Sharjah has showcased its comprehensive economic framework aimed at supporting investors during its participation in the AIM Investment Summit 2026, currently taking place in Dubai until September 9. With over 25,000 attendees representing 191 countries, Sharjah’s presence at this significant event underscores its commitment to fostering business establishment, stimulating innovation, expanding market access, and promoting sustainability.
A Comprehensive Investment Landscape
The Sharjah pavilion featured prominent economic and investment bodies, including the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office (Invest in Sharjah), the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Sharjah Economic Development Department, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Ruwad), and the Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, among others. This collaboration reflects a unified approach to enhancing the emirate’s attractiveness as a business destination.
Investment Summit Highlights
The 15th edition of the summit, themed “Reshaping Global Prosperity: Unlocking New Investment Horizons for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future,” has seen participation from government representatives, investors, sovereign funds, and business leaders, alongside more than 540 speakers engaging in over 103 panel discussions that explore the future of investment and collaboration opportunities. This establishes the summit as a premier international platform for showcasing investment prospects and fostering global partnerships.
Successes of Sharjah’s Investment Initiatives
During the inaugural day of the summit, Mohammed Jumaa Al Musharrekh, Executive Director of Invest in Sharjah, delivered a keynote address on “The Investment Guide for Shared Prosperity: The New Standard for Global Leadership.” He emphasized that “qualitative investment” focuses on long-term developmental impacts, job creation, capacity building, and strengthening supply chains. He highlighted Sharjah’s success in attracting 142 investment projects valued at AED 7.74 billion, generating 5,673 jobs in 2025, with 75% of these projects already operational. Furthermore, in the first half of 2026, the issuance and renewal of 38,169 licenses reflected a growth of 2% compared to the same period in 2025, while real estate transactions amounted to AED 29.5 billion.
Strategic Developments and Economic Resilience
Al Musharrekh pointed out that Sharjah’s resilience lies in enhancing supply chains through strategic projects, such as the expansion of Khorfakkan Port to accommodate 10 million containers, establishing trade routes with China, and developing the Al Dhaid Logistics Complex with Oman. He noted that this robust infrastructure is bolstered by 21 industrial zones, seven free zones, and three ports, complemented by economic incentives that boost the emirate’s competitiveness while providing investors with a flexible, stable business environment that adapts to global changes.
Commitment to Business and Economic Infrastructure
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, affirmed that the chamber’s participation in the AIM Investment Summit 2026 reflects its dedication to enhancing Sharjah’s international business presence and promoting the emirate’s competitive advantages as an attractive destination for business and investment. He asserted that the chamber will continue its role in supporting the private sector, expanding commercial and investment networks, and encouraging innovation and sustainability to bolster business competitiveness.
Vision for a Sustainable Investment Environment
Hamid Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Head of the Economic Development Department and Executive Council Member in Sharjah, stated that the emirate’s participation in the summit is part of a coherent strategic vision to establish a flexible, sustainable investment environment that attracts global talents and capital. He highlighted the department’s commitment to providing comprehensive regulatory facilitation that aligns with investor aspirations, opening vast avenues for growth and expansion.
Innovative Initiatives and Technological Integration
Engineer Hamad Jumaa Al Shamsi, Head of the Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, remarked that the emirate’s involvement in the AIM Investment Summit 2026 reflects its efforts to solidify its position as an attractive investment destination through a holistic system that integrates sustainable urban planning, infrastructure development, and a supportive environment for business growth. He pointed out the department’s pivotal role in developing advanced planning solutions, enhancing land use efficiency, and preparing investment zones and projects.
Building a Knowledge-Based Economy
Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, stressed that the park’s participation in the summit embodies Sharjah’s vision for creating an economy based on knowledge, innovation, and advanced technology. The aim is to transform innovation into sustainable economic opportunities.
Championing Sustainability Amid Growth
Mohammed Al Hariml, CEO and Vice Chairman of Bee’ah, noted that Sharjah has demonstrated over the years that sustainability does not conflict with growth, but rather fuels it. He expressed Bee’ah’s commitment to translating this vision into solutions that boost resilience, enhance quality of life, and guide sectors and communities towards a more sustainable future. He looks forward to collaborating with partners in Invest in Sharjah to continue this dialogue, encouraging forward-looking investments that support sustainable development.
Facilitating Investor Services
Hamid Obaid Al Shamsi, Director of the Sharjah Investors Services Centre (Saeed), explained that the centre’s participation in the AIM Investment Summit 2026 reflects its commitment to showcasing its investor-centric services globally. The Sharjah pavilion presents integrated solutions that enable investors to efficiently and smoothly establish their businesses, simplifying procedures and enhancing the ease of doing business while reinforcing Sharjah’s standing as an attractive investment hub.
The diverse representation of Sharjah at the summit across various sectors and institutions highlights the strength of its economic model, grounded in the integration of economic activities and multiple growth drivers. This approach enhances the emirate’s flexibility and efficiency in responding to market shifts and economic changes, while also illustrating the opportunities it offers businesses and investments for growth, expansion, and access to regional and global markets, ultimately enhancing its capability to adapt, compete, and sustain.