His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 8th session of the “Sharjah Investment Forum 2025” yesterday morning, attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This year, the forum is held alongside the “Global Investment Conference,” marking its first event in Sharjah, which underscores the emirate’s role in steering economic development and promoting sustainable global investment.
Sharjah’s Vision
The opening ceremony commenced with the national anthem of the UAE, followed by a speech from Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, where she highlighted the forum’s objectives. She stated, “Sharjah’s vision for investment is not anchored in growth for its own sake, but rather in growth that empowers the community, strengthens institutions, and ensures sustainability for future generations. This has been the essence of what the forum has achieved over the past decade.”
She added, “History shows that governments that invest in their people and infrastructure succeed in attracting foreign direct investment. In Sharjah, we adopted this approach and focused on building a strong economic system, reinforcing institutions, developing infrastructure, and ensuring regulatory clarity and flexibility.”
She emphasized that Sharjah’s model is an integral part of the UAE’s national vision, which presents a pioneering developmental and economic framework based on clear laws, rich culture, and secure, advanced infrastructure, alongside visionary leadership.
In addition to Their Highnesses, attendees at the inauguration included Sheikh Khalid bin Eissa Al Qasimi, Head of the Civil Aviation Department, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Government Relations Department, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority, Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and His Excellency Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, among other high-ranking officials, representatives from participating entities, and investors.
Competitive Advantages
In his address, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, discussed the significance of geopolitical changes in shaping future manufacturing and investment priorities, stressing that these issues have garnered unprecedented attention.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi noted that countries must identify their competitive advantages within the global economy, which will allow them to achieve remarkable outcomes. He highlighted that the UAE has developed a successful investment framework, becoming a global destination with investments amounting to $45.6 billion in 2024, representing 55.6% of total foreign direct investment flows to the Middle East last year.
He added that investments in information systems and green initiatives have witnessed significant growth in 2024, alongside other sectors such as aviation, finance, and technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and blockchain, which have created vast opportunities on the global stage, emphasizing why Sharjah is an ideal venue for the 29th Global Investment Conference.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi further explained that investment opportunities extend beyond launching projects; they also encompass continuous support for investors from inception to completion, which Sharjah actively promotes to enhance trust and attract more investments.
Dr. James Zhan, Chair of the Global Investment Conference’s Executive Council, welcomed the attendees, stressing that the world is experiencing a historical moment characterized by fundamental shifts. While challenges persist, he noted that opportunities are limitless, with a new approach fostering sustainable investment.
He indicated that future investments differ from those of the present, focusing on three pathways: building the future through a green economy and advanced technologies, transforming it via automation and smart services, while low-value industries that cannot compete in the sustainability era are in decline.
Ismail Ershahin, Director and CEO of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), expressed that organizing the Global Investment Conference 2025 in Sharjah is a significant honor and a true privilege, adding, “The UAE continues to prove its position as a global hub for innovation, collaboration, and sustainable investment. We are proud to bring together two leading platforms—the Global Investment Conference and the Sharjah Investment Forum—into a unified event.”
Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, presented a visual overview of three major transformations in the global economy aimed at creating a clear vision for the future: resilience, innovation, and policy changes, underscoring that the UAE represents a unique global model due to its ability to integrate culture, finance, tourism, and a profound understanding of supply chains.