Sharjah Assembles Key Sectors to Strengthen Investment Amid Global Economic Shifts
The Sharjah FDI Office, in partnership with PwC, recently hosted a high-level seminar aimed at evaluating the emirate’s investment landscape and identifying emerging opportunities in light of global economic changes. The event took place at Al Bait Al Westi in the historic Heart of Sharjah, under the theme “Sharjah’s Economic Resilience: Unlocking Opportunities Amid Global Shifts.”
Focus on Cross-Sector Integration
The seminar brought together representatives from various sectors, including aviation, logistics, real estate, manufacturing, financial services, and hospitality, alongside government entities, business councils, and academic institutions. Discussions centered on enhancing cross-sector integration and competitiveness, with an emphasis on reigniting investment momentum to sustain growth.
Sharjah’s economic landscape was a focal point, with participants examining the stability and continuity of its markets and free zones amid global shifts. The emirate’s economic model, characterized by a diversified base of growth-supporting sectors, advanced infrastructure, and a stable population, was highlighted as a key factor in reinforcing domestic demand and sustaining economic activity.
Strong Economic Performance Indicators
The seminar also showcased Sharjah’s robust economic performance in 2025, with foreign direct investment projects increasing by 45%, capital investments rising by 8.8%, and employment opportunities growing by 25.7% compared to the previous year, according to data from “fDi Markets – Financial Times.” These figures underscore the effectiveness of Sharjah’s economic policies and its ability to maintain growth momentum while enhancing its investment appeal.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, noted that Sharjah has cultivated a steady investment environment, attributing this to a clear development vision and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. He emphasized the importance of identifying emerging opportunities and transforming market confidence into practical partnerships that foster long-term growth.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, stated that markets capable of sustaining investment appeal and stable growth are those that develop integrated economic systems. He highlighted Sharjah’s focus on strengthening inter-sector connections and providing a scalable environment for investors.
Institutional Strength and Global Value Chains
Khaled bin Braik, UAE Country Senior Partner at PwC, remarked that investor confidence is rooted in strong fundamentals. He pointed to Sharjah’s diversified economy, clear policy direction, and alignment between public and private sectors as critical factors attracting businesses that prioritize stability and long-term growth potential.
The seminar also addressed Sharjah’s unique value propositions, particularly in logistics. Khorfakkan Port, situated on the Gulf of Oman, along with strong transport links to the northern emirates and Oman, positions Sharjah as a resilient alternative logistics hub. Recent initiatives include a new logistics corridor connecting the emirate with major ports in Oman and a Sharjah-Saudi multimodal logistics corridor designed to expedite cargo flow and reduce transit times.
Competitive Cost Base and Sector-Specific Advantages
Another significant advantage discussed was Sharjah’s competitive cost base relative to other regions in the UAE. The emirate offers lower startup costs in both free zones and mainland operations, with commercial rents 40% lower and office rents up to 60% less than in other areas. This cost resilience is particularly valuable during periods of input cost inflation and is especially advantageous for industrial and logistics businesses.
The seminar highlighted how investors can optimize operations by co-locating within sector-specific zones, benefiting from proximity to suppliers. Alongside local economic outlooks, discussions also explored global economic trends and emerging investment models, emphasizing opportunities across key sectors such as food and beverages, consumer products, business services, manufacturing, technology, and logistics.
Real Estate Sector Momentum
The real estate sector continues to show strong momentum, with approximately 75% of investment projects progressing to operational stages in 2025. The sector recorded 29,235 transactions in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting an 18.9% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
The seminar featured prominent leaders from various entities in Sharjah, including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations and the Higher Committee for Economic Integration; Ahmed Hamad Rashid Matar Al Suwaidi, Assistant Secretary General of The Sharjah Executive Council; and Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, among others. Their participation underscored the collaborative effort to enhance Sharjah’s investment landscape.
For more information, visit Zawya.
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-06-01 17:54:00 • By the Editorial Desk
