Sharjah Day In London Showcases Emirate’s Role In Global Innovation And Investment Growth

Sharjah Day, held at the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce in London on 17th October 2025, showcased Sharjah's expanding role as a global hub for innovation and investment. The event was attended by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), and attracted senior figures from government, academia, and industry.

The event highlighted Sharjah's commitment to collaboration in driving knowledge and progress. H.H. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of connecting Sharjah’s universities and innovation parks with global centres like Cambridge and London to strengthen its position as a leading hub for sustainable growth in the region.

A significant feature of the event was the Discover Sharjah panel. It included Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK; Mohammed Al Musharrakh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa; Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH; and Mark Johnstone, Global CEO of JSP Safety. They discussed Sharjah’s integrated innovation ecosystem covering research, entrepreneurship, and advanced industries.

The event also marked the launch of The Sharjah Model report by Oxford Business Group. This report outlines Sharjah’s strategy for developing a sustainable ecosystem for talent and innovation. Additionally, two Memoranda of Understanding were signed to further market-entry strategies and investment opportunities.

The Cambridge Leadership Delegation Programme preceded Sharjah Day. Organised with the University of Cambridge, it brought together leaders from investment, research, and education sectors for discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration between Sharjah and the UK.

Baroness Elizabeth Symons praised Sharjah’s ambition to become a global business hub. She expressed optimism about strengthening ties between the UK and Sharjah in emerging technology and entrepreneurship sectors.

Exploring Economic Opportunities

The final panel focused on transforming research into economic opportunities. Dr. Steven Griffiths from AUS; Mishal Tassadaq from Sheraa; and Dr. Fareed Al Ameeri from SPARK discussed how academia, government, and industry are collaborating to foster sustainable innovation.

The fireside chat titled "Sharjah Formula" featured Najla Al Midfa from Sheraa and Oliver Cornock from Oxford Business Group. They explored how Sharjah integrates innovation with community empowerment to achieve sustainable growth.

Dr. Salah Brahimi concluded by highlighting global partnerships' role in advancing Sharjah's vision for an economy driven by knowledge and innovation.

With inputs from WAM