How Sharjah is building stronger connections between investors and businesses

Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) has named Sharjah-based real estate developer Alef Group as the exclusive sponsor and partner of the Investors’ Lounge for its ninth edition, as the emirate looks to strengthen private-sector participation and connect investors with new opportunities.

Organized by Invest in Sharjah in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, SIF 2026 will take place on October 14 and 15 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre under the theme “Building Adaptive Economies.”

The forum is expected to bring together more than 10,000 participants and over 80 speakers, with more than 140 activities planned across the two-day event.

The Investors’ Lounge will serve as a dedicated platform for stakeholders to discuss projects, partnerships, financing, and expansion opportunities. At the 2025 edition, more than 211 B2B meetings were held, with potential investment opportunities worth $924.5 million discussed.

“As capital moves more rapidly across borders, cities increasingly compete on the strength of their investment ecosystems and their ability to respond to changing markets and the needs of international investors,” said Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah.

He added that collaboration between government institutions and private-sector players is central to Sharjah’s efforts to attract investment and help businesses expand into global markets.

The partnership comes as Sharjah’s property market continues to record strong activity. According to the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, real estate transactions reached a record AED65.6 billion ($17.9 billion) in 2025, up 64.3% from the previous year.

Transaction values reached AED29.5 billion ($8 billion) in the first half of 2026, representing a 9.3% year-on-year increase.

Raed Kajoor Al Nuaimi, CEO of Alef Group, said real estate developers have a role to play in strengthening investment destinations by creating communities that attract residents, buyers, investors, and businesses.

“At Alef Group, Sharjah’s identity and the aspirations of its community guide our planning. We develop destinations that bring together residential, commercial and social spaces, enhancing quality of life and supporting the local economy,” he said.

Investment activity beyond real estate has also expanded. Sharjah attracted AED7.74 billion ($2.1 billion) in capital investment through 142 new foreign direct investment projects in 2025, highlighting the emirate’s push to broaden opportunities across sectors.

Through the Investors’ Lounge, SIF aims to turn that momentum into more direct connections between investors, developers, and businesses seeking projects and partnerships in the emirate.