Sharjah Investment Forum 2026 Opens with Global Focus on Adaptive Economies
The ninth edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum convenes this week, drawing over 10,000 participants from more than 60 countries to explore emerging opportunities and economic resilience in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Sharjah Investment Forum enters its ninth year as a cornerstone gathering for policymakers, investors and business leaders across the Middle East and North Africa region. Commencing on Wednesday at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, the two-day conference orchestrates a comprehensive exploration of contemporary economic challenges and opportunities through an exceptionally curated programme.
Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, the forum brings together an anticipated assembly of more than 10,000 participants representing over 60 nations. This convergence of international expertise and investment acumen reflects the significance of Sharjah’s role within the global economic ecosystem.
Structured around the compelling theme ‘Building Adaptive Economies’, the forum presents more than 80 distinguished speakers alongside over 140 carefully designed activities. Eighty direct business meetings facilitate strategic connections between investors, established companies and influential decision-makers, fostering the formation of valuable partnerships and collaborative ventures.
The forum’s leadership includes Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, who will deliver the opening keynote address. Prominent amongst the speaker roster is Mohamed Alabbar, whose visionary leadership spans major commercial enterprises, who will engage in a candid fireside discussion with entrepreneur and broadcaster Kris Fade, examining business strategy, capital deployment and navigating contemporary economic transitions.
Senior government officials contributing their expertise include Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade; and Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Their contributions encompass economic policy frameworks, international commerce dynamics and sustainable development imperatives.
The programme operates across four substantive pillars addressing regulatory competitiveness and economic adaptability; artificial intelligence, technology and industrial transformation; intelligent capital flows and supply-chain resilience; and future living standards alongside sustained economic growth. Deliberations examine how governments refine investment and trade mechanisms to accommodate shifting market realities, whilst sessions explore emerging technologies and their transformative impact upon industrial operations, governmental services and investment determination.
Additional discourse encompasses cross-border capital movements, supply-chain robustness, trade infrastructure and the systemic requirements supporting industrial expansion. Discussions regarding forthcoming economic development encompass real estate advancement, sustainable community planning, food security initiatives, agricultural innovation and evolving consumer preferences.
The forum benefits from support provided by more than 20 partners and sponsors representing governmental bodies, private-sector enterprises and media organisations, creating a multifaceted network spanning economic development, commerce, urban design, real estate, logistics, construction, technology and innovation.
Source: WAM