Sharjah:More than 10,000 participants from over 60 countries are set to convene at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) on October 14th and 15th. The event will feature over 140 activities, including 80 business meetings, aimed at addressing the impact of changes in trade, technology, capital flows, and supply chains on the global economy. The forum will explore how investors and economies can adapt to these changes to foster investment, expansion, and partnerships based in Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, SIF 2026 is organized by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the Ministry of Investment. The ninth edition of the forum, themed 'Building Adaptive Economies,' will be held at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The event will emphasize economic adaptability through four main pillars: strategic leadership and economic adaptability, technology and smart solutions for industries, smart capital flows and supply chain resilience, and the future of communities and economic growth.
The program will include panel discussions, keynote addresses, and workshops focusing on economic trends and policies. Discussions will center on major shifts and their practical implications, aiming to provide a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations.
The forum will also facilitate over 80 business meetings to encourage direct engagement between investors and companies. These meetings will explore financing, expansion opportunities, and supply chain solutions, focusing on transforming shared interests into commercial and investment partnerships.
Prominent speakers include British entrepreneur Simon Squibb and Indian entrepreneur Varun Mayya. Squibb will address the importance of resilience and an entrepreneurial mindset in a constantly changing environment, while Mayya will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on business and investment, highlighting how AI is transforming business models and operations.
Marwan Saleh Alichla, Coordinator General of the SIF Committee, emphasized the interconnected nature of changes in technology, trade, capital, and supply chains. He stated that SIF aims to bring together diverse markets, sectors, and perspectives to facilitate meaningful conversations and partnerships.
The forum's discussions coincide with Sharjah's growth in foreign direct investment, having attracted AED7.74 billion in FDI across 142 projects in 2025. This reflects a 45 percent increase in projects year-on-year, resulting in the creation of 5,673 new jobs. SIF 2026 will incorporate Sharjah's investment experiences into broader international dialogues, addressing what investors and economies require to maintain competitiveness in the future.