Jet-setters know a good thing when they see it. When airport traffic is soaring, you can bet a destination is on the upswing… and Sharjah Airport’s impressive growth in the first half of 2025 is proof the emirate is gaining popularity.
Passenger numbers rose by 10% YoY, reaching an impressive 9.1 million travellers. Aircraft movements also saw a 4.3% uptick, with 54,953 take-offs and landings recorded, while cargo volumes reached a new high of 102,427 tonnes, a YoY growth of 6.36%.
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, credited these results to ongoing strategic investments aimed at elevating the passenger experience in close collaboration with the airport’s key partners. These developments align with Sharjah’s ambitions to position its airport among the top five in the region, with expansion plans set to boost capacity to 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027.
Beyond the numbers, however, this success story reflects a much bigger trend. And that is Sharjah’s growing stature as an appealing destination for travellers seeking a more authentic side of the UAE.
Why Sharjah should be on your radar
Often overshadowed by its glitzier and more glamourous neighbour, Dubai, and perhaps even Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah is fast gaining recognition for its incredibly rich cultural offering, natural landscapes, and more affordable experiences.
Located just a short drive from both Dubai International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah benefits from seamless connectivity, with its own airport offering direct links to key cities across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. This accessibility makes it an ideal twin-centre option for travellers looking to combine the UAE’s diversity of experiences in a single trip.
Top highlights of Sharjah
- Cultural capital of the UAE: Home to world-class museums, heritage areas and a thriving arts scene, Sharjah has been recognised by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.
- Breathtaking nature: From the serene beaches of the East Coast to the dramatic Hajar Mountains, Sharjah offers a side of the UAE less known to mass tourism.
- Family-friendly attractions: The Sharjah Aquarium, Rain Room, and Al Noor Island are just a few of the emirate’s standout attractions for families and leisure travellers.
- Affordability: Accommodation, dining and experiences in Sharjah typically come at a lower price point than Dubai, making it highly appealing to budget-conscious travellers.
- Accessibility: With ongoing infrastructure developments and an airport on the rise, Sharjah is increasingly well-positioned as a convenient gateway to the UAE.
For travel providers and agents, Sharjah represents an untapped opportunity. The destination appeals strongly to culturally curious travellers, families seeking value, and those eager to explore the UAE beyond the skyscrapers. When selling Sharjah, the city’s close proximity to Dubai and RAK are clear highlights, as are its cultural depth, and distinct sense of place compared to the other more commercialised emirates.
Furthermore, as Sharjah Airport’s capacity expands and new routes come online, connectivity will only improve, offering even greater flexibility for building bespoke UAE itineraries.
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