The Sharjah Investment Forum 2026 opens its ninth edition on October 14 and 15 at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre under the banner building resilient economies
, bringing together top government officials, international chief executive officers, finance leaders, and investors through the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office, known as Invest in Sharjah, in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Investment.
Sharjah Investment Forum Convenes Global Decision-Makers
The agenda features more than 140 activities, including over 80 direct business meetings, structured across four distinct pillars: strategic leadership and economic resilience, technology and smart solutions for industries, smart capital flows and supply chain resilience, and the future of communities and economic growth.
The rapid transformations in global markets drive governments and companies to constantly rethink how to compete, invest, and grow. This year’s forum agenda responds directly to this reality by addressing issues related to policies, technology, and investment that will play an influential role in determining the destination of capital, the paths of sector development, and the ability of economies to enhance their competitiveness.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrakh, Executive Director of Invest in Sharjah, via Sharjah24
Global Capital Moves Toward Specific Sectors
Within total capital movement, the top 20 host countries absorbed more than 80% of total inflows.
Strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors, and critical minerals climbed from 16% of the value of global greenfield investment projects in 2020 to 44% in 2025. Governments worldwide adopted 229 new investment policy measures during 2025 to steer capital toward growth, technological advancement, and economic security.
Artificial Intelligence Enters Operations
Organizers note that systems have entered the era of agentic artificial intelligence, wherein software is capable of planning, breaking down goals into tasks, and executing independent multi-step decisions with varying degrees of autonomy.
- Data from the State of AI 2026 survey by McKinsey shows that among companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, the share expanding the use of AI agents in at least one business function rose from 27% to 40% over a single year.
- Discussions during the event focus on the governance frameworks required for this transition, questioning which operational decisions can be safely delegated to automated systems, how to ensure data quality, and where human accountability rests.
Anticipating Consumer Demand Toward 2035
The forum explores what the consumer of 2035 will demand, focusing on a demographic cohort raised entirely in digital environments that expects highly personalized purchasing experiences alongside an emphasis on sustainability and value.
Sessions examine how corporations can detect emerging consumer demand before it materializes into mass markets, distinguishing between fleeting trends and permanent structural shifts. Additional panels evaluate supply chain stability as a core determinant of investment viability, alongside dedicated sessions exploring digital licensing, talent availability, and funding pathways for entering businesses. What specific governance rules will nations adopt to regulate these automated financial systems?
