The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment have signed an agreement to organize the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC) in Sharjah.
The event is scheduled to take place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah. This year’s edition is significant as it takes place during WAIPA’s 30th anniversary. The previous edition themed “Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth: Scaling Investment Opportunities” was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was signed by Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC).
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi Chairperson – Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)
“Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate’s status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals. In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets.”
Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, the UAE Minister of Investment, stated that, “The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.”
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh emphasized that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will provide an array of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships.
Al Musharrkh also highlighted that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to provide investors with the essential tools to drive sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that evolves with the market and meets future demands.
Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA, stressed that, “Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity — they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah. This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA’s legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah’s hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.”
Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference, highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a key player in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to reinforce its position among the world’s top 15 investment destinations.
The World Investment Conference seeks to gather the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy while promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy.
