Sharjah:Successful destinations seamlessly combine culture, hospitality, infrastructure, and community needs to create experiences that attract investment and generate lasting economic value. This was the key message from speakers at the ninth Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026).
According to Emirates News Agency, insights were shared by notable local officials and hospitality industry experts, including Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; and Stephan Schupbach, President and Group CEO of Chedi Hospitality. The discussions focused on enhancing Sharjah's appeal to investors and visitors through tourism, hospitality, and destination development.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer emphasized that the success of destination development projects starts by questioning their purpose, which guides design and target audience strategies. He highlighted the Chedi Al Bait hotel as an example of integrating heritage into modern hospitality, and the Kalba Beach project as a community-focused initiative using sustainable construction techniques.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa noted the significant contributions of the tourism sector to the global economy and its potential for growth, particularly in Sharjah. He addressed challenges like tourism seasonality and emphasized diversifying tourist markets and fostering partnerships to stabilize demand.
Stephan Schupbach discussed the evolving concept of luxury in hospitality, with a focus on unique experiences and storytelling over traditional luxury metrics. He mentioned the Chedi Group's plans to implement AI in a new Riyadh hotel to enhance operational efficiency.
The forum underscored the importance of aligning investment with cultural heritage and local business opportunities to strengthen Sharjah's visitor economy and long-term competitiveness. Organized by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, SIF 2026 explores investment opportunities and sustainable growth under the theme 'Building Adaptive Economies'.