Sharjah is set to take center stage in the global investment arena as it prepares to host the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference from October 22 to 24, 2025.
This major international event, organized in collaboration with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, marks a significant milestone for the emirate, reinforcing its rising stature as a hub for international dialogue, innovation, and economic collaboration.
The conference is expected to draw high-level delegations from over 100 countries, including ministers, heads of investment promotion agencies (IPAs), policymakers, global CEOs, economists, and representatives from multilateral organizations. With the global investment climate undergoing major shifts due to geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, and evolving sustainability agendas, the Sharjah-hosted summit is being positioned as a timely and strategic gathering to assess emerging opportunities and forge new partnerships.
The theme of this year’s conference centers on resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth—principles that have come to define the UAE’s economic vision in recent years. Against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming investment landscape, delegates will explore ways to stimulate long-term, inclusive economic development through smarter policies, cross-border collaboration, and the mobilization of green and digital investments. Special focus will be placed on empowering investment agencies to play a proactive role in shaping the future of industries such as clean energy, AI, advanced manufacturing, agritech, and life sciences.
Sharjah’s selection as host city highlights the emirate’s growing role in the UAE’s national diversification strategy. Traditionally known for its rich cultural heritage, academic excellence, and thriving creative industries, Sharjah has in recent years accelerated efforts to become a magnet for high-value investment, particularly in sectors aligned with sustainable development. Hosting the World Investment Conference signals a coming of age for Sharjah’s evolving economic identity, one that blends tradition with innovation and global connectivity.
Key sessions over the three-day event will include panel discussions, bilateral meetings, workshops, and investment showcases. Topics will cover everything from reshaping global value chains and building climate-resilient economies, to harnessing digital transformation and advancing sustainable infrastructure. A major highlight of the conference is the Global Investment Awards ceremony, which honors top-performing investment promotion agencies and recognizes pioneering investment projects that have made a transformative impact on local and regional economies.
The UAE Ministry of Investment, a key partner in the conference, views the event as an opportunity to amplify the country’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for global capital. Since its formation, the ministry has spearheaded initiatives to streamline foreign direct investment processes, establish new regulatory frameworks, and promote the UAE’s investment landscape across key markets. As a result, the UAE has consistently ranked among the top recipients of FDI in the MENA region.
For WAIPA, which represents more than 170 national and sub-national IPAs worldwide, the conference is a core part of its mission to foster international cooperation and knowledge exchange. It provides a vital platform for IPAs to share best practices, showcase success stories, and discuss strategies to overcome shared challenges. This year’s edition in Sharjah is expected to focus more intensely on integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) metrics into investment decisions, aligning with global calls for more responsible and impact-driven capital deployment.
Economic analysts suggest that hosting the World Investment Conference will yield both immediate and long-term benefits for Sharjah. In the short term, it will attract high-level economic activity to the emirate, including investment deals, MoUs, and institutional partnerships. In the long term, it enhances Sharjah’s credibility as a global investment destination and could trigger increased interest from investors seeking stable, innovation-friendly environments in the Middle East.
Sharjah’s economic leadership has already begun laying the groundwork for the event’s success. Agencies such as the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) have intensified outreach efforts, building connections with strategic markets in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The emirate’s ability to host such a globally significant conference is further supported by its world-class infrastructure, modern exhibition and conference facilities, and comprehensive air, sea, and land connectivity.
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