Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurates the works "Sharjah Investment Forum" and"Global Investment Conference" 2025

SHARJAH, 22nd October, 2017 (WAM) – His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, today, in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), opened the eighth session of the Sharjah Investment Forum 2025, which is being held this year within a unified agenda with the World Investment Conference, which the Emirate of Sharjah is hosting for the first time, in a step that embodies the role of… Sharjah is a pioneer in leading the process of economic development and promoting sustainable investment globally.

The opening ceremony began with the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, after which Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi delivered a speech in which she emphasized the forum’s message, saying: “Sharjah’s vision towards investment is not based on growth for the sake of growth itself, but rather on growth that contributes to the empowerment of society, strengthens institutions, and ensures the sustainability of future generations, and this is what the forum has succeeded in embodying on the ground over the course of ten years.”

She added: “History proves that governments that invest in their people, institutions, and infrastructure succeed in attracting foreign direct investment. In Sharjah, we adopted this trend. Instead of relying on incentives, we were keen to build a strong economic system. We strengthened institutions, developed infrastructure, and succeeded in ensuring regulatory clarity and flexibility.”

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi pointed out that the Sharjah model is an integral part of the national vision of the United Arab Emirates, which presents a pioneering development and economic model, based on clarity of laws, rich culture, safe and advanced infrastructure, in addition to the leadership vision.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, addressed in his speech the importance of geopolitical transformations in shaping future manufacturing and investment priorities, stressing that these issues were not previously as important as they are today.

Al-Zeyoudi explained that countries must look at their competitive advantage in the global economy, pointing out that this is what will enable them to achieve distinctive results, which is what has been developed in the UAE through investment agencies, as the country has become an attractive destination globally, with investments worth 45.6 billion US dollars, in 2024, equivalent to 55.6% of the total foreign direct investment flows to the Middle East last year.

The Minister of Foreign Trade pointed out that investment in information systems and green investment witnessed significant growth during the year 2024, along with other sectors such as aviation, finance, and technology, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies, which have created vast opportunities on the global stage, which confirms why Sharjah is a suitable place for the 29th World Investment Conference.

He explained that investment opportunities are not limited to launching projects only, but rather include continuous support for investors from the beginning until the end of the project, which is what Sharjah is working on to enhance confidence and attract more investments.

In turn, Dr. James Zahn, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, welcomed the attendees, stressing that the world is experiencing a historical moment in which it is witnessing fundamental transformations characterized by volatility, indicating that challenges exist, but opportunities are unlimited, with the emergence of a new approach that promotes sustainable investment.

He explained that investments in the future differ from the present, and are based on three paths: building the future through the green economy and advanced technologies, and transforming it through automation and smart services, while low-value industries that are unable to compete in the era of sustainability decline.

The Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference pointed out that investors today are looking for flexibility, sustainability, and security more than market size, calling on governments and investment promotion agencies to quickly develop their policies, target sustainable projects, and build ecosystems that attract capital and talent.

Ismail Ershahin, Director and CEO of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WIPA), pointed out that organizing the World Investment Conference 2025 in the Emirate of Sharjah represents a great honor and a true privilege.

He said: “The UAE continues to prove its position as a global center for innovation, cooperation and sustainable investment, and we are proud to bring together two leading platforms, the World Investment Conference and the Sharjah Investment Forum, in a joint event and a unified vision. Together we unite global expertise with national and regional leadership, and create a space where ideas meet actions, and where cooperation leads to the desired positive change.”

Dr. Mohammed Al-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz, gave a visual presentation in which he highlighted three major transformations in the global economy to develop a clear vision for the future, represented by flexibility, innovation, and changes in policies, stressing that the UAE represents a unique global model, thanks to its ability to combine culture, finance, and tourism, and its deep understanding of supply chains.

Al-Erian praised the achievements achieved in Sharjah that enabled it to consolidate its position globally. Pointing out that the UAE was able to employ artificial intelligence practically to enhance growth, balance and creativity, he said: “I have never seen a country that has advanced in this field like it, thanks to the vision of its wise leadership.”

The chief economic advisor at Allianz explained that artificial intelligence has become an effective force that is reshaping the world, along with the concept of resilience that emerged as a lesson from the Covid pandemic, stressing that flexibility has become a strategic goal that requires alternative plans to keep pace with the acceleration of changes, pointing out that the global economic system is heading towards greater fragmentation and multipolarity, and is characterized by uncertainty, as countries such as the Emirates seek… Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to strengthen their position within a new world order.

His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honored the partners and sponsors, as well as the exhibitors and entities supporting the activities of the Sharjah Investment Forum, and presented them with commemorative shields and took group photos.

His Highness toured the forum and the accompanying exhibition, and was briefed on the latest investment projects and initiatives presented by participating government and private agencies from the UAE and various countries of the world, through which they seek to enhance the sustainable investment environment and support economic growth paths in the region and the world.

The forum will be launched this year under the slogan “Leading the Global Transformation: Investing towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” with broad participation that includes more than 10,000 participants from 142 countries, and more than 130 speakers from ministers, decision-makers and leaders of global institutions, within more than 160 events and 120 business meetings, to discuss geopolitical, technological and climate transformations, and the role of sustainable investment and green finance in shaping the map of the global economy during the next decade.

The Sharjah Investment Forum 2025 continues its sessions over two days, with the participation of an elite group of global leaders and experts who discuss future trends in the fields of green investment, the digital economy, global value chains, empowering small and medium enterprises, and building cross-border partnerships, confirming Sharjah’s position as a leading destination in shaping the future of a sustainable economy.

The opening was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Essam Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Government Relations Department, Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, His Excellency Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and a number of senior officials and representatives. Participating parties and investors.

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