Sharjah’s Remarkable 45% FDI Growth Underscores UAE’s Economic Resilience
The emirate's surge in foreign direct investment projects reflects the nation's strategic positioning as a preferred destination for global capital, driven by economic diversification, adaptive governance and technological excellence.
Sharjah has recorded a remarkable 45% increase in foreign direct investment projects during 2025, a development that speaks to the broader competitiveness and resilience of the United Arab Emirates economy on the global stage. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah FDI Office, has attributed this impressive growth to the nation’s distinctive advantages as an investment destination, particularly as the emirate prepares to welcome the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum this month.
The forthcoming forum, scheduled for 14th and 15th October at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, will convene more than 80 prominent speakers from across the globe, including ministers, investors, entrepreneurs and leading decision-makers. Operating under the thematic focus of “Building Adaptive Economies”, the gathering will explore the transformations reshaping international business landscapes and investigate strategies for constructing enterprises and economies capable of weathering change whilst pursuing sustainable growth.
Mr Al Musharrkh emphasised that the contemporary global investment climate has become notably selective, with international capital increasingly concentrating in fewer jurisdictions and sectors. Investors, he observed, now prioritise nations offering clear economic outlooks, demonstrable stability and flexible yet coherent legislative frameworks. The UAE satisfies these criteria comprehensively, positioning itself amongst the world’s premier investment destinations.
The success of the UAE’s investment proposition rests upon four foundational pillars, according to Mr Al Musharrkh. Economic diversification constitutes the first, with non-oil activities comprising 79.4% of the economy during the first quarter of 2026. Financial services, construction, healthcare and telecommunications lead this diversification, providing investors with exposure to a resilient, multi-sector economy capable of sustaining expansion across varied economic cycles.
The second pillar comprises a legislative ecosystem demonstrating remarkable responsiveness to market evolution. The UAE ranks first globally in both Government Policy Adaptability and Bureaucratic efficiency, whilst achieving fourth position in Legal and Regulatory Framework assessments, metrics reflecting investors’ tangible experiences in establishing, managing and expanding enterprises.
Talent acquisition and development constitutes the third pillar. Recognising that knowledge economies depend fundamentally upon human capital, the UAE has elevated talent attraction to an official policy priority. The nation ranks first globally in employment and international experience metrics, whilst holding second position in firm creation indices. Most notably, the UAE became the first country worldwide to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017, with over 70% of its working-age population now engaging with AI technologies.
Finally, early positioning within emerging sectors represents the fourth pillar, with manufacturing and telecommunications leading greenfield investment flows into the UAE, positioning the nation advantageously as forthcoming years reshape the international investment landscape.
Within this framework, Sharjah represents an economy possessing distinctive character, built upon production and knowledge foundations. Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has established development principles centring human wellbeing, whilst furnishing investors with environmental stability and transparent strategic priorities.
Source: WAM