Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has concluded an official business mission to the Republic of Korea, led by Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council and Board Member of SCCI. The delegation comprised 30 prominent businesswomen, women entrepreneurs, and representatives of Sharjah's economic, investment, and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
According to Emirates News Agency, the mission aimed to expand SCCI's international economic network, open new channels for trade and investment cooperation, and strengthen the global presence and competitiveness of Sharjah's business community. The programme featured official meetings, business-to-business engagements, field visits, and economic events held in cooperation with UAE and Korean institutions, including the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the UAE, Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), and Korea-Arab Society (KAS).
The programme strengthened direct business links between the two sides and explored opportunities for strategic partnerships, investment, and knowledge exchange. The Sharjah-Korea Businesswomen Forum was a key highlight of the mission, featuring the signing of two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The first was signed between SCCI and KAS, while the second was concluded with the Korea Venture Business Women Association (KOVWA).
The agreements aim to deepen trade and economic cooperation and strengthen business networks connecting women entrepreneurs in Sharjah and Korea with new opportunities for market access, growth, and strategic partnerships. The forum brought together businesswomen, economic leaders, and representatives of business, investment, and innovation support institutions. Discussions focused on accelerating women's economic growth, expanding access to international markets, and commercialising scientific research, innovation, and emerging technologies into high-value products and solutions.
The mission also featured a series of B2B meetings linking businesswomen and representatives of companies and institutions from Sharjah and Korea to explore opportunities across high-growth sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and smart mobility. The delegation conducted field visits to Korean enterprises and specialised facilities, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid, as well as leading design and textile markets.
In addition, the delegation visited Beauty Play to gain insights into Korea's advanced cosmetics ecosystem and participated in the Global Economic Cooperation Forum, creating further opportunities for networking and economic cooperation. A cultural tour of the National Museum of Korea offered the delegation an opportunity to explore the country's history and cultural heritage.
Al Owais stated that the mission successfully enhanced the visibility and market presence of Sharjah's business community in Korea while creating new pathways for strategic partnerships among women entrepreneurs, companies, and institutions. She commented on the mission's comprehensive agenda of business meetings, field visits, and discussions, which enabled the delegation to gain first-hand insights into investment opportunities, explore cooperation prospects with Korean counterparts, and showcase Sharjah's investment advantages to investors and businesses.
She further added that B2B engagements helped identify high-potential areas for cooperation, particularly in technology and innovation, advanced industries, healthcare, and trade. The mission coincided with Emirati Women's Day on 28th August, marked by a special event organised by the UAE Embassy in Seoul to celebrate Emirati women's achievements and highlight their expanding role in business and investment leadership.
The event also featured a panel discussion organised by SCCI, bringing together prominent Emirati businesswomen from the delegation to share their entrepreneurial experiences, perspectives on women's evolving economic roles, and the key opportunities and challenges encountered during their careers.