Sharjah Attracts Over Dhs 3.51 Billion in Industrial Investment

Significant Industrial Investment Growth in Sharjah

In a notable development for the emirate’s economy, industrial investment in Sharjah has exceeded Dhs 3.51 billion across 99 projects over the past five years. This includes a substantial Dhs 1.6 billion from 31 projects initiated in 2025, as highlighted by fDi Markets data from the Financial Times. The announcement was made during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2026’ event held in Abu Dhabi from May 4 to 7, where Sharjah showcased its industrial capabilities.

Sharjah’s industrial sector is vital to the UAE’s economy, accounting for approximately 40 percent of the nation’s total industrial establishments. The emirate boasts over 2,800 factories spread across 21 industrial zones, underscoring its competitive advantage. The Sharjah pavilion at the event featured key entities such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), demonstrating the interconnectedness of the emirate’s economic ecosystem.

Strengthening the Industrial Ecosystem

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, emphasized the importance of a robust industrial ecosystem built for long-term competitiveness. He stated that the infrastructure, regulatory framework, and market access in Sharjah are aligned to foster sustained manufacturing growth. The recent surge in project inflows and rising industrial output and exports are direct results of this integrated approach. Events like ‘Make it in the Emirates’ play a crucial role in showcasing Sharjah’s contributions to the UAE’s industrial ambitions.

Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted the emirate’s commitment to advancing its industrial sector through innovation and business growth. Sheraa’s initiatives focus on guiding startups to develop industry-relevant solutions and connecting them with a network of enablers, fostering an environment that enhances efficiency and competitiveness. This strategy is integral to supporting founders in building scalable startups that contribute to economic growth.

Continued Expansion and Future Prospects

The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) aims to integrate advanced technologies into the industrial sector. CEO Hussain Al Mahmoudi announced new investment packages at the event to facilitate business setup and empower tech and industrial ventures. SPARK’s focus on strategic partnerships supports technology transfer and innovation, further enhancing the competitiveness of local companies.

Gulftainer’s Group CEO Farid Belbouab stressed the importance of maintaining trade flow, stating that the company has developed an integrated port and logistics ecosystem to enable UAE manufacturers to access global markets efficiently. Al Rabwa Real Estate’s CEO Elie Naaman and Al Rasikhoon Real Estate’s General Manager Khalifa Sultan Bin Harib Almheiri echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to providing strategically located industrial plots and streamlined investment processes to support the UAE’s industrial growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total industrial investment in Sharjah?

Sharjah has attracted over Dhs 3.51 billion in industrial investment across 99 projects.

How many industrial licenses were issued in Sharjah in 2025?

In 2025, Sharjah issued 532 new industrial licenses, reflecting a 17 percent increase from 2024.

What role does the Sharjah FDI Office play?

The Sharjah FDI Office promotes foreign direct investment and showcases the emirate’s industrial capabilities.

What are the key sectors driving industrial growth in Sharjah?

Key sectors include advanced manufacturing, technology integration, and logistics.

How does Sharjah support startups in the industrial sector?

Sharjah provides resources through entities like Sheraa to guide startups in developing industry-relevant solutions.