الشارقة 24:
The Ninth Sharjah Investment Forum, themed “Building Resilient Economies,” convenes a wide array of specialised workshops among its more than 140 events. The forum aims to illuminate the pivotal role of competence and institutional expertise in enhancing business competitiveness and transforming investment opportunities into growth-oriented projects capable of expanding from Sharjah to global markets..
Over the two-day event, on October 14 and 15, leaders from diverse sectors, entrepreneurs, and experts will gather at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah to exchange insights and best practices on various topics. These include harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance supply chain resilience, facilitating compliance with tax requirements, developing smart cities, and discussing the role of commercial arbitration in bolstering investor confidence. Additionally, the forum will cover women’s empowerment in leadership and entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial opportunities for youth, and decision-making strategies in an evolving business landscape..
Breaking Barriers Towards Future Opportunities
The first day of the forum features a workshop titled “Breaking Barriers: Women Shaping the Future,” which showcases the experiences of four influential female figures in engineering, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Participants include Amal Al-Menhali, founder and executive director of UAI, Shama Bin Lahij, entrepreneurship consultant and founder of Sahab Holiday Homes, Dr. Suad Al-Shamsi, aviation consultant at the Women in Aviation Institution, and Nora Mohammed Al Ali, head of programmes at the Nama Foundation for Women’s Empowerment..
This workshop will delve into what women require to translate their ideas and ambitions into tangible impact by addressing challenges and building professional confidence and credibility. It will explore how to access suitable networks and support systems, manage various stages of career growth and business development, and share the participants’ experiences in making critical decisions along their paths. These insights aim to guide women aspiring to lead innovation, launch their projects, and expand their ventures..
Supply Chain Resilience and Investment Protection
Ali Al-Matawa, Senior Director of Operations at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority “Shurooq,” will lead a workshop on the first day titled “Building Supply Chain Resilience: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Institutional Capabilities.” This session will explore how organisations can navigate disruptions amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
Based on research conducted in the GCC countries, the workshop will highlight the contributions of artificial intelligence, circular economy practices, and institutional capabilities in enhancing supply chain resilience. It aims to provide business leaders and decision-makers with actionable insights to adapt to changes and ensure business continuity..
In the context of leveraging artificial intelligence for easing compliance with tax and regulatory requirements, the Mexican Business Council will host a workshop titled “Investing in the UAE: How AI Simplifies Taxes and Compliance.” This workshop will provide a practical demonstration illustrating the differences between generic AI tools and those specifically designed for understanding and applying UAE tax legislation.
Participants will learn how these technologies can assist companies in adhering to current regulations, including corporate tax obligations and supplier data verification, while also receiving practical guidance on identifying tax liabilities and organising supplier data and invoices. The importance of specialised reviews to ensure the accuracy of results will be emphasised..
Furthermore, the Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre “Tahkim” will conduct a workshop titled “Arbitration: Enabling Investment and Preparing Future Arbitrators.” This session will address the development of competencies in arbitration and how reliable mechanisms for dispute resolution can foster trust between commercial parties, thereby maintaining the continuity of their relationships and partnerships..
Smart Cities and Upcoming Destinations in Sharjah
The Al Marwan Group will present a workshop titled “Smart Cities – Resilient Economies” over the two days of the forum. This session will showcase the role of artificial intelligence, architectural innovation, and robotics in shaping the cities of the future and advancing the real estate sector.
The workshop will address two main themes: “Designing the Future with a Proactive Vision” and “From Vision to Re-Innovation.” It will discuss the application of advanced technologies to create smarter and more efficient urban environments and explore new horizons in design and construction that align with future demands..
Additionally, the Alif Group will provide an exclusive preview of its upcoming destination “Saif Residences” in the Al Khan area of Sharjah prior to its official launch. This presentation will highlight the concept, location, and key features of the destination, allowing participants to familiarise themselves with it ahead of its public reveal..
Youth and Decision-Making in a Changing World
On the second day of the forum, the Shurooq Youth Council will host a workshop titled “The Psychology of Successful Decision-Making in Business and Life.” This session will explore the psychological factors that influence the decisions of leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs, as well as the role of cognitive biases, intuition, and mental clarity in shaping their judgments and choices..
The workshop will prompt discussions on understanding how human behaviour impacts decision-making and developing the ability to navigate circumstances involving intertwined opportunities and risks amid rapid changes. This knowledge is designed to support young individuals in building their professional and entrepreneurial pathways and bolster the capacity of both individuals and organisations to adapt to shifts in the economic landscape..
The Department of Statistics and Community Development will also host a workshop titled “The Evolving Business Landscape in Sharjah: Opportunities for Youth.” This session will explore the opportunities that economic growth presents for the new generation to shape their professional and entrepreneurial journeys..
This discussion takes place in a context where Sharjah has attracted capital investments for foreign direct investment projects totalling AED 7.74 billion during 2025, significantly contributing to the creation of 5,673 new job opportunities, according to data from the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office “Invest in Sharjah.”.
“Invest in Sharjah” is organising the ninth edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment. The forum is expected to attract over 10,000 participants from more than 60 countries and will feature over 140 events, including panel discussions, keynote speeches, workshops, and more than 80 direct business meetings..