Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the United Arab Emirates Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our United Arab Emirates Property Pack
Running an Airbnb in Sharjah is legally possible through a regulated Holiday Homes framework, but success depends heavily on understanding local permit requirements and market dynamics.
This guide covers everything from licensing requirements to realistic profit expectations for short-term rentals in Sharjah in 2026.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data on Sharjah Airbnb nightly prices, occupancy rates, and regulatory changes.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Sharjah.
Insights
- About 74% of Sharjah Airbnb listings are one-bedroom apartments, making this the dominant property type for short-term rentals in the emirate as of 2026.
- Sharjah's average Airbnb occupancy rate sits around 49%, which is lower than Dubai but still profitable when expenses are managed carefully.
- A surprisingly large share of Sharjah listings use 30+ night minimum stays, meaning the market leans heavily toward monthly rentals rather than pure tourism.
- The Expo Centre Sharjah has 95+ exhibitions planned for 2026, creating predictable demand spikes that smart hosts can capture with strategic pricing.
- Sharjah recorded 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, an 11% increase year-over-year, signaling growing tourism demand that benefits Airbnb hosts.
- Self-managed Airbnb hosts in Sharjah can expect monthly net profits between AED 2,300 and AED 4,300, while professionally managed units often break even or earn less.
- Waterfront neighborhoods like Al Majaz, Al Khan, and Al Qasba command nightly rates between AED 400 and AED 750, roughly double the rates in older central areas.
- Nearly 99% of Sharjah Airbnb listings offer air conditioning and 98% provide Wi-Fi, making these amenities absolute requirements rather than competitive advantages.
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Ines Benaddi 🇲🇦🇫🇷
Real Estate Agent, Dubai Real Estate
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Sharjah in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is legally allowed in Sharjah through the official Holiday Homes framework regulated by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
The main legal framework is the Holiday Homes Project, which SCTDA launched specifically to enable residents to rent out their owned residential properties to visitors in a regulated way.
The single most important requirement is obtaining proper permits through SCTDA's e-services portal, which includes both an operator permit and a unit permit for each property you want to list.
Beyond SCTDA approval, hosts must also ensure their building or community allows short-term rentals, as many towers and HOAs in Sharjah have their own restrictions that can override emirate-level permissions.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in The United Arab Emirates.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in The United Arab Emirates.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Sharjah as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Sharjah does not publicly enforce a strict citywide nights-per-year cap like some other cities, and minimum-stay rules are largely determined by individual hosts and building policies rather than emirate-wide mandates.
These rules do not appear to differ significantly by property type or residency status in Sharjah, as the focus is on proper licensing and meeting quality standards rather than imposing hard caps on rental activity.
What's interesting is that a large portion of Sharjah listings voluntarily set 30+ night minimum stays, suggesting the market naturally gravitates toward longer-term rentals rather than being forced into this pattern by regulation.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Sharjah right now?
Sharjah's Holiday Homes framework is designed around property ownership rather than residency, meaning you do not necessarily need to live in the property you want to rent out on Airbnb.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Sharjah, provided the property is properly permitted through SCTDA and meets all quality and safety standards.
The main additional condition for non-primary residences is ensuring your building management or HOA allows short-term rentals, as this is often the real barrier rather than emirate-level rules.
In practice, there is no significant regulatory difference between renting out a primary residence versus a secondary home in Sharjah, as both require the same SCTDA permits and must comply with the same standards.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Sharjah
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Sharjah right now?
Sharjah's regulatory structure explicitly separates operator permits from unit permits, which means the system is designed to allow a single operator to manage multiple Holiday Home units under one name.
There does not appear to be a published maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Sharjah, as long as each unit is properly permitted and meets standards.
For hosts with multiple listings, the main additional requirement is obtaining a separate unit permit for each property while operating under a single operator permit, plus demonstrating you can maintain quality across all units.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Sharjah as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, you need to obtain SCTDA Holiday Home permitting (both operator and unit permits) to legally operate a short-term rental in Sharjah.
The typical process involves applying through SCTDA's e-services portal, submitting required documentation, and passing property inspections to verify your unit meets quality and safety standards.
Required documents typically include proof of property ownership, identification documents, and evidence that your building allows short-term rentals.
If you scale beyond a single property, hire staff, or operate in a way that resembles a business, you should also consider UAE federal tax implications, including corporate tax which applies to business activities above certain thresholds.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Sharjah as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Sharjah does not appear to have published a citywide list of banned neighborhoods or restricted zones for Airbnb-style rentals.
Instead of neighborhood-level bans, restrictions in Sharjah typically happen at the building or community level, meaning your specific tower or HOA is more likely to block short-term rentals than the emirate government.
This building-by-building approach means hosts should verify short-term rental permissions with their property management or owners' association before investing in permits and setup costs.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in the UAE compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Sharjah in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price (ADR) for an Airbnb listing in Sharjah is approximately AED 445 (USD 121 / EUR 112), while the median nightly price sits lower at around AED 350 (USD 95 / EUR 88).
The typical nightly price range covering roughly 80% of Sharjah Airbnb listings falls between AED 200 and AED 600 (USD 55 to USD 165 / EUR 50 to EUR 150), with most bookable units clustering in the mid-market apartment segment.
The single biggest factor affecting nightly pricing in Sharjah is proximity to waterfront attractions and leisure areas like Al Majaz, Al Khan, and Al Qasba, where premium listings can command rates 50% to 100% higher than comparable units in older central neighborhoods.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Sharjah.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, nightly prices in Sharjah vary dramatically from around AED 180 (USD 49 / EUR 45) in budget areas like Rolla to AED 750 (USD 205 / EUR 190) in premium waterfront locations like Al Majaz and Al Khan.
The three neighborhoods with the highest average nightly prices in Sharjah are Al Majaz Waterfront at AED 500 to AED 750 (USD 136 to USD 205 / EUR 125 to EUR 190), Al Khan at AED 450 to AED 650 (USD 123 to USD 177 / EUR 115 to EUR 165), and Al Qasba at AED 400 to AED 600 (USD 109 to USD 165 / EUR 100 to EUR 150).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Rolla at AED 180 to AED 300 (USD 49 to USD 82 / EUR 45 to EUR 75), Al Ghuwair at AED 200 to AED 350 (USD 55 to USD 95 / EUR 50 to EUR 88), and older parts of Al Nahda at AED 250 to AED 400 (USD 68 to USD 109 / EUR 63 to EUR 100), though these areas still attract budget-conscious travelers and long-stay guests looking for Dubai proximity at lower prices.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Sharjah is approximately 49%, meaning the average property is booked for about half the available nights.
The realistic occupancy range covering most Sharjah listings falls between 35% and 65%, with well-optimized properties in prime locations consistently hitting the higher end of this range.
Compared to Dubai's higher occupancy rates, Sharjah's 49% average reflects its positioning as a more affordable, family-oriented alternative with a significant long-stay segment rather than a pure tourism hotspot.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Sharjah is strategic minimum-stay pricing that captures both short event-driven bookings and longer monthly stays, rather than optimizing for just one type of guest.
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What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Sharjah is approximately AED 6,500 (USD 1,780 / EUR 1,640), calculated from the typical ADR of AED 445 and occupancy rate of 49%.
The realistic monthly revenue range covering roughly 80% of Sharjah listings falls between AED 4,000 and AED 9,000 (USD 1,090 to USD 2,450 / EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,260), with significant variation based on location, property quality, and pricing strategy.
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Sharjah can achieve monthly revenues of AED 11,000 to AED 15,000 (USD 3,000 to USD 4,100 / EUR 2,770 to EUR 3,780) by combining premium waterfront locations with optimized pricing during event periods. For example, a well-positioned 2BR apartment near Al Majaz earning AED 550 per night at 65% occupancy would generate roughly AED 10,700 monthly.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Sharjah.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, typical monthly revenue during low season in Sharjah ranges from AED 4,500 to AED 6,000 (USD 1,230 to USD 1,640 / EUR 1,130 to EUR 1,510), while high-season and event-heavy months can generate AED 7,500 to AED 11,000 (USD 2,050 to USD 3,000 / EUR 1,890 to EUR 2,770).
Low season in Sharjah typically falls during the hot summer months from June through August, while high season runs from October through March when the weather is pleasant and major exhibitions and cultural events like the Sharjah International Book Fair draw visitors to the emirate.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly operating expenses for an Airbnb in Sharjah range from AED 2,200 to AED 4,200 (USD 600 to USD 1,145 / EUR 555 to EUR 1,055) for self-managed properties, and AED 3,500 to AED 6,500 (USD 955 to USD 1,775 / EUR 880 to EUR 1,635) when using professional management.
The largest single expense category for Sharjah Airbnb hosts is typically cleaning and turnover costs at AED 600 to AED 1,500 (USD 165 to USD 410 / EUR 150 to EUR 375) monthly, followed closely by building service charges which can range from AED 500 to AED 2,000 depending on the tower.
Hosts in Sharjah should typically expect to spend between 35% and 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, with the higher end applying to professionally managed units or those in premium buildings with high service charges.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Sharjah.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, realistic monthly net profit for a self-managed Airbnb in Sharjah ranges from AED 2,300 to AED 4,300 (USD 630 to USD 1,175 / EUR 580 to EUR 1,080), translating to a profit per available night of approximately AED 75 to AED 145 (USD 20 to USD 40 / EUR 19 to EUR 36).
The realistic monthly net profit range covering most Sharjah listings is AED 0 to AED 4,300 (USD 0 to USD 1,175 / EUR 0 to EUR 1,080), with professionally managed properties often barely breaking even due to management fees consuming 15% to 25% of revenue.
Hosts in Sharjah typically achieve net profit margins between 25% and 45% when self-managing, with the higher margins going to those who control turnover costs and operate in buildings with reasonable service charges.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Sharjah Airbnb listing is approximately 25% to 35%, meaning you need to book roughly 8 to 10 nights per month just to cover operating expenses before seeing any profit.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Sharjah, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in the UAE versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Sharjah as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Sharjah as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 2,300 active Airbnb and Vrbo listings in Sharjah, making it a relatively small but growing short-term rental market compared to neighboring Dubai.
This number has grown steadily as Sharjah's tourism sector expands, with the emirate recording 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024 representing an 11% year-over-year increase, suggesting continued momentum for alternative accommodation options including Airbnb.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Sharjah as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Sharjah are Al Majaz, Al Khan, Al Taawun, Al Nahda (Sharjah side), and Al Qasba, where the concentration of apartment towers and proximity to attractions has drawn the most supply.
These areas are saturated because they combine waterfront access, entertainment options, and easy Dubai commutes in neighborhoods dominated by apartment towers that are easy to convert to short-term rentals, creating intense competition among similar one-bedroom units.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods offering better opportunities for new hosts include Muwaileh Commercial, Aljada (newer master-planned community), and Al Mamzar area, where newer developments have less established Airbnb competition and can attract guests seeking modern amenities outside the crowded core.
What local events spike demand in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main events that spike Airbnb demand in Sharjah are the 95+ exhibitions and conferences scheduled at Expo Centre Sharjah, the annual Sharjah International Book Fair, and various cultural festivals that draw visitors throughout the cooler months.
During major events at Expo Centre Sharjah, hosts typically see booking increases of 25% to 50% and can raise nightly rates by 20% to 40% compared to normal periods, especially for properties within easy reach of the venue.
Smart hosts in Sharjah should adjust pricing and availability at least two to three weeks before major scheduled events, and should monitor the Expo Centre calendar closely since the dense 2026 schedule creates multiple opportunities throughout the year to capture premium rates.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sharjah achieve occupancy rates of 60% to 70%, roughly 10 to 20 percentage points higher than the market average of around 49%.
Average hosts in Sharjah typically see occupancy rates between 40% and 50%, meaning the gap between top performers and typical operators represents a significant difference in annual revenue and profitability.
New hosts in Sharjah typically need 6 to 12 months to build up reviews, optimize their listings, and reach top-performer occupancy levels, with faster progress possible for those who invest in professional photography, responsive guest communication, and consistent housekeeping from day one.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Sharjah.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Sharjah right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Airbnb listings in Sharjah is AED 250 to AED 450 (USD 68 to USD 123 / EUR 63 to EUR 113), where budget-to-mid-range one-bedroom apartments targeting long-stay guests create intense competition.
The most crowded price points are specifically around AED 300 to AED 400 (USD 82 to USD 109 / EUR 75 to EUR 100), while white space opportunities exist at the premium end above AED 550 (USD 150 / EUR 138) for family-ready two-bedroom units and at the business-traveler segment near Expo Centre Sharjah.
To successfully compete in underserved segments, new hosts should focus on family-first amenities like cribs, high chairs, and blackout curtains for the premium family niche, or dedicated workspaces with fast Wi-Fi and self check-in for the business exhibition traveler segment that Sharjah's 2026 event calendar will attract.
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What property works best for Airbnb demand in Sharjah right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Sharjah as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, one-bedroom apartments get the most bookings in Sharjah, representing approximately 74% of all active Airbnb listings and matching the dominant demand from couples, solo travelers, and long-stay guests.
The booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Sharjah shows studios at roughly 5%, one-bedrooms at 74%, two-bedrooms at 19%, and three-bedrooms or larger at about 2% of the market.
One-bedrooms perform best in Sharjah specifically because they hit the sweet spot between affordability and comfort for the emirate's visitor mix, which skews toward budget-conscious travelers seeking Dubai alternatives and business visitors attending exhibitions who need just enough space for a comfortable stay.
What property type performs best in Sharjah in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments perform best for Airbnb in Sharjah, dominating the market because they cluster near waterfront attractions, offer easier operations for hosts, and match the price point most guests are seeking.
Occupancy rates across property types in Sharjah show apartments averaging around 50%, while villas and townhouses typically see lower occupancy in the 35% to 45% range due to their suburban locations and higher price points, though they can outperform during peak family travel periods.
Apartments outperform in Sharjah because the emirate's tourism draws visitors to centrally located attractions, exhibitions, and waterfront entertainment rather than the beach resort or private villa experience that might favor larger properties in other markets.
What location traits boost bookings in Sharjah right now?
The location traits that boost Airbnb bookings in Sharjah include walkable access to waterfront attractions like Al Majaz Corniche and Al Qasba, quick driving distance to Expo Centre Sharjah for exhibition visitors, and easy access to Dubai via main roads for value-seeking commuters.
Properties near family-friendly attractions and cultural landmarks tend to outperform because Sharjah's tourism brand emphasizes culture, heritage, and family experiences rather than nightlife, making quiet neighborhoods with parking and reliable building amenities more valuable than trendy entertainment districts.
A "Sharjah-compliant" positioning that signals quiet hours, clear house rules, and a family-friendly environment can actually boost conversions in this market, as guests choosing Sharjah over Dubai often specifically want the emirate's more conservative and calm atmosphere.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Sharjah, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| SCTDA Holiday Home e-Services | This is SCTDA's own official portal for the Holiday Homes licensing workflow in Sharjah. | We used it to confirm that Sharjah runs a formal Holiday Home permitting system. We referenced it to explain the operator and unit permit structure hosts must navigate. |
| SCTDA Industry Legislatives | This is SCTDA's official library of tourism and hospitality circulars and regulatory documents. | We used it to verify that Sharjah publishes tourism and hospitality circulars including Holiday Homes regulations. We treated it as the anchor regulator source when discussing compliance requirements. |
| WAM: Holiday Homes Project Launch | WAM is the UAE's official state news agency and is reliable for government announcements. | We used it to confirm that Sharjah created a regulator-backed framework for holiday homes. We cited it as the legal foundation for treating licensed holiday homes as the pathway for Airbnb hosting. |
| WAM: Sharjah Hotel Guests 2024 | WAM is an authoritative channel for official tourism performance announcements. | We used it to validate demand strength and trend direction for Sharjah visitor volumes heading into 2026. We referenced the 11% year-over-year growth to support occupancy and revenue projections. |
| SCTDA Annual Report 2024 | This is SCTDA's own annual reporting, which is as close to official stats and strategy as you can get. | We used it to triangulate the story that tourism is growing and becoming more diversified. We kept our analysis Sharjah-specific rather than relying on Dubai-only narratives. |
| AirDNA Sharjah Market Overview | AirDNA is a widely used, methodology-driven STR data provider used by major media and investors. | We used it to estimate listings count, occupancy, ADR, bedroom mix, minimum-stay patterns, and common amenities. We treated these metrics as the quantitative base for revenue and competitiveness estimates. |
| UAE Ministry of Finance: Corporate Tax | This is the UAE federal authority that defines how corporate tax works nationwide. | We used it to flag when hosting can cross from individual income into business activity. We built it into the compliance checklist for hosts considering scaling their operations. |
| UAE Ministry of Finance: VAT | This is the official federal source for VAT basics and the standard rate. | We used it to explain why some hosting-related services may come with VAT. We incorporated VAT into expense models so costs are not understated. |
| UAE Government Portal: Tourist Accommodation | This is the UAE's official government information platform summarizing tourism levies. | We used it to explain the types of guest-facing tourism fees that exist in the UAE. We reminded readers that some charges are collected from guests and remitted rather than being host profit. |
| Reuters: UAE Budget and AED/USD | Reuters is a top-tier global wire and is reliable for factual financial references. | We used it to convert USD-based STR metrics into AED consistently for Sharjah homeowners. We ensured our profit calculations stayed comparable across sources. |
| Central Bank of UAE: EIBOR Rates | This is the UAE central bank's official benchmark-rate publication. | We used it to ground financing cost discussions in the UAE's real benchmark rate environment. We kept mortgage-rate references tethered to official data. |
| Savills: Sharjah Residential Market Q3 2025 | Savills is a global real-estate consultancy with transparent research practices and institutional clients. | We used it to triangulate the story on which residential stock is common in Sharjah. We kept property-type discussions realistic by confirming apartments dominate the market. |
| dubizzle: Sharjah Property Market 2025 | dubizzle is a major UAE property marketplace and its report cites official transaction coverage. | We used it to sanity-check purchase-price and long-term rental context by area. We explained why STR profitability depends heavily on building fees and neighborhood positioning. |
| Expo Centre Sharjah: 2026 Events Calendar | This is the venue's official announcement of its own calendar, which is as direct as it gets. | We used it to identify Sharjah-specific demand drivers that spike short stays. We suggested neighborhood choices that benefit from Expo-driven booking surges. |
| Visit Sharjah: International Book Fair | This is the official tourism portal for Sharjah highlighting major cultural events. | We used it to identify the Book Fair as a recurring flagship demand driver. We included it in our seasonality discussion for event-driven pricing strategies. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of the UAE. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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