Sharjah: Amid rapid geopolitical, technological, and economic changes, the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) will convene policymakers, investors, business leaders, and economic experts from the UAE and globally to explore the future of investment and the role of adaptive economies in driving sustainable growth.
According to Emirates News Agency, the forum is organized by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment. It will be held on October 14-15 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre under the theme "Building Adaptive Economies." The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and high-level meetings between public and private sector leaders, focusing on the policies, partnerships, and opportunities needed to strengthen market resilience and foster long-term investment.
This year's theme is set against a backdrop of significant changes in the global business and investment landscape, driven by geopolitical and technological developments, evolving supply chains, and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. The forum aims to explore policies and best practices that enable economies to transform global challenges into sustainable investment and development opportunities.
Discussions will cover future readiness, global investment trends, public-private partnerships, digital transformation, industrial development, talent development, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-based economies. These topics reflect Sharjah's and the UAE's vision for a more diversified, resilient, and globally connected economic model.
The need for adaptive investment policies is underscored by recent data. The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that generative AI could contribute up to US$4.4 trillion annually to the global economy, while the World Economic Forum projects that 59 percent of the global workforce will require reskilling or upskilling by 2030. Meanwhile, UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2025 revealed that global foreign direct investment fell by 11 percent for the second consecutive year.
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, emphasized the forum's role as a platform for advancing dialogue on policies and partnerships that transform challenges into opportunities. He noted that resilience in the UAE has been built over decades of policymaking, establishing the country as a leading destination for global capital. The forum's theme aligns with the National Investment Strategy, which aims to raise annual foreign direct investment inflows to AED 240 billion by 2031.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, highlighted the global economy's new chapter, where transformation creates opportunities for redefining competitive positions. He pointed out that Sharjah and the UAE have demonstrated the strength of an economic model built on long-term planning, diversification, and resilience, making Sharjah an ideal platform for international dialogue on defining global economic issues.
SIF 2025, held alongside the World Investment Conference, saw participation from over 12,000 attendees from 142 countries, featuring more than 130 ministers and international leaders. It included over 160 sessions and 120 meetings exploring geopolitical, technological, and climate transformations. The event reinforced Sharjah's status as a leading global platform for economic dialogue and collaboration.