SIF 2026 to Feature 140 Activities and Direct Business Meetings to Strengthen Investor Connections.
Sharjah: The ninth edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 14, bringing together prominent international leaders, investors and policymakers for one of the Middle East and North Africa region’s major investment conferences and exhibitions.
The two-day event will take place at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, with more than 10,000 participants from over 60 countries expected to attend.
The forum will provide a platform for government representatives, business executives, investors and industry experts to discuss emerging investment opportunities, economic developments and strategies for sustainable growth.
Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Investment, this year’s event will be held under the theme “Building Adaptive Economies.”
SIF 2026 will bring together more than 80 speakers and feature over 140 activities, including 80 dedicated business meetings aimed at strengthening connections between investors, companies and key decision-makers.
The programme will explore how governments and businesses can adapt to changing global economic conditions, improve competitiveness and identify investment opportunities that support long-term development.
Discussions will also focus on strengthening economic resilience and developing strategies that enable businesses and economies to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
Global Business Leaders and Policymakers to Discuss Investment Opportunities
SIF 2026 will feature an influential lineup of government officials, international investors, entrepreneurs and technology specialists representing a wide range of industries and global markets.
The event aims to encourage the exchange of ideas and expertise on investment strategies, business expansion and the factors influencing economic growth.
Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, is scheduled to deliver the forum’s keynote address.
Among the prominent participants is Mohamed Alabbar, Founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties, Founder and Director of Noon.com, and Chairman of Eagle Hills and Americana Group.
Alabbar will participate in a fireside discussion with entrepreneur and radio presenter Kris Fade.
Their conversation will examine business leadership, investment decision-making, capital allocation and strategies for achieving growth amid evolving economic conditions.
The Sharjah Investment Forum 2026 will also bring together senior UAE government representatives, offering valuable insights into economic policymaking, global trade and sustainable development.
Among the officials participating are Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade; and Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Their participation will contribute to discussions on strengthening economic competitiveness, expanding international trade partnerships and promoting sustainable growth.
Prominent private-sector leaders will also take part in the forum, sharing their perspectives on changing consumer trends, emerging technologies and global business opportunities.
Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim, will discuss how consumer expectations and purchasing behaviour could evolve by 2035.
Ali Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Group, and Rima Semaan, Chief Solutions Officer at Microsoft UAE, will examine the growing role of agentic artificial intelligence in transforming government operations and business processes.
Meanwhile, Omar Alsebeyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, will participate in discussions focusing on international trade corridors, logistics infrastructure and strengthening supply-chain resilience.
The event will also feature Simon Squibb, British entrepreneur, investor and Founder of HelpBnk, who will share his experiences in building businesses and adapting to changing market conditions.
Varun Mayya, an AI entrepreneur and digital content creator, will explore how emerging technologies are reshaping entrepreneurship, investment strategies and the future global economy.
Four Key Pillars to Shape SIF 2026 Discussions
The ninth edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum will focus on four strategic pillars aimed at addressing economic transformation and emerging investment opportunities.
These include regulatory competitiveness and economic adaptability; artificial intelligence, technology and industrial transformation; smart capital flows and supply-chain resilience; and future living and economic growth.
Through these themes, participants will explore how governments can modernise investment regulations and trade policies to respond effectively to changing international market conditions.
Discussions will also examine strategies that businesses can adopt to manage economic uncertainty, improve operational efficiency and remain competitive.
A major focus will be the increasing influence of advanced technologies, particularly agentic AI, on industrial processes, public services and investment decision-making.
The forum will further explore international investment flows, the resilience of global supply chains and the development of trade networks that support economic connectivity.
Infrastructure investment and industrial expansion will also feature prominently, with discussions examining how improved logistics and transport systems can strengthen trade relationships.
Sessions dedicated to future economic development will address real estate innovation, sustainable urban communities, food security, agricultural technology and evolving consumer preferences.
Together, these discussions aim to identify practical strategies for building economies capable of adapting to technological, environmental and global market changes.
Government and Private-Sector Partnerships Strengthen SIF 2026
The Sharjah Investment Forum 2026 is backed by more than 20 partners and sponsors representing government organisations, private businesses and media institutions.
These partnerships cover a broad range of industries, including economic development, international trade, urban planning, real estate, logistics, construction, technology and innovation.
By bringing together expertise from multiple sectors, the forum aims to encourage collaboration, facilitate investment opportunities and strengthen relationships between policymakers, investors and business leaders.
The event will also provide opportunities for participants to establish new partnerships, exchange industry knowledge and explore projects supporting long-term economic growth.
Those interested in attending the forum or learning more about its programme can visit the official website at sif.ae for registration details and additional information.
