The Department is responsible for organizing, unifying, and managing the statistical system across the Emirate, including the development and regular updating of statistical frameworks and methodologies, providing technical supervision of statistical activities within government entities, and ensuring the production of accurate and reliable data. It also undertakes the collection, classification, storage, analysis, dissemination, and protection of data, in addition to preparing estimates and future projections related to population and various sectors, including economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Beyond its statistical role, the Department is dedicated to promoting community development by monitoring social phenomena and supporting decision-makers with the information and analyses required to design effective policies and programs, thereby contributing to strengthening Sharjah’s position and advancing its future vision based on evidence and knowledge.

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Chairman’s Message

Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi

Chairman of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development

The Department of Statistics and Community Development is the official source of statistics in the Emirate of Sharjah, dedicated to providing accurate and reliable data that support the Emirate’s development goals and enhance its regional and international standing. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, we place particular focus on household and individual data, as they are the foundation of development and the core of future planning.

The Department adheres to the Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics endorsed by the United Nations, most notably impartiality, transparency, and confidentiality. It is committed to advancing a comprehensive statistical system built on close collaboration with government and community entities, ensuring that the growing needs of decision-making are met and that Sharjah continues on its path towards sustainable development.

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Director’s Message

Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi

Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development

Statistical work in the Emirate of Sharjah represents a cornerstone of data-driven planning, and the Department of Statistics and Community Development plays a pivotal role in advancing this field by applying rigorous methodologies and international standards across all stages of statistical production—from data collection and classification to analysis and dissemination. Our specialized teams conduct censuses and surveys, while also developing administrative databases in line with the highest levels of quality and transparency.

The Department actively embraces global advancements in data and statistics, leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and predictive modeling, while strengthening integration across diverse data sources. These efforts aim to produce more accurate and timely statistical outputs that support public policy and contribute to economic, social, and environmental development across the Emirate.

Key Milestones

Since its establishment, the Department of Statistics and Community Development in Sharjah has undergone continuous growth, strengthening its position as a trusted source of data and knowledge in the Emirate. These milestones represent essential stages in building an integrated and sustainable statistical and community system, marked by the expansion of statistical activities, the development of national expertise, and the adoption of advanced methodologies and technologies in data collection and analysis.

2012

Establishment of Sharjah Statistics Centre

The Sharjah Statistics Centre was established under Amiri Decree No. (4) of 2012 issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as the official authority responsible for statistics and the sole source of official data in the Emirate. Its establishment responded to the growing need for accurate and reliable data to support strategic planning and decision-making across all sectors.

2013

Comprehensive Survey of Sharjah Citizens

The 2013 Comprehensive Survey of Sharjah Citizens marked the Center’s first major initiative in official statistical work. It was the first survey conducted using electronic data collection systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies in the Emirate. This survey provided a detailed database on the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of Emirati households, supporting housing policies, public service planning, and community development initiatives.

2014

Establishment of the Department of Statistics and Community Development

In 2014, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah issued Amiri Decree No. (7) establishing the Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) to enhance integration between statistical work and community development initiatives. Since then, the Department has been responsible for developing the statistical system, conducting censuses and specialized surveys, and implementing programs focusing on family welfare, education, and social cohesion.

2015

Sharjah Population, Housing, and Establishments Census

The Department conducted Sharjah’s first comprehensive census, marking a turning point in official statistical operations through advanced methodologies and technologies. For the first time, self-enumeration was introduced, allowing households to submit their data electronically. The census produced an accurate and comprehensive database on population, housing, and establishments, serving as a foundation for development planning across the Emirate.

2018

Community Development Programs

The Department launched the Annual Economic Survey as one of its key periodic surveys designed to measure the performance of economic activities and establishments in the Emirate. The survey provides vital data on contributions to GDP and monitors structural changes in Sharjah’s economy to support evidence-based economic policy development.

2019

Promoting Statistical Literacy

The Labour Force Survey was launched to collect reliable data on the size and characteristics of the labour force, economic participation rates, and unemployment levels across demographic groups. This survey provides essential indicators that support labour market policies, workforce planning, and employment initiatives.

2022

Sharjah Census

The Department successfully implemented the Sharjah Census 2022, utilizing digital platforms, self-enumeration systems, and integrated administrative records to improve data quality and efficiency. The census generated accurate data on population, housing, and establishments, which contributed to planning in urban development, education, and healthcare sectors.

2023

Establishment of the Statistical Training Centre

The Statistical Training Centre was established to build statistical and community development capacities through specialized training programs aligned with emerging technologies and international standards. The centre enhances the skills of professionals working in government and semi-government sectors, promoting excellence in statistical production and analysis.

2024

Implementation of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM)

The Department is preparing to conduct the Sharjah Census 2025 as part of its transition toward fully register-based censuses, leveraging administrative records, big data, and artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to ensure more accurate, timely, and sustainable population statistics in line with global developments in smart and integrated statistical systems.

2025

Sharjah Census 2025

The Department is preparing to conduct the Sharjah Census 2025 as part of its transition toward fully register-based censuses, leveraging administrative records, big data, and artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to ensure more accurate, timely, and sustainable population statistics in line with global developments in smart and integrated statistical systems.

Our Partners

Shaping an Integrated Statistical Future Together