December 5, 2025 TnH Global

Success Story: India Strengthens Its Position as a Key Market for Sharjah

Sharjah’s tourism sector is entering a transformative phase in 2025, driven by strategic investments, international partnerships, and an enhanced focus on high-value markets. According to H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), India continues to stand as one of the emirate’s strongest contributors to tourism growth.

“India remains one of Sharjah’s top five source markets in 2025, playing a pivotal role not only in visitor volume but also in value and engagement,” he says. Sharjah welcomed over 172,000 Indian visitors in 2024, reflecting sustained year-on-year growth. This momentum has continued into 2025, fuelled by rising demand from major Indian metros seeking luxury, culture-rich, and experiential travel.

To align with evolving traveller preferences, Sharjah has strengthened its understanding of the market. “We have adopted a data-led approach to analyse Indian traveller behaviour and design targeted campaigns and curated itineraries tailored to families, culture explorers, adventure seekers, and premium travellers,” H.E. Al Midfa explains.

In the first five months of 2025, Sharjah recorded a 32% increase in Indian arrivals, welcoming 88,000 visitors compared to 66,000 during the same period in 2024. This growth, he notes, is a result of “consistent engagement through trade shows, roadshows, partnerships, and digital campaigns crafted specifically for the Indian market.”

Sharjah has placed strategic focus on high-potential segments such as adventure and experiential tourism, supported by the emirate’s diverse natural landscapes and high-profile events like the F1H2O Grand Prix of Sharjah, as well as MICE and destination weddings. “We see strong interest from planners seeking boutique, culturally immersive, and easily accessible venues,” he adds.

Beyond market engagement, Sharjah is accelerating major infrastructure projects to enrich its visitor experience. The revitalisation of Kalba, with restored heritage sites, a redesigned Corniche, and improved roadways, is enhancing accessibility and cultural appeal. Meanwhile, modernisation efforts at landmarks such as the Mleiha Archaeological Centre and the Heart of Sharjah are elevating heritage tourism while preserving authenticity.

Sharjah International Airport’s $336 million expansion is also underway, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to world-class, sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainability remains a core pillar of Sharjah’s tourism vision. With the global sustainable tourism market projected to reach $11.4 trillion by 2032, Sharjah is investing in projects such as the Hanging Gardens, Al Hefaiyah Lake, and eco-luxury retreats like Kingfisher Retreat and Moon Retreat. “Our goal is to protect natural habitats while offering responsible, meaningful travel experiences,” says H.E. Al Midfa.

With continued investment and a clear vision, Sharjah is positioning itself as a future-ready destination that blends heritage, sustainability, and innovation for global travellers, especially those from India.