Page 326 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2025

3/18/25, 1:32 PM Sharjah’s Ramadan Majlis 2025 convenes leaders of government and key sectors
H.E. 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, Chairman of the
Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, 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.”

H.E. 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.

H.E 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
manufacturing sector, notably AED 826.4 million in 2024 alone. Recent investments, including three new
pharmaceutical factories worth AED 308.7 million; a AED 50 million investment from global glass
manufacturer PureGlass; and AED 40 million by IPT Energy; as examples, shows Sharjah’s appeal as

well as our commitment to innovation and growth.”

Commenting on the support of entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi,
CEO of Sheraa, highlighted Sheraa’s role in enhancing the startup ecosystem in Sharjah . “The
Ramadan Majlis is a yearly reminder of Sharjah's commitment to shaping the future through innovation,

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