News

As global economies transition from readying themselves for the Fourth industrial revolution, to devising frameworks and capital markets that pave way for a profitable and sustainable future, the 4th Sharjah FDI Forum, slated to take place on 10 and 11 of December.

• Share of emerging markets is 60% of the overall global economic output
• Sharjah provides investors with a variety of investment options across all economic sectors

For immediate release,
Sharjah, November 29, 2018,

The fourth edition of Sharjah FDI Forum 2018, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, will explore innovations and solutions in digital integration across economic sectors, diversified markets, business profitability and growth, infrastructure development, global investment climate, and environmental sustainability with investors, entrepreneurs and officials from the public and private sectors.

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office underscored that among the diversified set of topics the forum will cover is UAE’s position at the global investment map and discuss the best of developed and emerging markets. Stressing upon adaptability, he elucidated that staying abreast of technology, lifestyles, and changing managing systems is the solution.

He also explained: “Amidst rapid shifts in economic power centres and investment developments in the global economy, significant growth rates don’t come from economically developed countries but, from emerging markets which represents ‘60% of the world’s economic output, the bread and butter to global economic growth,’ according to a report published UBS this year.”

The report indicated that emerging economies increased the foreign exchange reserves from 11% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2000 to 24% in 2007, and that of the UAE from 13% to 25% in the same period.

Al Musharrkh continued: “Several global investors are looking for opportunities offered by emerging economies, including the UAE. He said: “According to UNCTAD report, FDI in the UAE increased by 7.8% (US750 million) in 2017. This advanced its rank on the global FDI scale to the 30 th . The gross inflow of foreign investment in 2017 reached US10.354 billion compared to US9.06 billion in 2016. These achievements placed the UAE as the top attractor for FDI in the Arab region with 36% of FDI investment in the Arab world and ranked 2 nd in west Asia through 40.6% of the investment in that region.”

He noted that the country’s achievements are the fruition of a solid government strategy that aims to achieve a strong competitive knowledge based economy which enhances UAE’s position as an international hub and a centre of the fourth industrial revolution.

He also highlighted: “Through sound decision making process that considers variables and changes in the economic, investment market and educated
foresight of future trends, UAE’s policy makers create solid and strategic plans that are based on expanding partnerships, incentives, and support. That’s the key driver of the positive result.”

From the new FDI law and regulations which was issued last October to investors and entrepreneurs, long-term visas that came into force few days
ago showcases UAE’s approach towards on-going development and enhancement of the local infrastructure, eGovernment services, the strategic
location of the country, political stability and social diversity makes it a fertile ground for international investment.

Regarding key incentives that Sharjah offers to attract foreign investments, Al Musharrkh said: “In line with the UAE strategy, Sharjah’s policy of economic diversification, mainly supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is a key driver of sustainable development and dynamic economy that attracts foreign assets. Sharjah is now home to 45,000 SMEs operating in various sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, tourism and business services.”

Organised in 2015, the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forum is one of the world-leading economic and financial forums, and the largest FDI and investment forum of its kind across MENA.

The Fourth edition, organised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), under the support of the Ministry of Economy, will take place on 10 – 11 December 2018, at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah with the theme “Shaping the Future of Economies.”

-ENDS-

About Invest in Sharjah:

Established in 2016, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) is the investment promotion agency of the Emirate of Sharjah, launched by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). It also functions as a key facilitator to investors, servicing them with a 360-degree informative and physical support, allowing them to fully understand processes, investment advantages and insights on key sectors that fit their business profiles in Sharjah.

As one of the emirate’s key economic growth drivers, Invest in Sharjah is dedicated to the continued transformation and economic diversification of the emirate, and is committed to guiding foreign investors to the unique opportunities and potentials that Sharjah offers to global markets. Its mission is to work collectively with the emirate’s public and private sectors, to guide investors towards strategic and personalised opportunities, promoting collaborations for bilateral growth and update investors on Sharjah’s unique business culture, modern facilities, latest regulations and policies as well as business platforms and free zones that incentivise new prospects.

Invest in Sharjah also works in close partnerships with numerous state entities in the emirate, and has hosted numerous business roundtables and seminars in Sharjah and across the world, attracting unique investments and future ventures with business leaders from The Americas, Europe, Middle East, Gulf Region, Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific Region.

Invest in Sharjah has organised and participated in numerous leading business and investment conferences and seminar in Sharjah and the rest of the world. It is responsible for organising / hosting the Euromoney Conference Sharjah, the Sharjah FDI Forum, the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis and a number of high-level businesses conferences.

For more information, please visit www.investinsharjah.ae or you can contact +971 6 556 0444. For the latest news on Invest in Sharjah on social media, follow @investinsharjah on Twitter and Instagram.