Sharjah Investment and Development Authority
Shurooq is the Sharjah government authority, established in 2009, that develops and invests in real estate, hospitality, retail, arts and culture projects and runs the emirate's Invest in Sharjah office.
Industry: Government investment and development authority | Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates | Founded: 2009
About Sharjah Investment and Development Authority
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, known as Shurooq, is a government body of the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. It was established under Emiri Decree No. 2 of 2009 issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, and was described at the time as a fully independent financial and administrative entity. Its mandate covers evaluating and following up on tourism, investment and heritage infrastructure projects, taking part in construction and development in Sharjah and across the UAE, and connecting investors, companies and entrepreneurs with opportunities. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi is Shurooq's chairperson. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal was the authority's chief executive from its creation until mid-2018, when he became executive chairman of the group. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, who joined the team in 2006 and helped set up Shurooq in 2009, was later named acting chief executive. Shurooq develops projects directly and with partners. A 2018 agreement with Eagle Hills covered a AED 2.7 billion luxury hospitality project. Its residential portfolio includes Maryam Island, Sharjah Sustainable City and Ajwan Khorfakkan. In May 2025, marking 15 years since its founding, Shurooq reported AED 7.2 billion in total investment across 52 completed projects and experiences covering more than 60 million square feet. By category, three real estate projects accounted for AED 5 billion, ten hospitality projects for AED 850 million, 18 retail and entertainment projects for more than AED 870 million, and five arts and culture projects for AED 447 million. The residential developments comprise 4,516 units, of which 4,187 had been sold to buyers from 98 nationalities. Shurooq also supports the entrepreneurship ecosystem. The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, branded Sheraa, was established in 2016 as an initiative of Shurooq under Sheikha Bodour's chairmanship. In July 2025 Shurooq said foreign investment in Sharjah property rose more than 25 percent in the first quarter of 2025, with total real estate deal value of AED 13.2 billion, up 31.9 percent from the same period a year earlier, according to WAM. In October 2025 its chief executive described an investment portfolio of almost AED 8 billion across more than 50 projects.