Sharjah: The 8th edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) begins tomorrow at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, marking a significant milestone as it is held in conjunction with the WAIPA World Investment Conference (WIC 2025) for the first time in the city.
According to Emirates News Agency, the joint agenda is expected to bring together over 10,000 participants from 142 countries, including a distinguished lineup of 130 international speakers. Among these speakers are ministers, economic leaders, and senior policymakers who will share their insights on the global investment landscape. Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, this year's forum operates under the theme 'Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future'. The event underscores Sharjah's growing importance as a global hub for economic dialogue and a testing ground for innovative investment ideas and solutions.
The forum will be graced by the presence of Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, alongside a prominent lineup of international ministers and economic leaders. Notable attendees include Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment; Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Miguel Medina, Minister of Investment Promotion of Honduras; and Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, Minister of Investment of Pakistan. Adding depth to the discussions will be figures like Osama Fadhel, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Industrial Accelerators sector at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT); Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the WIC Executive Board; and Professor Raekwon Chung, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and board member of the Ban Ki-moon Foundation.
The forum's extensive agenda, which includes more than 160 sessions and 120 bilateral meetings, directly addresses the geopolitical, technological, and climate forces reshaping the world's investment map. Delegates will delve into contemporary topics such as sustainable finance, food security, and public-private partnerships, with dedicated sessions examining opportunities in smart agriculture and regional market integration. The program also emphasizes empowering SMEs, recognizing them as vital components for foreign direct investment and long-term economic resilience.
SIF 2025 is supported by more than 24 local and international partners, ranging from sponsors and strategic allies to media organizations, research centers, and investment firms. This diverse collaboration, spanning sectors such as finance, real estate, advanced technology, and media, demonstrates international confidence in Sharjah's investment environment. By bringing together global decision-makers and investors, the forum is poised to forge meaningful partnerships that advance sustainable development and influence the future of the global economy.