Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the UAE, offers a unique blend of modern development and rich cultural heritage.
The city plays a central role in the UAE’s economy, with a thriving workforce across various industries.
Understanding the population and its diverse elements is key to grasping Sharjah’s evolving social fabric and its growing influence as a business, educational, and cultural hub in the region.
Key Statistics
The population of Sharjah is 1.80 million.
It is the third-largest city in the UAE.
Sharjah is the capital of the emirate of Sharjah.
The city spans an area of 2,590 square kilometres.
The population density is approximately 7,932 people per square kilometre.
In 1998, Sharjah was recognized by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.
Sharjah Population
According to the Sharjah 2022 Census official report, the population of Sharjah is 1.80 million.
This makes it the third-largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the capital of the Sharjah Emirate.
Covering an area of 2,590 square kilometres, the emirate has a population density of approximately 7,932 people per square kilometre, reflecting its urban growth and development.
While there are slight variations in population estimates from other sources, such as the World Population Review and Statista, we are using the official figure of 1.80 million for this statistics.
Demographics of Sharjah
The demographics of Sharjah reveal a dynamic and evolving community, shaped by its cultural richness and rapid urbanization.
As the third-largest emirate in the UAE, Sharjah’s population is a blend of diverse nationalities, contributing to its vibrant social fabric.
Let’s explore the different demographic elements that shape the landscape of Sharjah:
Emirati vs Expat
| Nationality | Male | Female | Total Population |
| Emirati | 103000 | 105000 | 208000 |
| Expatriates | 1,100,000 | 500,000 | 1,600,000 |
Emirati nationals make up 11.5% of the total population, with a balanced gender distribution of 103,000 males and 105,000 females, forming the core of Sharjah’s heritage and identity.
Expatriates account for a significant 88.5% of the population, with 1.10 million males and 500,000 females.
This group underscores the emirate’s role as a hub for employment opportunities and its appeal to global talent.
Sharjah Population by Age
| Age Group | Population | Population Percentage |
| 0-19 Years | 399,000 | 22.03% |
| 20-39 years | 914,000 | 50.47% |
| 40-59 years | 443,000 | 24.46% |
| 60 years and over | 55,000 | 3.04% |
Sharjah’s population distribution by age reveals a youthful and dynamic demographic.
The largest age group, 20-39 years, accounts for 50.47% of the total population, or approximately 914,000 individuals.
This segment reflects the emirate’s strong workforce and its appeal as a hub for career-driven residents.
The younger population, aged 0-19 years, makes up 22.03%, totaling around 399,000 people.
This indicates a significant portion of the population is in its formative years, highlighting the need for robust educational and recreational infrastructure.
Individuals aged 40-59 years comprise 24.46% of the population, or about 443,000 residents.
Meanwhile, the elderly population, aged 60 and above, represents a smaller segment at 3.04%, or 55,000 residents.
Sharjah Population by Gender
| Gender | Population | Population (Percentage) |
| Male | 1203000 | 66.54% |
| Female | 605000 | 33.46% |
Sharjah’s population is largely male, with 1.20 million men, constituting 66.54% of the total population.
In comparison, females make up 33.46%, or 605,000 individuals.
This gender imbalance is primarily driven by the large number of male expatriates employed in the emirate.
With a total population of 1.80 million, Sharjah’s workforce and broader community are characterized by a significant male majority.
Sharjah Population by Region
| Region | Population | Percentage |
| Sharjah City | 1,600,000 | 88.8% |
| Khorfakkan | 53,000 | 2.9% |
| Kalba | 51,000 | 2.8% |
| Al Dhaid | 33,000 | 1.8% |
| Al Hamriyah | 19,000 | 1.1% |
| Al Madam | 18,000 | 1.0% |
| Dibba Al-Hisn | 15,000 | 0.8% |
| Al Bataeh | 7,000 | 0.4% |
| Mleiha | 6,000 | 0.3% |
Sharjah’s population is primarily concentrated in Sharjah City, which is home to 1.6 million residents, accounting for 88.8% of the total population.
As the emirate’s economic and cultural hub, the city attracts the majority of its residents.
The remaining population is spread across smaller regions, each contributing to Sharjah’s diversity. Khorfakkan and Kalba, both coastal cities, have populations of 53,000 (2.9%) and 51,000 (2.8%), respectively.
Al Dhaid, known for its agricultural significance, has a population of 33,000, making up 1.8%.
Other regions, such as Al Hamriyah (19,000), Al Madam (18,000), and Dibba Al-Hisn (15,000), hold smaller shares of the population, ranging from 1.1% to 0.8%.
Mleiha and Al Bataeh are the least populated areas, with 6,000 (0.3%) and 7,000 (0.4%) residents, respectively.
Together, these regions reflect the emirate’s blend of urban vibrancy and rural charm, catering to a variety of lifestyles.
Workforce in Sharjah
Sharjah boasts an active workforce of 1.10 million, reflecting its strong economic appeal and diverse job opportunities.
Over 60% of the emirate’s population is employed across sectors such as construction, healthcare, tourism, IT, and education.
Key hubs like the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) and Sharjah Media City (Shams) foster growth in industries such as technology, media, and manufacturing.
The workforce is a mix of locals and expatriates, contributing to the emirate’s dynamic economic landscape.
Sharjah’s job market continues to thrive, supported by ongoing efforts in economic diversification and development.
Conclusion
Sharjah stands out as a vibrant and progressive emirate, where diversity is its hallmark.
With advanced healthcare sectors and premier educational opportunities, it continues to attract people from around the world, contributing to its dynamic population and thriving economy.
As Sharjah embraces modernity while preserving its cultural roots, it solidifies its position as a hub of innovation, learning, and inclusivity in the UAE.
We hope the above blog, discussing the population of Sharjah, proves helpful in understanding the emirate’s unique demographic and economic landscape.
Disclaimer: GMI acknowledges that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented on this infographic. The information represented is based on information researched from various sources on the internet. We are not liable for any errors, financial loss, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of, or reliance on, the information herein.
GMI’s Research Team is a panel of knowledgeable experts from various fields such as digital marketing, social media, and web development, all united by a common goal—to educate. We enjoy exploring everything from the latest industry trends and emerging technologies to people and demographics, both in the UAE and beyond. Through our blog posts, we share valuable insights that help businesses and marketers stay informed and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
