Sharjah hosts 8th Investment Forum and 29th WAIPA Conference
<p>In a landmark event underscoring Sharjah’s global investment stature, <strong>His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi</strong>, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the <strong>8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025)</strong> alongside <strong>Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi</strong>, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). The event, held at the <strong>Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre</strong>, marks a milestone as SIF joins hands for the first time with the <strong>World Investment Conference (WIC)</strong> — the 29th edition of the prestigious WAIPA (World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies) event.</p><h3>A global platform for transformation</h3><p>Held under the theme <i>“Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,”</i> the two-day forum has drawn over <strong>10,000 participants from 142 countries</strong>, including <strong>130 global speakers</strong> across <strong>160 sessions</strong> and <strong>120 bilateral meetings</strong>. The joint conference brings together policymakers, investors, innovators, and economists to explore how sustainable investments and new technologies can shape the world economy in an era of volatility and transformation.</p><p>In her keynote address, <strong>Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi</strong> reflected on Sharjah’s development philosophy, emphasizing inclusive and purpose-driven growth.</p><blockquote><p>“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.</p></blockquote><p>Sheikha Bodour highlighted Sharjah’s approach of focusing on institutional strength, infrastructure, and regulatory stability over short-term incentives.</p><blockquote><p>“Instead of relying on incentives, we built a robust ecosystem, strengthened institutions, improved infrastructure, and ensured regulatory predictability and agility,” she added.</p></blockquote><p>She underlined that this approach aligns with the <strong>UAE’s broader national vision</strong>, which promotes sustainable development through clarity of law, cultural vitality, and visionary leadership.</p><h3>UAE’s growing investment influence</h3><p><strong>Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi</strong>, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the UAE’s remarkable progress in global investment attraction.</p><blockquote><p>“In 2024, the UAE ranked among the top ten destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, attracting a record <strong>$45.6 billion</strong>, which represented <strong>55.6%</strong> of total inflows into the Middle East,” he said.</p></blockquote><p>He also noted that <strong>Sharjah’s non-oil economy</strong> accounted for over <strong>98% of its GDP</strong>, with FDI inflows hitting a record <strong>$1.5 billion</strong> in the first half of 2025. Dr. Al Zeyoudi urged global investors to rethink their strategies amid growing economic fragmentation.</p><blockquote><p>“The UAE understands the needs of emerging economies. Our model demonstrates how collaboration between public and private sectors can unlock investment potential worldwide,” he emphasized.</p></blockquote><h3>Turning uncertainty into opportunity</h3><p><strong>Dr. James Zhan</strong>, Chairman of WAIPA’s Executive Board, spoke about navigating global volatility.</p><blockquote><p>“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.<br>He urged policymakers to channel capital towards <strong>sustainable growth</strong> and build investment systems ready for the challenges of the future.</p></blockquote><p>WAIPA’s <strong>CEO and Executive Director, Ismail Ersahin</strong>, praised Sharjah’s role as a regional investment hub.</p><blockquote><p>“We are proud to bring together the World Investment Conference and the Sharjah Investment Forum under one vision. The UAE continues to show the world that it is a hub for innovation, cooperation, and sustainable investment,” he noted.</p></blockquote><h3>Global economic insights</h3><p>Adding an international economic perspective, <strong>Dr. Mohamed El-Erian</strong>, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, discussed the forces reshaping the global economy — resilience, innovation, and policy transformation.</p><blockquote><p>“The global economy is being rewired through AI, life sciences, robotics, and quantum technologies. Building resilience now depends on geopolitical alliances, not just monetary ones,” he said.</p></blockquote><p>Dr. El-Erian observed that countries are increasingly <strong>diversifying away from the dollar system</strong>, creating a multipolar economic landscape.</p><blockquote><p>“The UAE is one of the few nations uniquely positioned to operate effectively in this multipolar world. It understands that progress means working with AI, not racing ahead of it,” he added.</p></blockquote><p>He praised the UAE’s precision in integrating technology with governance and growth, calling it a <strong>“model for the future of economic resilience.”</strong></p><h3>Recognising innovation and partnerships</h3><p>The opening ceremony concluded with <strong>awards</strong> presented by <strong>Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed</strong> and <strong>Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi</strong>, honouring key sponsors, partners, and exhibitors who contributed to the event’s success.</p><p>Following the ceremony, Sheikh Sultan toured the exhibition area, where UAE-based and international organisations showcased innovative projects focused on <strong>green finance, digital transformation, and sustainable industrial development</strong>.</p><h3>A vision for a sustainable future</h3><p>Organised by the <strong>Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah)</strong> in partnership with <strong>WAIPA</strong> and the <strong>UAE Ministry of Investment</strong>, the joint SIF–WIC 2025 event demonstrates Sharjah’s and the UAE’s commitment to <strong>sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven economic growth</strong>.</p><p>As the global economy continues to evolve amid shifting geopolitics and climate challenges, the conference reinforces Sharjah’s position as a <strong>leading destination for responsible investment and future-focused collaboration</strong> — where global experience meets regional leadership to drive lasting progress.</p>