Sharjah Chamber outlines plans to expand trade, industry and investment opportunities

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is strengthening the role of its Sectoral Business Groups to support economic growth, attract investment, and improve the emirate’s business environment.

The initiative aims to enhance coordination between businesses and government entities, enabling key industries to address challenges, identify emerging opportunities, and introduce initiatives that support long-term economic development.

The announcement followed a meeting chaired by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, bringing together chamber officials, representatives of government entities, and leaders of sectoral business groups spanning manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, retail, food trade, automotive services, and legal services.

During the meeting, participants reviewed economic performance indicators and discussed initiatives to strengthen the emirate’s competitiveness. Proposals included organizing specialized trade exhibitions, attracting international brands, supporting industrial projects focused on food security, and expanding access to global markets.

Al Owais reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting businesses and strengthening Sharjah’s position as a regional investment destination.

He emphasized the need for a more flexible and competitive business environment, supported by economic diversification, investment incentives, and opportunities for companies to expand into new markets.

In the retail sector, Abdullah Al Blooshi, Head of the Shopping Mall Sector Business Group, highlighted growth in shopping mall footfall and sales. He outlined plans for a dedicated exhibition to attract international brands and showcase investment opportunities in Sharjah’s retail market.

Meanwhile, Lalu Samuel, Head of the Industry Sector Business Group, highlighted ongoing developments in industrial infrastructure and zones, noting that new facilities are helping manufacturers improve productivity and expand operations.

In the automotive sector, Khalid Batarfi, Head of the Used Car Trade Sectoral Business Group, pointed to progress in addressing challenges related to spare parts exports. He highlighted Sharjah’s position as a trading hub serving markets in Europe and Africa.

The real estate sector also featured prominently in discussions. Hesham Saeed Khattab, a member of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group, highlighted the stability of Sharjah’s property market, supported by regulatory frameworks and diverse investment opportunities.

He also outlined plans to increase international participation in property exhibitions, building on the role of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition, ACRES, in promoting local developments.

In hospitality, Fadi Musharafieh, Head of the Hotel Sector Business Group, highlighted measures introduced by local authorities to ease operating costs, including flexible payment arrangements for utility bills and parking fees.

Hisham Al-Din Youssef, Head of the Hotel Apartments Business Group, called for greater awareness of regulatory requirements to improve compliance and service standards across the hospitality industry.

In the legal sector, Mohamed Ali Al-Hammadi, Head of the Law Firms Sector Business Group, said the group had achieved 80% of its target for strengthening engagement between lawyers and the Sharjah Judicial Department.

He also highlighted efforts to contribute to legislative development and strengthen collaboration between legal professionals, research institutions, and other economic sectors.

The chamber said greater coordination between its sectoral groups and government entities would help translate emerging opportunities into practical initiatives, supporting investment, business expansion, and sustainable economic growth across Sharjah.