SIF 2025: Sharjah hosts landmark global investment forum uniting 142 nations
Bodour Al Qasimi highlights Sharjah’s people-centred model for long-term growth
SHARJAH – His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the joint 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) and 29th World Investment Conference (WIC) during a ceremony held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.
The opening took place in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
Held for the first time as a unified global platform, the two-day event marks a milestone in international investment dialogue, under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.” Bringing together more than 10,000 participants from 142 countries, the forum features 130 speakers across over 160 sessions and 120 bilateral meetings.
Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, the event underscores Sharjah’s growing influence as a hub for sustainable economic dialogue and innovation.
Sharjah’s vision for sustainable growth
In her keynote address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised Sharjah’s long-standing focus on empowering people as the foundation of its economic strategy. “For ten years, this forum has reflected Sharjah’s philosophy rooted not in growth for its own sake but in growth that empowers society, strengthens institutions, and sustains future generations,” she said.
She added, “History shows us that when governments invest in their own people, institutions, and infrastructure, foreign capital follows. In Sharjah, we took that principle seriously. Instead of relying on incentives, we built a robust ecosystem, strengthened institutions, improved infrastructure, and ensured regulatory predictability and agility.”
Sheikha Bodour highlighted how Sharjah’s development model aligns with the broader UAE vision – defined by transparent laws, secure infrastructure, cultural vitality, and forward-looking leadership that continues to position the nation as a global benchmark for economic resilience and sustainability.
Global investment insights
In his keynote remarks, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said the forum arrives at a crucial moment as the world economy faces new challenges. “This important gathering of the global investment promotion community comes as we confront rising uncertainty and fragmentation, where new realities require new thinking from investors in both public and private sectors,” he noted.
He revealed that in 2024, the UAE ranked among the top ten countries for foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction, drawing a record $45.6 billion – representing 55.6 percent of total inflows into the Middle East. He also pointed out that Sharjah’s non-oil economy contributed over 98 per cent of the emirate’s GDP, with FDI inflows reaching $1.5 billion in the first half of 2025.
“The UAE understands the needs of emerging economies and has established a blueprint for success both domestically and internationally,” Dr Al Zeyoudi said, adding that collaborative thinking remains key to fostering new directions for global investment.
International perspectives
Dr James Zhan, Chairman of the WAIPA Executive Board, highlighted the forum’s role in navigating global economic transformation. “We meet at a moment of profound transformation – a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. But within volatility lies opportunity, within uncertainty lies strategy,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of channelling capital towards sustainable growth and ensuring that investment acts as a force for progress – for people, the planet, and prosperity.
Echoing this sentiment, WAIPA CEO and Executive Director Ismail Ersahin said: “It is a true honour to open the World Investment Conference 2025 in Sharjah, a city that continues to show the world that the UAE is a hub for innovation, cooperation, and sustainable investment. This year, we are proud to merge two powerful platforms – the World Investment Conference and the Sharjah Investment Forum – under one shared vision that unites global experience with regional leadership.”
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, shared his insights on the shifting global economic landscape. “The world economy is being reshaped by three major forces – resilience, innovation, and policy transformation – and Sharjah and the UAE are perfectly placed for what lies ahead,” he said.
He observed that economies worldwide are being redefined by artificial intelligence, life sciences, robotics, and quantum technologies. “Building resilience now depends on strong geopolitical alliances. Countries are trying to de-risk from the dollar system, leading to fragmented systems. In this multipolar world, only a few nations can operate neutrally and effectively – the UAE is one of them,” he added.
Dr El-Erian noted that the UAE’s strategic approach to AI sets it apart. “The UAE knows it needs to work with AI, not race ahead of it, in order to cultivate talent, improve government efficiency, and drive economic growth. There is no other country that integrates AI with such precision.”
Recognition and exhibition
The opening ceremony concluded with Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi honouring the event’s sponsors, partners, and exhibitors for their contributions. Following the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan toured the exhibition, which showcases key investment projects and initiatives from both UAE-based and international entities.
Throughout the two-day agenda, discussions are focusing on pivotal themes including sustainable investment, green financing, digital transformation, SME empowerment, and the restructuring of global value chains.
SIF-WIC 2025 continues to reinforce Sharjah’s role as a regional driver of inclusive economic progress and a hub for forward-thinking collaboration. The forum also underscores the UAE’s growing global presence in investment diplomacy, economic innovation, and sustainable development – strengthening its position as one of the world’s most dynamic and resilient economies.
The event is being attended by senior dignitaries, including Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations and Higher Committee for Economic Integration in Sharjah; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Office; Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority; and Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
Also in attendance are government officials, exhibitors, investors, and international business leaders.