Sharjah’s 45 per cent increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in 2025 reflects the strength and competitiveness of the UAE economy, according to Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).

Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) ahead of the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum, Al Musharrkh said the UAE continues to attract global capital by offering economic stability, clear policies and a flexible regulatory environment.

The forum, organised by Invest in Sharjah in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, will take place on October 14-15 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre under the theme “Building Adaptive Economies.”

More than 80 speakers, including ministers, investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders, are expected to participate in discussions on the shifts reshaping the global investment landscape and strategies for building more resilient economies.

Al Musharrkh said investors are becoming increasingly selective about where they deploy capital amid global economic uncertainty. The UAE’s stable environment and forward-looking policies have helped position it among the world’s leading investment destinations, he said.

He identified economic diversification as one of the UAE’s key strengths, noting that non-oil sectors accounted for 79.4 per cent of the economy in the first quarter of 2026. Financial services, construction, healthcare and telecommunications were among the main growth drivers.

Al Musharrkh also pointed to the UAE’s business-friendly legislative framework, saying the country’s high global rankings for government policy adaptability, bureaucracy and regulatory efficiency continue to support investor confidence and business expansion.

Talent development remains another key advantage, he said, highlighting the UAE’s focus on attracting skilled professionals and fostering innovation. He noted that more than 70 per cent of the country’s working-age population uses artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing role of technology in the economy.

He added that the UAE’s early investments in emerging sectors are helping secure its future competitiveness, with manufacturing and telecommunications continuing to attract significant greenfield investment.

Al Musharrkh said Sharjah complements the broader UAE economic model through its focus on industry, production and knowledge-based sectors, giving the emirate a distinct position within the national investment landscape.