Sharjah SIF 2025 and WIC Unite for Sustainable Global Investment

Sharjah is preparing for a major moment in its journey as a global business hub. On October 22–23, 2025, the emirate will host the 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

This year, the event comes with a powerful new partnership. For the first time, SIF will join hands with the 29th World Investment Conference (WIC). This also marks WIC’s first appearance in Sharjah. Together, these events will bring world leaders, decision-makers, and investors to one stage to discuss the future of global investment.

The theme for this edition is “Leading Global Transformation: Investing in a Resilient and Sustainable Future.”

The two-day forum is being 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.

Why This Forum Matters

This year’s forum is not just another business event. It is happening at a time when the world is facing big challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, and rapid digital transformation. Investors, governments, and businesses are all looking for ways to adapt and grow in a changing global economy.

By bringing SIF and WIC together, Sharjah is sending a strong message: the future of investment must focus on resilience, sustainability, and innovation.

Key Topics and Sessions at SIF 2025

The forum will feature several panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions. Each one is designed to highlight urgent global issues and how investment can drive solutions.

1. Global Leaders’ Insights

The opening session will feature top leaders discussing how investment is changing in the age of transition. They will explore the impact of geopolitical shifts, digital technologies, and sustainability policies on global economies.

This session will set the tone for the event by looking at how governments and investors can build strategies for a more stable future.

2. Green Investment

A major highlight is the session titled “Green is the New Gold: Competitive Advantage Through Sustainable Investment.”

This discussion will focus on how companies and governments can use Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards to attract stronger and long-lasting investments.

This is important because ESG-managed assets worldwide are expected to grow beyond $40 trillion by 2030. Investors are becoming more careful about where they put their money, and sustainable businesses are winning their trust.

3. Smart Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence

The shift toward smart manufacturing will take centre stage. The session will explain how robots, IoT, and advanced data analytics are reshaping factories and supply chains.

The global smart manufacturing market is valued at $394.35 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to almost $999 billion by 2032.

Another key session, “The Impact of AI and Sustainability on Investment Decisions,” will highlight how artificial intelligence is changing the way investors identify opportunities and reduce risks.

4. Food Security and Agri-Business

Food security is one of the most urgent issues today. The session “Seeds of Change: Investing in Agri-Business for Food Security” will look at how technology and smart farming can protect communities and secure food supplies.

With the rising global population and climate challenges, this topic is critical for governments and investors alike.

5. Human Capital and Future Skills

The forum will also focus on human capital—the knowledge, creativity, and skills that drive business and innovation. Discussions will explore how countries can invest in education, training, and youth development to build stronger economies.

Sharjah, known for its focus on education and cultural growth, will showcase its own initiatives to support future leaders.

6. Tourism, SMEs, and Digital Infrastructure

Other sessions will dive into the tourism industry, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and digital transformation. These sectors are vital for job creation, economic diversity, and long-term growth in the UAE and beyond.

Voices from the Leaders

Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, explained that the forum is about starting a proactive dialogue. He stressed that businesses now have a responsibility to look at the environmental, social, and technological impact of their actions.

He said: “We stand at a defining moment that calls for rethinking the standards of investment attraction through the lens of both economic and human impact.”

The forum will also hear from ministers, CEOs, and international experts who will share their vision for the next decade of investment.

Sharjah’s Role in Global Investment

Sharjah is quickly rising as a hub for business, culture, and innovation in the Middle East. Hosting both SIF and WIC under one roof highlights its growing importance in shaping global conversations.

Here’s why this matters:

• Global attention: By welcoming WIC for the first time, Sharjah is drawing leaders and investors from every continent.
• Policy innovation: The discussions at the forum will help governments design smarter policies to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
• Regional growth: The event supports the UAE’s wider economic strategy, which focuses on sustainability, artificial intelligence, green energy, and food security.

Dates, Venue, and Organisers

• Dates: October 22–23, 2025 (SIF), October 22–24 (WIC)
• Venue: Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah
• Organisers: Invest in Sharjah, WAIPA, UAE Ministry of Investment
• Audience: Ministers, CEOs, investors, SMEs, and international organisations

Why This Event Matters for Investors and Businesses

For companies and governments, this forum is not just a conference—it is a global opportunity.

• Practical insights: Learn how to adapt to ESG standards, digital innovation, and sustainability policies.
• New partnerships: Meet leaders, investors, and decision-makers who are shaping the future of global business.
• Policy updates: Understand how global investment promotion is changing and what this means for emerging markets.
• Future focus: Explore the role of AI, smart manufacturing, and green finance in building stronger economies.

Final Note

The Sharjah Investment Forum 2025, together with the World Investment Conference, will be a landmark event that redefines how the world views investment. By focusing on resilience, sustainability, and technology, Sharjah is not only shaping its own future but also helping guide the direction of global economic growth.

This is more than an event. It is a movement toward smarter, greener, and fairer investment worldwide.