Sharjah: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), officially inaugurated the 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) during a ceremony held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, the two-day international forum, held for the first time in conjunction with the World Investment Conference (WIC), marks a major milestone for Sharjah in shaping the global discussion around sustainable investment and economic development. Under the theme ‘Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,’ the gathering is set to convene more than 10,000 participants from 142 countries and features 130 speakers across more than 160 sessions and 120 bilateral meetings.
Following the national anthem in the opening ceremony, H.H. Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi delivered a keynote speech. She emphasized that for ten years, the forum has reflected Sharjah’s philosophy of growth that empowers society, strengthens institutions, and sustains future generations. She highlighted that Sharjah’s model is part of a larger national vision of the United Arab Emirates, which offers a developmental and economic model defined by clarity of law, cultural vitality, secure infrastructure, and visionary leadership.
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of the forum amidst rising uncertainty and fragmentation in the world economy. In 2024, the UAE ranked among the top ten for FDI attraction worldwide, securing a record US$45.6 billion. He noted that 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. James Zhan, Chairman, Executive Board of WAIPA, spoke about the profound transformation of the world and highlighted the role of investment promoters and policymakers in turning transformation into value. He pointed out the necessity of directing capital towards sustainable growth and shaping an investment landscape ready for the future.
Ismail Ersahin, CEO and Executive Director of WAIPA, expressed his privilege in opening the World Investment Conference 2025 in Sharjah. He lauded the emirate as a hub for innovation, cooperation, and sustainable investment, and emphasized the significance of combining the World Investment Conference and the Sharjah Investment Forum as twin events under one shared vision.
Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz, discussed the reshaping of the global economy by resilience, innovation, and policy transformation. He noted that Sharjah and the UAE are well-positioned to navigate the emerging multipolar world, highlighting the country’s unique ability to remain insulated from global supply-chain volatility.
The opening concluded with a ceremony led by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and H.H. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, during which the forum’s sponsors, partners, and exhibitors were honored for their contributions.
Following the opening ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi toured the exhibition, showcasing key projects and investment initiatives from both UAE-based and international entities. Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, the agenda focuses on key shifts in geopolitics, climate, and technology.
SIF-WIC 2025 continues over two days, engaging global leaders and experts in discussions on green investment, digital economy, global value chains, SME empowerment, and cross-border partnerships, reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a driver of sustainable economic development.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished global leaders and investors, including Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and other officials, exhibitors, and investors.