Sharjah ACRES 2026 targets $1.36bn in property deals as escrow system launches

The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “ACRES” 2026 is expected to see real estate transactions worth AED5bn ($1.36bn), supported by exclusive project launches, targeted incentives, special discounts and flexible payment plans.

The four-day exhibition will commence next Wednesday, January 21, at Expo Centre Sharjah and run until January 24, as the emirate’s property market continues to gather momentum.

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, the exhibition is held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Covering more than 10,000 square metres, ACRES 2026 will host more than 120 exhibitors from major real estate development and investment companies, alongside leading developers from across the UAE.

The exhibition will showcase more than 200 projects spanning residential, commercial and industrial plots, retail units, apartments, townhouses, villas, and modern and sustainable communities.

A significant number of developments will be introduced to the Sharjah market for the first time, reinforcing the exhibition’s role as a launchpad for new projects and investment opportunities.

Sharjah real estate expo

ACRES 2026 will announce the introduction of Sharjah’s first escrow account regulatory system for real estate projects.

Under the system, property buyers deposit payments into a bank-managed account, from which developers may withdraw funds progressively as construction milestones are met.

The mechanism protects buyers’ funds from being diverted to other projects, safeguards investors’ financial rights, and significantly boosts investor confidence in Sharjah’s real estate sector.

It also reinforces the emirate’s legislative and regulatory framework and aligns it with international best practices.

The 2026 edition will feature a comprehensive knowledge programme, including panel discussions, workshops and training sessions led by more than 30 industry experts in both Arabic and English.

The programme will analyse real estate market trends, supply and demand indicators, market adjustments, evolving buyer behaviour and tenant preferences, alongside core real estate investment fundamentals. It will also examine the role of artificial intelligence and blockchain, highlighting their practical applications within the sector.

The exhibition will also launch the inaugural edition of the “ACRES Podcast”, featuring more than 12 free Arabic and English episodes presented by leading real estate and investment experts throughout the event.

Sharjah real estate market

ACRES 2026 coincides with robust growth across Sharjah’s real estate sector. During the first nine months of 2025, the emirate recorded cash transactions worth AED44.3bn ($12.06bn), representing growth of more than 58.3 per cent, one of the highest rates in recent years.

Sales transactions exceeded 24,000 deals, rising 42.6 per cent, while Sharjah attracted investors from 121 nationalities. Foreign investment transactions reached approximately AED23.2bn ($6.32bn), posting annual growth of 62.2 per cent.

Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group at SCCI and Chairman of the Organising Committee of ACRES, said the exhibition plays a strategic role in connecting investors and developers.

He noted that the 2026 edition has fully occupied its 10,000-square-metre space, hosting over 120 leading real estate companies from across the UAE.

He added that the 2025 edition recorded transactions exceeding AED4.3bn ($1.17bn), marking a 207 per cent increase over 2024.

Al Suwaidi also highlighted the Sharjah Executive Council’s decision to reduce sales and purchase fees on real estate transactions conducted during ACRES 2026, saying the move supports the introduction of high-value projects and attracts a diverse pool of investors.

He said: “ACRES serves as a comprehensive platform, combining project showcases, innovative knowledge programmes, and regulatory initiatives that enhance transparency, protect investor rights, and strengthen market confidence, reflecting Sharjah’s strategic approach to developing a sustainable and globally competitive real estate sector”.

ACRES 2026

The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “ACRES” is positioned as the UAE’s largest real estate platform, bringing together developers, brokerage firms, banks, financial institutions, project and property management companies, government entities, and specialised real estate technology and insurance providers.

Visitors can explore exclusive launches and benefit from preferential discounts, flexible payment plans, and expert advisory and financing services, enabling informed investment decisions in a dynamic property market.