Sharjah’s bold investment leap: 361% surge cements emirate’s place as UAE’s fastest-growing economy

Sharjah recorded a 361% surge in foreign direct investment during H1 2025, attracting $1.5 billion, 74 new projects, and over 2,500 jobs, reinforcing its status as the UAE’s fastest-growing economy.

WEBDESK — September 15, 2025 | Sharjah — Sharjah has recorded an extraordinary 361% growth in capital investment during the first half of 2025, cementing its position as the UAE’s fastest-growing emirate in foreign direct investment (FDI).

According to the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), the emirate attracted 74 new projects, up 57% from last year, with investments soaring to $1.5 billion and creating over 2,500 new jobs.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), emphasized that Sharjah’s growth is not just about numbers but about people. “The real power of these figures lies in the change they bring to people’s lives and the legacy they leave for future generations,” she said.

The momentum was most evident in consumer products (+188% investment), food and beverages (+112% projects), and business services (+1100% employment growth). Industrial equipment also saw a sharp 100% rise in projects, underscoring Sharjah’s growing manufacturing base.

Strategic projects included a polyethene recycling plant by Italy’s Greenthesis Group, a gold jewellery facility by India’s Vinsmera Jewels, and a training and certification centre by Singapore’s G-TEC, boosting Sharjah’s sustainability, luxury manufacturing, and ICT sectors.

H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said the surge reflects global investor confidence. “Sharjah has become a prime example of transforming capital into effective social and economic value, balancing economic strength with social stability,” he noted.