Sharjah: The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition 'ACRES' 2026, organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, is slated to open next Wednesday, 21 January, at Expo Centre Sharjah, running until 24 January. The event promises to be a significant driver of property transactions, expected to reach AED 5 billion, by showcasing newly-launched real estate projects alongside targeted incentives, special discounts, and flexible payment plans.
According to Emirates News Agency, the exhibition, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, will cover more than 10,000 square meters. It will host over 120 exhibitors from major real estate development and investment companies, along with leading developers from across the UAE. These participants will present more than 200 projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial plots, as well as retail units, apartments, townhouses, villas, and modern sustainable communities, with many developments debuting in the Sharjah market.
A notable feature of ACRES 2026 is the introduction of Sharjah's first escrow account regulatory system for real estate projects. This system ensures that property buyers' payments are deposited into a bank-managed account, allowing developers to withdraw funds as construction milestones are met. This mechanism protects buyers' funds, safeguards investors' financial rights, and enhances investor confidence in Sharjah's real estate sector, aligning with international best practices.
The exhibition will also offer a comprehensive knowledge program with panel discussions, workshops, and training sessions led by over 30 industry experts in both Arabic and English. These sessions will analyze real estate market trends, explore supply and demand indicators, market adjustments, evolving buyer behavior, and tenant preferences, and emphasize the role of AI and blockchain in the sector.
Additionally, ACRES 2026 will launch the first edition of the 'ACRES Podcast,' featuring more than 12 free episodes in Arabic and English, presented by leading real estate and investment experts throughout the event.
The exhibition coincides with significant momentum in Sharjah's real estate market. In the first nine months of 2025, Sharjah recorded cash transactions worth AED 44.3 billion, marking a growth of over 58.3 percent. Sales transactions surpassed 24,000 deals, with a growth of 42.6 percent, highlighting increased demand and a broader range of investment opportunities. The market attracted investors from 121 nationalities, with foreign investment transactions reaching around AED 23.2 billion, posting an annual growth of 62.2%.
Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of both the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group at SCCI and the Organizing Committee of ACRES, highlighted the exhibition's strategic role in connecting top property investors and developers. He noted the full occupation of the 10,000-square-meter space by over 120 leading real estate companies, reflecting strong investor confidence. The Sharjah Executive Council's decision to reduce sales and purchase fees on real estate transactions during ACRES 2026 further supports the exhibition's success, encouraging high-value projects and attracting a diverse pool of investors.
ACRES serves as a comprehensive platform, combining project showcases, innovative knowledge programs, and regulatory initiatives that enhance transparency, protect investor rights, and strengthen market confidence. It reflects Sharjah's strategic approach to developing a sustainable and globally competitive real estate sector.
The exhibition enjoys sponsorship from key governmental entities, media sponsorship by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and strategic partnerships with significant real estate and investment groups. Academic sponsorship is provided by the Innovation Experts Real Estate Institute and ThinkProp Institute, with support from the host, Expo Centre Sharjah, and Site Global as the official sponsor of outdoor advertising campaigns.