Sharjah Cuts NOC Processing Time From Three Days to Just Two Hours

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has reduced the time needed to issue no-objection certificates (NOCs) from three working days to just two hours, a change it describes as a major milestone in its wider digital transformation programme.

The move is designed to speed up government services and support the pace of development across the emirate. NOCs are a routine but critical prerequisite for infrastructure, construction and utility works, and delays in obtaining them have long slowed the transition of projects from planning to execution.

Engineer Abdulrahim Al Zarouni, Director of the Shared Services Department at SEWA, said the initiative reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to simplify procedures and support the business sector and development projects across the emirate.

According to Al Zarouni, SEWA has adopted advanced digital technologies and an integrated electronic system that enables immediate processing of applications and automated verification of submitted data, significantly accelerating approvals for vital projects. The automation removes much of the manual review that previously extended turnaround times.

Round-the-clock applications

Applicants can now submit NOC requests at any time, 24 hours a day and seven days a week, through SEWA's official website and smart application. Once a request is received, the integrated system automatically checks the information and processes it, while applicants can track the status of their submissions in real time.

SEWA said the real-time tracking is intended to improve transparency and convenience, giving developers, contractors and property owners clearer visibility over where their applications stand.

An investment signal

Al Zarouni stressed that the upgrade is not solely about cutting processing times. He described the no-objection certificate as a key component of infrastructure development and said faster approvals strengthen Sharjah's attractiveness as an investment destination by shortening approval cycles and improving cooperation among stakeholders.

He reaffirmed SEWA's commitment to continuously reviewing its services and introducing innovative technological solutions that meet public expectations and support the emirate's ongoing urban growth.