The 8th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2025) will be held in collaboration with the World Investment Conference (WIC), bringing together ministers, officials, and business leaders from 142 countries. The joint event is scheduled for October 22–23 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.
The two-day forum aims to explore strategies for sustainable growth, investment resilience, and innovation within a changing global economy. With more than 130 speakers, the agenda includes sessions on economic diversification, climate-focused investments, and global policy coordination.
High-Profile Speakers and Sessions
A number of senior UAE officials will address the conference. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, will open the event, outlining strategies for sustainable investment aligned with the country’s net-zero goals. Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, will moderate a high-level session on economic resilience.
International government representatives include Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan; Miguel Medina, Minister of Investment Promotion of Honduras; and Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, Minister of Investment of Pakistan. They will share national approaches to sustainable growth.
Panels on policy and regional integration will feature Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, and Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment. Other notable participants include Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Raekwon Chung and Dr Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization.
Insights from Business, Sport, and Media
The forum will also feature dialogues with prominent figures from the private sector and the world of sport. Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties and Noon.com, will discuss investment in smart cities and the experience economy in a session moderated by radio host Kris Fade.
Financial leaders, including Shaker Zainal of Emirates Development Bank and Khalifa Al Hajeri of Emirates Growth Fund, will discuss the role of development finance in supporting entrepreneurs and sustainable growth.
Adding unique perspectives on leadership, Dutch football legend Edgar Davids will speak on teamwork, while two-time world boxing champion Amir Khan will discuss youth empowerment. Former Manchester United captain Patrice Evra will share his experiences with entrepreneurship and mental health advocacy.
Sharjah’s Strategic Role
Leaders from Sharjah’s key economic institutions will play a central part in the discussions. Representatives including Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), will highlight the emirate’s strategic approach to innovation and economic diversification.
Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, the forum will include panel discussions, workshops, and technical sessions. The event seeks to position Sharjah as a global centre for dialogue on sustainable investment and economic innovation.
