Sharjah's first co-hosting of WIC signals a new era in global investment strategy

Sharjah is really gearing up to strengthen its role as a major hub for worldwide investment plans, especially with the upcoming Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2025. Interestingly, this event will be held alongside the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC) for the very first time. The dates are set for October 22nd and 23rd, and the venue is the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre—so, it’s quite a significant milestone for the emirate, marking a real shift in how it contributes to regional and global economic discussions.

The forum is organized by Sharjah’s FDI Office, known as Invest in Sharjah, in partnership with WAIPA—the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies—and the UAE Ministry of Investment. The event will bring together top economic leaders, investors, and policy makers, all under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future.” Now, this partnership with the WIC really signals Sharjah’s growing reputation as a trusted platform for worldwide economic dialogue. It also aligns with the UAE’s ambitions to lead in sustainable and impactful investments globally.

His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE’s Minister of Investment, emphasized the country’s ongoing commitment to this broader vision. He remarked: “The UAE once again reaffirms its commitment to leading global investment trends and forging strategic partnerships that foster cross-border collaboration.” He also pointed out that the collaboration with WIC reflects Sharjah’s increasing appeal as an investment destination, especially as it tries to create an innovative, adaptable environment that can support emerging sectors and attract international investors.

The chosen theme this year—resilience, sustainability, and responsible investment—really strikes a chord in today’s shifting global economy. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, shared some compelling data from the 2024 Global Impact Investing Network report. It shows over 3,900 organizations worldwide manage around USD 1.6 trillion in impact investments, which has been growing at about 21% annually since 2019. He suggested that linking the two events—the WIC and the SIF—could totally change how we see investment. It’s about building trust between capital, people, and the environment, which is a big deal. Stakeholders will have the chance to explore sectors that are future-proof and to foster mature, meaningful partnerships in emerging markets.

Dr. James Zhan, who is the Chairman of the WIC Executive Board, noted that the forum is a critical moment on the verge of what he called a “new era in global investment.” Driven by groundbreaking technologies, shifting geopolitics, and the urgent need for sustainability, he sees this as the perfect launchpad for what he calls the “Decade of Investment for Good.” The idea is to rethink how capital is used—aiming for inclusive growth, resilience, and prosperity that benefits everyone, across borders and sectors.

As for Sharjah Investment Forum 2025, it will feature a strategic lineup of discussions on major global trends. Topics will include how geopolitical issues, technological advances, and climate change are shaping national investment policies and the international scene. The forum is also expected to promote conversation around sustainable investing, green finance, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards—crucial tools for meeting sustainable development goals. Interestingly, there will be a specific focus on smart agriculture and food security, areas that are becoming more urgent now as the global green economy’s value approaches USD 7.9 trillion in early 2025.

At the same time, the event aims to improve regulations and encourage investment policies that are flexible enough to attract long-term capital—especially in developing markets. The importance of startups and SMEs as key contributors to foreign direct investment will also be a highlight. Plus, there will be discussions about how cooperation among investment agencies, governments, and private companies can accelerate cross-border capital flows—public-private partnerships and such.

Now, the WIC itself, which is celebrating its 29th edition and WAIPA’s 30th anniversary, will run through October 24. This underscores the increasing collaboration between Sharjah and global investment organizations. Since beginning in 1995, WIC has established itself as a top forum for exploring investment trends worldwide, attracting delegates, investors, and policymakers from over 100 countries. The Sharjah event is expected to feature high-level plenary sessions, ministers’ roundtables, and dialogues between ambassadors and investors—aimed at promoting inclusive economic growth on a global scale.

Hosting the WIC is really a testament to Sharjah’s strategic importance within the UAE’s broader diversification plans. Industry insiders emphasize the emirate’s focus on fostering long-term, inclusive development through smarter investment policies and mobilizing green and digital finance. Key areas for future growth are slated to include clean energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, agri-tech, and the life sciences—all aligned with the forum’s theme of resilient and sustainable investment.

This partnership between SIF and WIC really positions Sharjah not just as a regional investment hub but as a global leader in shaping forward-looking economic strategies. Focused on innovation, sustainability, and greater cooperation, Sharjah is set to be a key catalyst in these discussions. And, as the world moves toward resilience and green tech—especially with the geopolitical complexities we’re seeing—it seems clear that Sharjah will have an important voice in steering the future of global capital flows.

Source: Noah Wire Services