The ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) took place on 14 and 15 October 2026 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah, under the theme “Building Adaptive Economies”. This recap covers only what the Emirates News Agency (WAM) and Sharjah24 reported during the event. As of 16 October 2026 we had not found an official final attendance count or a total of deals signed, so none is given here.
Key facts
- Dates: 14 to 15 October 2026 (SIF).
- Venue: Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, Sharjah.
- Organiser: the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment (WAM, 14 October 2026).
- Patronage: held under the patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah; it is the annual flagship event of the Sharjah FDI Office (SIF event info).
- Edition: ninth.
The opening on 14 October
WAM reported that Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the ninth edition and toured the forum’s pavilions. The opening speeches focused on economic resilience: adapting to change, diversifying sectors and investing in people and technology (WAM, 14 October 2026).
Figures shared on stage
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, gave several national figures in his speech, as reported by WAM on 14 October 2026:
- The UAE economy grew by 6.2% in 2025, with non-oil GDP up 6.8%.
- Non-oil activities made up more than 79% of GDP in the first six months of 2026.
- The UAE attracted US$48.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2025.
- Sharjah recorded a 45% increase in the number of FDI projects in 2025.
These are the minister’s figures as quoted by WAM. For the underlying data, check the issuing federal and Sharjah authorities.
Main sessions reported
Helping businesses grow, not only set up
On the opening day, a panel with speakers from the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Business Women Council discussed moving beyond easy business set-up. The focus was on conditions that help companies expand, reinvest and grow over the long term (Sharjah24, 14 October 2026).
Food security and waste
At the “Growing a Sustainable Future” session on 15 October, Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said the UAE is updating its National Food Security Strategy 2051 with a target of producing half the country’s crops locally. Another panellist said Sharjah has reached a 93% landfill waste diversion rate. Both statements are as reported by WAM on 15 October 2026.
Tourism and destination development
The second day was titled “Destination Economy: Creating Experiences, Shaping Identity”. Speakers including the Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) discussed how culture, hospitality and infrastructure work together to draw visitors and investment (Sharjah24, 15 October 2026).
International companies
Sharjah24 reported a session on investment ties between Brazil and the UAE, looking at Sharjah as a regional base for Brazilian companies (Sharjah24, 15 October 2026). It also profiled entrepreneurs from Cameroon, China and the United Kingdom who came to explore setting up or expanding in the UAE (Sharjah24, 15 October 2026). The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) also took part in the forum (WAM).
The programme in numbers
During the event, WAM and Sharjah24 described the programme as more than 80 speakers and over 140 activities, including more than 80 business meetings, with participation from more than 60 countries (WAM, 14 October 2026; Sharjah24, 15 October 2026). Before the forum, WAM said organisers expected more than 10,000 participants (WAM, 24 September 2026). That was a projection, not a confirmed count.
Before you rely on these figures: We had not found official closing figures (final attendance, meetings held or agreements signed) when we checked on 16 October 2026. If Invest in Sharjah or WAM publishes them, we will add them here with the source and date.
What this means if you are thinking of doing business in Sharjah
The sessions pointed to the areas officials chose to highlight: business growth after set-up, food and agricultural technology, waste and resources, and tourism. A forum recap is not a licensing guide. If you are weighing a move, start with Sharjah trade licence types and what business setup in Sharjah costs. For licence rules and fees, confirm with SEDD or the relevant free zone, or consult a licensed professional.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026?
It ran on 14 and 15 October 2026.
Where was it held?
At Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah.
What was the theme?
“Building Adaptive Economies”.
Who organised it?
The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment.
How many people attended?
Organisers projected more than 10,000 participants before the event. As of 16 October 2026 we had not found an official final count.
When is the next edition?
We had not seen a date for the next edition on the official site when we checked on 16 October 2026. Watch sif.ae and the Sharjah events calendar.
Information checked 16 October 2026. General information only, not legal or investment advice.