In a significant move aimed at bolstering economic partnerships and empowering women entrepreneurs, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is set to embark on an official business mission to Seoul, South Korea, from 23 to 30 August 2026. This initiative will be led by Halima Hamid Al-Owais, a board member of the Sharjah Chamber, and will involve a distinguished group of female business leaders and representatives from various economic sectors in the emirate.
This mission carries particular importance as it coincides with Emirati Women’s Day, underscoring the pivotal role of Emirati women in driving economic growth and building international partnerships. Abdullah Sultan Al-Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber, remarked that the participation of women in such initiatives reflects the UAE’s commitment to empowering women as active contributors in the global business landscape.
Promoting Direct Communication and Opportunities
The upcoming mission aims to foster direct communication between the business communities of Sharjah and Korea, exploring new opportunities for commercial collaboration and investment. It includes the “2026 Sharjah-Korea Women Business Forum,” which will be organised in Seoul. A collaborative effort involving several institutions, the forum will feature the UAE Embassy in Seoul, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), the Sharjah Businesswomen Council, and other prominent organisations, ensuring a robust platform for interaction among women entrepreneurs.
Strengthening Economic Ties
During a recent meeting, Abdullah Sultan Al-Owais welcomed Lee Won-ik, the Korean Ambassador to the UAE, to discuss the final preparations for the mission and the potential for expanding economic cooperation. The discussions also touched upon the recently implemented Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and Korea, which has opened new avenues for trade and investment, supporting a flourishing economic relationship.
According to reports, the non-oil trade volume between the two nations reached $6.9 billion in 2025, with mutual investments exceeding $10 billion. This presents a solid foundation for enhancing the diversity and integration of economic relations.
Empowering Emirati Women
Al-Owais noted the significance of synchronising the businesswomen’s mission with Emirati Women’s Day, highlighting the influential role Emirati women play in representing the UAE’s business community globally. He affirmed that the mission exemplifies a practical model for fostering such representation.
The Sharjah Chamber strives to enhance the competitiveness of women-led projects and supports their presence in future economic sectors. Al-Owais emphasised that Emirati women are influential partners in developing the country’s economic relationships and enhancing their visibility in global markets.
A Platform for Partnerships
The “2026 Sharjah-Korea Women Business Forum” will serve as a central pillar of the mission, providing a direct platform for female entrepreneurs and economic leaders to establish partnerships and actionable projects. The forum will showcase collaborative opportunities across promising sectors, including technology and innovation, the digital economy, advanced industries, beauty and personal care, fashion, tourism and hospitality, and food and beverages.
The agenda also encompasses a series of formal meetings and site visits with various Korean organisations, aimed at promoting sharjah’s competitive advantages while exploring new avenues for cooperation, investment, knowledge transfer, and technology exchange.
A Warm Reception from Korea
Ambassador Lee Won-ik expressed his enthusiasm for the mission, praising the initiative behind the business forum. He highlighted its valuable role in strengthening ties between the two business communities and enhancing the participation of women in the growing economic relationship between Sharjah and Korea. The ambassador conveyed Korea’s interest in collaborating with Sharjah on advancements in artificial intelligence, energy, innovation, advanced industries, and cultural exchange, confirming support for the mission’s success.