Page 311 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

3/18/25, 2:13 PM Sharjah Ramadan Majlis discusses ways to develop economy - Eye of Dubai
well as leaders and experts from diverse sectors including investment, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and
entrepreneurship.

The Majlis also included the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Invest in Sharjah and SRTI Park,
Sheraa and Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), and between Invest in Sharjah and Alef Group aimed at
enhancing innovation and the entrepreneurship ecosystem as well as opportunities in the emirate’s property sector

respectively.

The main focus of the Ramadan Majlis was on devising strategies to enhance the manufacturing sector by examining
opportunities and challenges through an open discussion with leading figures. These efforts, while spotlighting exemplary
models and success stories, reinforce Sharjah’s expanding influence within the regional and global industrial arena, and the

emirate currently accounts for 35% of the UAE's total industrial output, underscoring its status in driving national industrial
growth and competitiveness.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade discussed the significant economic status the UAE has
achieved globally, highlighting the country’s comprehensive network of partnerships, agreements, and cooperation protocols
across various sectors, stating, “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.”

On behalf of Sharjah’s Economic Integration Committee, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, who leads the committee, said: “Sharjah's
economy is doing incredibly well and is evolving at an impressive pace, with our GDP now over AED 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.”

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, outlined the authority’s efforts in integrating sustainability into tourism and
hospitality projects, promoting economic growth and environmental conservation, saying: “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.

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, discussed the emirate’s initiatives in attracting industrial investments,

providing businesses with a supportive ecosystem and competitive advantages. “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

https://www.eyeofdubai.ae/news/details/sharjah-ramadan-majlis-discusses-ways-to-develop-economy 2/3