Sharjah Excellence Award 2026 Attracts Over 120 Participants As New Global Assessment Model Rolls Out

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry reports strong interest in the Sharjah Excellence Award 2026. Entries have already passed 120 organisations, spanning numerous commercial and industrial sectors across the region. The Chamber highlights this response as evidence of the programme’s status in regional business circles. Registration and document submission close on 31st January 2026 for all interested applicants. SCCI notes the turnout highlights its role in institutional excellence, innovation, and economic leadership.

SCCI is urging Sharjah-based government bodies, private firms, and entrepreneurs from the wider UAE and GCC. These groups are encouraged to complete entries within the announced timeframe for the 2026 cycle. The award generally welcomes all private sector entities in the UAE across its different classifications. However, the Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award accepts only GCC-based private establishments, excluding UAE-only participants. For the Sharjah Entrepreneurs with Disability Award, winners are selected directly by the Board.

The 2026 edition is organised into eight distinct categories that address varied economic and social priorities. They include localisation, business excellence, entrepreneurship, small and medium enterprises, social responsibility, and security standards. A dedicated category also recognises Sharjah entrepreneurs with disability, reflecting inclusive development goals. Together, these awards target performance improvement, community impact, and responsible governance across key market segments.

According to the Award’s Board of Trustees, assessment activities will run from February to April 2026. Specialised evaluators will review submitted data, supporting documents, and narrative reports from participating institutions. Each file will be measured against detailed operational standards assigned to every category in this cycle. Site visits or clarifications may follow documentation checks where evaluators require further evidence of compliance.

This year, the Sharjah Excellence Award is applying an advanced fourth-generation global institutional assessment model. The framework is designed to mirror international benchmarks in performance management, innovation practices, and sustainability. Organisers state that this approach aims to enhance competitiveness within UAE and GCC private markets. Participants are expected to embed leadership, quality systems, and continuous improvement in everyday institutional operations.

Nada Al Hajri, General Coordinator of the Award, describes the initiative as a long-term development tool. Al Hajri said the programme spreads quality, innovation, and institutional excellence in the UAE and region. "The Award promotes the adoption of international quality standards in institutional practices, supporting entrepreneurs and private sector companies to enhance service quality, in line with Sharjah’s vision for a sustainable, knowledge-based, and innovation-driven economy," Al Hajri added.

The Sharjah Chamber uses the Sharjah Excellence Award to help businesses and economic entities assess performance. By aligning with international models, organisers expect participants to refine services and organisational structures. The 2026 cycle therefore acts as a regional reference point for quality-driven growth across vital sectors.

With inputs from WAM