In collaboration with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) has announced the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC) marking a significant step that underscores the UAE’s position on the global investment map.
The event will be conducted under a shared agenda with the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), which will take place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
This international collaboration was officially formalised through a ”Host Agreement” in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC).
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 were the signatories to this milestone agreement.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi stated: “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.”
She added, “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.”
The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes.
H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, said: “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.”
Moreover, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, as it facilitates more access to networks and cross-border partnerships.
He added that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to supporting investors with the tools for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable environment that adapts to evolving markets and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges.
In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA quoted, “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.”
Ersahin added: “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, stressed that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He affirmed Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in FDI attraction, the UAE continues to position itself among the world’s top 15 investment destinations.
The World Investment Conference arrives at a critical moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the WIC aims to address existing challenges whilst promoting new opportunities. It will serve as a global forum that brings together the international investment community to shape futuristic strategies; thereby charting new paths for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity for the global economy.
