The Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025 was held in Mleiha, bringing together key government leaders and experts to discuss Sharjah’s industrial future and its role in regional and local economic growth.
The event, which focused on manufacturing and economic development, was attended by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; and Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah.
Innovation and sustainability
In her opening address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted the importance of the Majlis in fostering collaboration among government entities and stakeholders.
She said: “Sharjah’s future depends on our ability to thoughtfully integrate innovation with sustainability, ensuring our heritage informs our progress, rather than limits it. The Ramadan Majlis symbolises this commitment, serving as a dynamic space for dialogue where we collectively explore pathways to inclusive growth. Each partnership formed and each idea shared moves us closer to a future that honours our values, supports entrepreneurs, and creates lasting economic resilience for generations to come.”
Sharjah’s manufacturing growth
A major focus of the event was examining strategies to boost Sharjah’s manufacturing sector, which is a key driver of the emirate’s economic growth. With 35% of the UAE’s total industrial output, Sharjah plays a major role in the region’s industrial landscape.
‘CEPA agreements are opening new trade doors’
Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, emphasized the importance of international trade agreements in driving Sharjah’s industrial growth.
He stated: “The CEPA agreements are opening new doors for manufacturers in Sharjah, making trade an even more significant driver of our economy. As we connect our markets to emerging economies in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, for example, we are greatly expanding our reach and actively shaping a strong global trade system. We’re already witnessing a surge of global interest in Sharjah, as it continues to attract businesses from around the world, and by leveraging these agreements, our manufacturers can tap into new markets, diversify their export portfolio, and position themselves at the forefront of global trade.”
Sharjah’s economic growth
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, discussed the impressive economic growth of Sharjah and the increasing investment opportunities in the emirate.
He said: “Sharjah’s economy is doing incredibly well and is evolving at an impressive pace, with our GDP now over Dhs 145 billion, surpassing the global average by 3.5%. We’re immensely proud of the businesses that have found their home in Sharjah, especially those in the private sector, that have been the backbone of our economy for over a decade, and there is a reason why global giants such as Halliburton and Amazon have shown their confidence by investing in our emirate. Our primary mission is to ensure greater integration and involvement within the government, recognising that we can’t view business in isolation.”
Sustainable economic development
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, spoke about the authority’s focus on integrating sustainability in Sharjah’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
He said: “At Shurooq, we champion Sharjah’s sustainability goals, believing they are central to our emirate’s future. Our cultural conservation efforts preserve heritage while meeting modern tourism demands, and with tourism playing a significant role in Sharjah’s economy and experiencing steady growth in hotel guests, sustainable tourism has proven to be a key driver of economic diversification.”
Industrial investment
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, discussed the emirate’s efforts to attract industrial investments and create a supportive business ecosystem.
He stated: “Sharjah’s manufacturing journey began in the 1970s and has grown into a thriving ecosystem, with manufacturing now the second-largest contributor to our GDP. Our emirate has 20 industrial areas, 7 free zones, and over 2,900 factories, attracting significant investments within the manufacturing sector, notably Dhs 826.4 million in 2024 alone. Recent investments, including three new pharmaceutical factories worth Dhs 308.7 million; a Dhs 50 million investment from global glass manufacturer PureGlass; and Dhs 40 million by IPT Energy; as examples, shows Sharjah’s appeal as well as our commitment to innovation and growth.”
Supporting entrepreneurs and innovation
Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized the role of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) in supporting startups and fostering innovation.
She said: “The Ramadan Majlis is a yearly reminder of Sharjah’s commitment to shaping the future through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. As we gather again, we celebrate our ecosystem’s progress and the entrepreneurs’ boundless potential to drive meaningful change. At Sheraa, we remain committed to empowering these changemakers and providing them with the support, resources, and community they need to scale their impact. Together, we continue to build a future where Sharjah is a global hub for talent, opportunity, and sustainable growth.”
Industrial innovation
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, explained how the park encourages collaboration between research institutions and the private sector to advance industrial innovation.
He stated: “SRTI Park is a platform where collaboration is the foundation of progress. Partnership sits at the core of our mission where we bridge institutions and companies in the private sector by aligning R&D, skills, resources, and vision to empower industrial innovation. By fostering synergies between cutting-edge research and market-driven enterprises, we facilitate scalable solutions that transform ideas into economic value.”
New partnerships
The Majlis also saw the signing of three important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at further enhancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth in Sharjah.
- An MoU was signed between Invest in Sharjah and SRTI Park to launch the ‘Innovate in Sharjah’ platform, which will offer resources, infrastructure, and incentives in technology and AI.
- Sheraa partnered with Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat) to support startups in accessing funding and investment opportunities.
- Another MoU was signed between Invest in Sharjah and Alef Group to further develop the emirate’s property sector.
The Majlis took place in Mleiha, a region known for its archaeological significance, which now plays a key role in Sharjah’s investment and economic transformation.
The area represents Sharjah’s blend of rich history and forward-looking development, including initiatives like the Sharjah Wheat Farm and the recently launched Dairy Farm, which showcase the emirate’s commitment to food security and sustainable investment.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
