Sharjah Update Sharjah business & Investment News from Invest in Sharjah (Sharjah FDI Office)
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The second day of the Sharjah Investment Forum 2025, held in conjunction with WAIPA’s World Investment Conference (WIC), featured a high-level panel titled “Sharjah 2030: Driving Innovation, Investment, and Sustainable Growth,” sharing key insights and statistics that demonstrate Sharjah’s continued rise as a global hub for sustainable development, innovation, and investment.
The panel brought together a group of distinguished leaders who are driving Sharjah’s ambitious development agenda including H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); H.E. Ahmed Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrk, CEO, Sharjah FDI Office (Invest In Sharjah); H.E. Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SPARK).
Sustainable tourism as a growth engine
SCTDA Chairman H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa emphasised tourism as a low-risk growth pillar, and integral to the economy, contributing over 10% of Sharjah’s non-oil GDP. “We expect 1.9 million visitors by the end of 2025 after welcoming 1.47 million in the first nine months,” he said. Al Midfa commented on continued infrastructure investments, including airport expansion and road connectivity to bolster tourism growth.
He concluded reaffirming that responsible and sustainable efforts regarding culture and eco-tourism remain priorities, with the target of expanding tourism’s economic contribution from AED 200 billion in 2023 to AED 450 billion by 2031.
Developing Sharjah’s diverse offerings through innovation and partnerships
H.E. Ahmed Al Qaseer outlined Shurooq’s portfolio, noting the authority’s core sectors including real estate, hospitality, leisure and entertainment, and arts and culture. He stressed that “innovation, sustainability, and responsible and forward-thinking development” are integral to Sharjah’s success, supported by over AED 7 billion in investments that wouldn’t have been possible without strong partnerships between government and private sectors. “Our vision is to continue developing projects that not only elevate Sharjah’s profile but create ecosystems that nurture culture, innovation, and a sustainable future; reaffirming Sharjah as a prime destination for visitors, skilled talent, and global investors,” he added.
A world-class destination for future-ready investment
H.E Mohamed Juma Al Musharrk characterised Sharjah at the crossroads of global investment flows, and described it as a place where “an incredible and capable ecosystem is being built,” drawing from local and international partnerships. The emirate’s foreign direct investment (FDI) surged 361% in 2025’s first half to a record $1.5 billion, with a 57% jump in projects and 45% growth in job creation year over year.
He also noted the recent shift toward advanced manufacturing alongside strong healthcare and research sectors, describing growth in both greenfield FDI as far as new ventures, and brownfield FDI with the expansion of existing firms. He concluded recognising the success of this year’s forum, stating, “SIF-WIC 2025 is a great example of how Sharjah brings the world together”.
Championing entrepreneurship and global collaboration
H.E. Sara Al Nuaimi detailed Sheraa’s role in bringing the world to Sharjah through initiatives such as the Access Sharjah Challenge, in partnership with public and private entities; and their flagship annual gathering, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), which has welcomed over 44,000 visitors across its editions, now considered the region’s largest event of its kind.
Looking at the future, Al Nuaimi stated, “Sustainability is a priority focus of Sharjah, and Sheraa champions this ethos through all our efforts. Building strong global partnerships is integral to creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that not only supports startups but drives lasting social and economic impact.”
Driving research, innovation and environmental stewardship
Regarding SPARK’s embedded sustainability ethos and its unique role connecting entrepreneurs with government, academia, industry, and enterprise, H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi said, “Sharjah’s future lies in harnessing cutting-edge innovation to drive sustainable industrial diversification and build a knowledge economy primed for global competitiveness.”
SPARK launched 38 tech pilot projects in 2025, advancing Industry 4.0 and green technologies while attracting high-value investments in research, and as Al Mahmoudi stated, “Innovation attracts investment, and investment in turn fuels innovation; this is the cycle of progress.”
