Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — December 2025 — Sharjah’s Real Estate Exhibition ‘ACRES’ 2026 has received a major boost following a decision by the Sharjah Executive Council to reduce property transaction fees for deals completed during the event.
This comes as a move hailed as a significant milestone in reinforcing the emirate’s strategy to become a global hub for sustainable real estate investment.
Approved by the Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and SEC Chairman, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the fee reduction includes a 0.5 percent discount on selling fees for real estate developers.
It also includes one percent discount on purchasing fees for UAE and GCC nationals, and a two percent discount for buyers of other nationalities under freehold ownership, or one percent under usufruct arrangements.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the Organising Committee stated that this decision is expected to significantly strengthen the exhibition’s overall impact by encouraging developers to accelerate the launch of high-value projects while attracting new investors from across the globe.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, ACRES 2026 is organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department and Leader Events Management.
The event will run from January 21 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah, spanning 10,000 square meters and bringing together top-tier developers, investors, tourism development companies, banks, mortgage providers, and brokers from the UAE and the wider region.
The exhibition is projected to draw significant global interest from stakeholders seeking property and investment opportunities.
It will serve as a platform to explore the latest market trends and access exclusive investment offers, supported by the attractive incentives provided by the Sharjah government. The 2026 edition will also witness the unveiling of several new real estate projects and high-value developments making their market debut.
Director-General of SRERD, Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, praised the SEC decision as a proactive move to support the sector and enhance its competitiveness.
He noted that the reduced fees will stimulate transaction activity, boost sales volumes, and strengthen investor confidence in Sharjah’s growing property market, adding: “We are confident that this initiative will have a positive impact on the outcomes of ACRES 2026, driving sustainable growth across the real estate sector, in line with Sharjah’s vision to advance comprehensive development and further solidify its position as a vibrant, liveable, and investment-attractive city.”
Director-General of SCCI, Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, stated that the decision reflects Sharjah’s commitment to enhancing the sector’s appeal and is expected to drive higher transaction volumes and attract new market entrants. He highlighted that the 2025 edition of ACRES recorded total transactions of AED 4.3 billion ($1.17 billion), a growth exceeding 207 percent compared to 2024, with participation from over 110 exhibitors.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, emphasized that the decision aligns with the leadership’s strategic vision to advance the sector’s growth and regulatory framework. “The exemptions and incentives will help create an optimal environment to accelerate deal execution and expand transaction volumes,” he said, noting the wider economic impact of drawing new investor segments and stimulating confident capital deployment.
CEO of ACRES, Nawaf Obaid, described the fee reduction as a strategic catalyst that enhances the exhibition’s value proposition for investors and exhibitors alike.
He explained that lowering transaction fees offers direct operational support to companies, enabling more competitive pricing and flexibility while stimulating investor purchase decisions.
