Sharjah has recorded remarkable growth in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows during the first half of the year, with capital investments rising by 361% to reach $1.5 billion, up from $325 million in the same period of 2024. Additionally, the number of new projects increased by 57%, totaling 74 projects compared to 47 last year.
Data from the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office (Invest in Sharjah) revealed the creation of 2,578 new jobs, reflecting a substantial growth of 45% compared to 1,779 jobs during the same timeframe last year. A significant portion of these jobs is concentrated in productive and service sectors that align with Sharjah’s strategy to boost economic growth and expand high-quality employment.
An Attractive Destination
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the outstanding results achieved by the emirate in FDI during the first half of 2025 reaffirm Sharjah’s status as a safe and appealing investment destination, thanks to the insightful economic vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He noted that the Sharjah Chamber continues its efforts to support investors and promote diverse investment opportunities while expanding its network of partnerships and collaboration with various international institutions to attract further investments.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qusair, Executive Director of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), commented, “The exceptional performance Sharjah has shown in attracting foreign direct investments this year reflects a clear vision and collective determination. The emirate has recorded a 361% growth in capital investments and a 57% rise in the number of new projects during the first half of 2025. These figures are not just economic indicators but tangible results that translate into more jobs, strengthened industries, and sustainable benefits for our communities.”
Sustained Growth Leap
Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Head of the Sharjah Department of Economic Development, emphasized that the FDI flows indicate the business sectors in Sharjah’s capacity to achieve sustained growth leaps, meeting aspirations for the highest levels of excellence and leadership.
Ahmed Bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, noted that Sharjah’s investment achievements today reflect the strength of its integrated system, with Sharjah Publishing City – Free Zone being a prominent example of an innovative investment environment in publishing and creative services.
Encouraging Companies
Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed Al Muhairi, Head of Sharjah Healthcare City, reiterated their firm commitment to continue attracting quality investments in the healthcare sector and encouraging companies in the pharmaceutical industry to establish their strategic headquarters in the emirate. They also aim to incorporate artificial intelligence technologies in healthcare as part of their efforts to attract these quality investments, under the humanitarian vision led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, stated, “The results of foreign direct investment affirm the strength of the investment environment provided by the emirate, guided by wise leadership and a clear vision for the future. The Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park serves as a key platform for attracting quality investments in technology and scientific research, as we strive to connect knowledge with industry and transform ideas into economically and socially impactful projects, enhancing Sharjah’s competitiveness and solidifying its position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable development.”
A Leading Status
Saoud Salem Al Mazrouei, Director of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and the Sharjah International Airport Free Zone Authority, confirmed their commitment to continue attracting foreign direct investments and solidifying Sharjah’s status as a global investment destination by providing the best services to investors and utilizing all available resources to ensure a supportive environment for companies and help them expand and enhance their operations in regional and global markets.
Rashed Abdullah Al Owad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams), highlighted that the emirate’s success in attracting foreign direct investments reflects the robustness of its economic environment and the integration of its developmental and vital institutions. He explained that “Shams” serves as a living example of this integration by supporting the evolving media sector and empowering entrepreneurs, creators, and content producers, thereby enhancing productive diversity and creating value-added job opportunities.
Sarah Al Neyami, Executive Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Shira’a), stated, “Every increase in economic growth rates in Sharjah is a direct signal of broader horizons for entrepreneurs and growing trust in the supportive environment that embraces innovation and relies on young talents. We at Shira’a view this growth as a true reflection of the emirate’s vision to transform the economy into a platform for knowledge production and quality opportunities, where entrepreneurs are partners in shaping the future.”