Sharjah hotel guests surged to 2.1 million in 2025 as stronger tourism demand, airport expansion and infrastructure investments boosted the emirate’s hospitality sector.
SHARJAH: Why are more travellers choosing Sharjah, and what is driving the emirate’s rapidly growing hospitality sector?
According to a new report by property consultancy Cavendish Maxwell, Sharjah welcomed 2.1 million hotel guests in 2025, marking a significant 22 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The strong performance also translated into higher revenues, with the emirate’s hotel sector generating AED780 million, up 20 per cent year-on-year.
The figures underline Sharjah’s growing appeal as both a tourism and business travel destination. While Dubai often attracts global attention, Sharjah has quietly strengthened its position by offering cultural attractions, family-friendly experiences, competitive accommodation rates and improving connectivity.
The report shows that Sharjah hotel guests surge 22% to reach 2.1 million as annual revenues hit AED780 million amid healthy industry fundamentals. Hotels across the emirate currently operate at an average occupancy rate of 78 per cent, while the average daily room rate stands at AED305. The average visitor stay is approximately two nights.
So what is driving this growth?
One of the biggest contributors has been the expansion of air connectivity. Sharjah International Airport handled 19.5 million passengers in 2025, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The airport added eight new routes and four new airlines during the year, helping attract more international and regional travellers.
Further growth is expected as a major airport expansion project progresses. The ongoing AED4.2 billion development aims to increase capacity and support a target of 20 million passengers annually by 2027.
Infrastructure improvements are also strengthening the emirate’s tourism appeal. Projects such as the AED40 billion Etihad Rail network are expected to improve accessibility between Sharjah and other emirates, creating new opportunities for tourism, hospitality and business travel.
Another notable trend highlighted by Cavendish Maxwell is the evolution of Sharjah’s hotel market. Historically, the emirate has been known for its mid-market accommodation sector, with approximately 10,700 hotel keys spread across 102 hotels.
However, industry experts say this is beginning to change. Three luxury and upscale hotel developments, adding a combined 476 rooms, are scheduled for completion before 2030. This signals growing confidence in the emirate’s ability to attract higher-spending visitors and premium tourism segments.
The broader economic environment is also supporting hospitality growth. Sharjah’s property market recorded AED65.6 billion in real estate transactions during 2025, representing a record annual performance. The first quarter of 2026 continued this momentum, with transaction values rising 41 per cent year-on-year.
As infrastructure projects advance, tourism numbers rise and investment continues flowing into both real estate and hospitality, Sharjah hotel guests surge 22% to reach 2.1 million as annual revenues hit AED780 million, highlighting the emirate’s growing importance within the UAE’s tourism landscape and its ambitions to attract more visitors in the years ahead.escription
