Sharjah has launched a revolutionary service that uses artificial intelligence to issue trade licences to business people and investors within five minutes, placing the emirate among the world's most innovative business destinations. Unveiled at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2024) in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the initiative marks a significant leap forward in business automation.
World's First AI-Powered Trade Licence
The Sharjah AI trade licence service launched initially at the Sharjah Investor Services Centre (Saeed) and the SPC Free Zone, with plans to extend it to other free zones across the emirate. The rollout makes Sharjah the first region globally to deploy artificial intelligence for trade licence generation, reinforcing its standing as a premier investment hub in the Gulf.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said the innovation directly strengthens Sharjah's reputation as an investment destination of the future, built on sustainable innovation. "Through deploying AI, Sharjah is recasting the business environment and inviting global players," he noted.
Microsoft UAE Partnership Drives the Initiative
Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, highlighted that the AI application is revolutionising business in Sharjah and boosting efficiency across the economy. The AI environment automates nearly all licensing steps, allowing an entrepreneur to complete the entire procedure in under five minutes — a process that previously took considerably longer under traditional systems.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Book Authority, added that the programme positions SPC Free Zone as an international business destination, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a regional and international cultural capital.
Strategic Push for Foreign Direct Investment
This AI-driven programme is designed to increase flexibility and work proficiency, with the dual aim of attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening Sharjah's position as a pioneer of startup ecosystems in the Gulf region. The initiative aligns with Sharjah's broader economic diversification strategy, targeting growth across sectors including healthcare, distribution, and food production.
The Sharjah Investment Forum 2024 drew more than 5,000 attendees, reflecting strong regional and international interest in the emirate's investment landscape. The launch of the AI trade licence system was among the forum's headline announcements, underscoring Sharjah's commitment to digital transformation and smart governance.
