Sultan Bin Ahmed Launches WIC-SIF 2025 To Promote Sustainable Investment In Sharjah

The 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, alongside H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). The event, held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, is a significant step for Sharjah in global discussions on sustainable investment.

During the opening ceremony, H.H. Sheikha Bodour delivered a keynote speech emphasising Sharjah's growth philosophy. "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. History shows us that when governments invest in their own people, institutions, infrastructure, and 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."

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Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE's success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). "This important gathering of the global investment promotion community comes as we confront rising uncertainty and fragmentation in the world economy, where new realities require new thinking from investors in both the public and private sectors. In 2024, the UAE ranked among the top ten for FDI attraction worldwide, attracting a record US$45.6 billion, representing 55.6% of total inflows into the Middle East. Sharjah’s non-oil economy accounted for over 98 percent of the emirate’s GDP, with FDI inflows reaching a record US$1.5 billion in the first half of 2025."

Dr. Mohamed El-Erian discussed how resilience and innovation are reshaping economies globally. He noted that countries are adapting through AI and other technologies to enhance competitiveness. He stated that geopolitical alliances are now crucial for building resilience beyond monetary measures.

Dr. James Zhan spoke about transforming current economic challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. "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, within complexity lies capability, and within ambiguity lies clarity. Our task as investment promoters and policymakers is to turn this transformation into value."

The forum also featured Ismail Ersahin who praised Sharjah's role as an innovation hub: "It is a true honour and privilege to open the World Investment Conference 2025 here in the inspiring and forward-looking emirate of Sharjah." The event combines SIF with WIC under one vision to foster collaboration.

Focus on Sustainable Economic Development

The agenda set by SIF-WIC 2025 includes discussions on green finance and digital economies over two days (22-23 October 2025). Organised by Invest in Sharjah with WAIPA and UAE Ministry of Investment support; it aims to reshape global economic priorities through sustainable investments.

The opening ceremony concluded with Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honouring sponsors and partners for their contributions before touring an exhibition showcasing key projects from various entities aimed at boosting regional economic growth.

The event attracted notable leaders such as Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi from Civil Aviation Department; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi from Government Relations; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi from Digital Office; Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi from Airport Authority; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi from Commerce & Tourism Development Authority; along with Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

With inputs from WAM