate at 9.0 per cent, while the government sector contributed to 7.3 per cent in 2021.
As for growth rates of specific economic sectors in 2021 compared to 2020, the study reveals wholesale and retail trade as leading the charts at 10.0 per cent. Transport and storage sectors registered a 9.5 per cent growth, followed by the accommodation/hospitality and food services at 9.1 per cent. Extractive industries grew by 9.0 percent and health and social services by 7.6 per cent.
Sector-specific contributions include production at Dhs240 billion in 2021, compared to Dhs228.8 billion in 2020. Workers' compensation increased to Dhs38.8 billion in 2021, compared to Dhs36.9 billion in the previous year; and the total value of capital expenditures rose to Dhs33.8 billion in 2021, compared to Dhs31.3 billion in 2020.
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