Subtitle: The emirate aims to increase foreign direct investment by 20% in 2026, supported by a $2 billion port expansion, airport capacity upgrades, Etihad Rail connectivity and the launch of an AI-powered platform to help investors identify opportunities.
Sharjah is targeting AED 9.24 billion ($2.5 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2026, as the emirate steps up efforts to attract international capital despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Strategic infrastructure projects, expanded logistics capabilities and new artificial intelligence tools are central to its plans to strengthen its position as an investment destination in the UAE.
The emirate attracted AED 7.7 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, representing an increase of 8.8 per cent compared with 2024. Its latest target would mark a 20 per cent year-on-year increase, according to Mohamed Al Musharrakh, chief executive of the Sharjah FDI Office, also known as Invest in Sharjah.
Speaking to Arabian Business at the Sharjah Investment Forum on Wednesday, Al Musharrakh said the emirate was focusing on strategic sectors expected to contribute to its long-term economic development, including logistics and transport, light manufacturing, technology and hospitality.
Sharjah is also promoting its geographic position, multimodal transport links and industrial infrastructure to attract investors from markets across India, Europe and the United States.
Sharjah Leverages Strategic Location to Attract Investors
Sharjah is positioning its access to both the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean as a competitive advantage for international businesses seeking efficient routes for trade and distribution.
The emirate’s geographic reach, combined with its ports, airport and developing rail connectivity, provides opportunities for businesses operating across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics.
Al Musharrakh highlighted the importance of accessibility and industrial property ownership in the emirate’s investment proposition.
“It’s the location and accessibility to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Having ports on both sides of the UAE gives us a competitive advantage. Plus the Qassimia Industrial Area that offers freehold ownership,” he said.
Sharjah’s investment promotion strategy is designed to attract companies seeking access to regional markets while benefiting from infrastructure that connects maritime, air and land transport networks.
$2 Billion Port Expansion to Strengthen Logistics Infrastructure
A major part of Sharjah’s investment strategy is a planned $2 billion expansion of its port infrastructure across Khor Fakkan and the emirate’s inland logistics network.
The programme includes new berths, yard equipment and the development of dry ports in Al Dhaid and Sajaa. These projects are intended to expand cargo-handling capacity and improve the movement of goods between maritime gateways and inland industrial areas.
Khor Fakkan, located on the UAE’s east coast along the Gulf of Oman, offers maritime access that does not require vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Its location has increased its strategic importance as the UAE looks to maintain trade flows amid regional disruptions.
Speaking at the Sharjah Investment Forum, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq said the port demonstrated how infrastructure could help the country adapt to changing circumstances.
“During the recent regional developments, this alternative capacity has ensured the continuity of trade flows,” he said.
The port’s location, alongside the UAE’s broader logistics network, offers businesses an additional route for transporting goods to international markets. Fujairah, another major port on the country’s east coast, also plays an important role in supporting maritime connectivity outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Inland Dry Ports and Etihad Rail Create New Opportunities
Sharjah is also seeking to attract investment into its inland logistics facilities, particularly in Al Dhaid and Sajaa, where new developments are expected to support freight movement, warehousing and industrial activity.
Al Musharrakh said the projects were already generating interest from businesses looking to expand their logistics and transportation operations.
“We are receiving a lot of inquiries from the logistics and transportation sector because of the Khor Fakkan port and Etihad Rail is also coming to Sajaa. It’s adding value not just to Sharjah and the UAE, but to the region,” he said.
The development of rail connectivity could strengthen links between ports, industrial areas and distribution centres, potentially making the emirate more attractive to companies seeking integrated freight solutions.
Al Musharrakh also said the inland logistics hubs were open to investment, creating opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand operations in the sector.
For Sharjah, combining port capacity with inland infrastructure is an important part of building a more connected logistics ecosystem and attracting long-term private investment.
Sharjah Airport Expansion Targets 25 Million Passengers
Alongside its maritime and rail projects, Sharjah is expanding the capacity of its international airport to accommodate up to 25 million passengers.
According to Al Musharrakh, the project remains on track for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The expansion is expected to support the emirate’s growing connectivity and strengthen its ability to accommodate additional passenger traffic as demand for travel and business activity develops.
Improved airport capacity could also complement Sharjah’s wider investment strategy by supporting tourism, hospitality and other sectors that depend on international access.
Together, the airport upgrade, port expansion and planned rail connections form part of the infrastructure investment underpinning the emirate’s ambition to attract more foreign capital.
Sharjah Launches AI Platform to Help Investors Find Opportunities
Sharjah is also turning to artificial intelligence to simplify the process of identifying investment opportunities.
At the Sharjah Investment Forum, Invest in Sharjah launched Najm, an AI-powered platform designed to help investors identify suitable land plots for industrial, logistics and warehousing projects based on their budgets and requirements.
The tool is intended to make it easier for international businesses to assess potential locations without having to navigate multiple sources of property and investment information separately.
“It will definitely ease the process of investment and speed it up,” Al Musharrakh said.
Najm was developed in partnership with the Sharjah Department of Town Planning, property portals Bayut and Property Finder, and e-commerce platform Dubizzle.
The initiative forms part of Sharjah’s broader effort to make investment procedures more accessible and improve the experience for companies considering establishing operations in the emirate.
“Our goal is to ease the process of doing business in the emirate,” Al Musharrakh said.
Najm Platform to Expand into More Sectors
The AI platform is scheduled to expand in stages, with additional government data and sector-specific opportunities expected to be incorporated over time.
In its second phase, planned for the following two months, Najm is expected to integrate information from the Sharjah Department of Economic Development and the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.
The additional data is intended to provide investors with a broader understanding of the requirements and opportunities associated with establishing a business in the emirate.
A third phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, is expected to extend the platform beyond its initial focus on real estate, logistics and industrial land.
Planned additional sectors include education, healthcare and technology, potentially allowing investors to explore a wider range of opportunities through a single digital platform.
The phased rollout reflects Sharjah’s efforts to combine investment promotion with digital tools that can help businesses identify locations and assess potential projects more efficiently.
Sharjah’s Investment Ambitions Extend Beyond Logistics
Although transport and logistics remain central to Sharjah’s investment strategy, the emirate is also seeking to attract capital into technology, manufacturing, hospitality and other sectors that can support economic diversification.
The expansion of infrastructure, together with the introduction of AI-powered investment services, is intended to make the emirate more accessible to international investors and encourage the development of new commercial activities.
Sharjah’s target of AED 9.24 billion in FDI for 2026 represents an ambitious increase on the AED 7.7 billion recorded in the previous year. Achieving that goal will depend on its ability to convert investor interest into committed capital and operational projects.
For now, the emirate is pursuing a strategy that combines physical infrastructure with digital investment tools. From Khor Fakkan’s maritime access and the development of inland logistics hubs to the airport expansion and Najm platform, Sharjah is seeking to build a more connected and diversified investment environment.
Sharjah is targeting AED 9.24 billion ($2.5 billion) in foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2026, as the emirate steps up efforts to attract international capital despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Strategic infrastructure projects, expanded logistics capabilities and new artificial intelligence tools are central to its plans to strengthen its position as an investment destination in the UAE.
The emirate attracted AED 7.7 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, representing an increase of 8.8 per cent compared with 2024. Its latest target would mark a 20 per cent year-on-year increase, according to Mohamed Al Musharrakh, chief executive of the Sharjah FDI Office, also known as Invest in Sharjah.
Speaking to Arabian Business at the Sharjah Investment Forum on Wednesday, Al Musharrakh said the emirate was focusing on strategic sectors expected to contribute to its long-term economic development, including logistics and transport, light manufacturing, technology and hospitality.
Sharjah is also promoting its geographic position, multimodal transport links and industrial infrastructure to attract investors from markets across India, Europe and the United States.
Sharjah Leverages Strategic Location to Attract Investors
Sharjah is positioning its access to both the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean as a competitive advantage for international businesses seeking efficient routes for trade and distribution.
The emirate’s geographic reach, combined with its ports, airport and developing rail connectivity, provides opportunities for businesses operating across manufacturing, warehousing and logistics.
Al Musharrakh highlighted the importance of accessibility and industrial property ownership in the emirate’s investment proposition.
“It’s the location and accessibility to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Having ports on both sides of the UAE gives us a competitive advantage. Plus the Qassimia Industrial Area that offers freehold ownership,” he said.
Sharjah’s investment promotion strategy is designed to attract companies seeking access to regional markets while benefiting from infrastructure that connects maritime, air and land transport networks.
$2 Billion Port Expansion to Strengthen Logistics Infrastructure
A major part of Sharjah’s investment strategy is a planned $2 billion expansion of its port infrastructure across Khor Fakkan and the emirate’s inland logistics network.
The programme includes new berths, yard equipment and the development of dry ports in Al Dhaid and Sajaa. These projects are intended to expand cargo-handling capacity and improve the movement of goods between maritime gateways and inland industrial areas.
Khor Fakkan, located on the UAE’s east coast along the Gulf of Oman, offers maritime access that does not require vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Its location has increased its strategic importance as the UAE looks to maintain trade flows amid regional disruptions.
Speaking at the Sharjah Investment Forum, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq said the port demonstrated how infrastructure could help the country adapt to changing circumstances.
“During the recent regional developments, this alternative capacity has ensured the continuity of trade flows,” he said.
The port’s location, alongside the UAE’s broader logistics network, offers businesses an additional route for transporting goods to international markets. Fujairah, another major port on the country’s east coast, also plays an important role in supporting maritime connectivity outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Inland Dry Ports and Etihad Rail Create New Opportunities
Sharjah is also seeking to attract investment into its inland logistics facilities, particularly in Al Dhaid and Sajaa, where new developments are expected to support freight movement, warehousing and industrial activity.
Al Musharrakh said the projects were already generating interest from businesses looking to expand their logistics and transportation operations.
“We are receiving a lot of inquiries from the logistics and transportation sector because of the Khor Fakkan port and Etihad Rail is also coming to Sajaa. It’s adding value not just to Sharjah and the UAE, but to the region,” he said.
The development of rail connectivity could strengthen links between ports, industrial areas and distribution centres, potentially making the emirate more attractive to companies seeking integrated freight solutions.
Al Musharrakh also said the inland logistics hubs were open to investment, creating opportunities for businesses looking to establish or expand operations in the sector.
For Sharjah, combining port capacity with inland infrastructure is an important part of building a more connected logistics ecosystem and attracting long-term private investment.
Sharjah Airport Expansion Targets 25 Million Passengers
Alongside its maritime and rail projects, Sharjah is expanding the capacity of its international airport to accommodate up to 25 million passengers.
According to Al Musharrakh, the project remains on track for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The expansion is expected to support the emirate’s growing connectivity and strengthen its ability to accommodate additional passenger traffic as demand for travel and business activity develops.
Improved airport capacity could also complement Sharjah’s wider investment strategy by supporting tourism, hospitality and other sectors that depend on international access.
Together, the airport upgrade, port expansion and planned rail connections form part of the infrastructure investment underpinning the emirate’s ambition to attract more foreign capital.
Sharjah Launches AI Platform to Help Investors Find Opportunities
Sharjah is also turning to artificial intelligence to simplify the process of identifying investment opportunities.
At the Sharjah Investment Forum, Invest in Sharjah launched Najm, an AI-powered platform designed to help investors identify suitable land plots for industrial, logistics and warehousing projects based on their budgets and requirements.
The tool is intended to make it easier for international businesses to assess potential locations without having to navigate multiple sources of property and investment information separately.
“It will definitely ease the process of investment and speed it up,” Al Musharrakh said.
Najm was developed in partnership with the Sharjah Department of Town Planning, property portals Bayut and Property Finder, and e-commerce platform Dubizzle.
The initiative forms part of Sharjah’s broader effort to make investment procedures more accessible and improve the experience for companies considering establishing operations in the emirate.
“Our goal is to ease the process of doing business in the emirate,” Al Musharrakh said.
Najm Platform to Expand into More Sectors
The AI platform is scheduled to expand in stages, with additional government data and sector-specific opportunities expected to be incorporated over time.
In its second phase, planned for the following two months, Najm is expected to integrate information from the Sharjah Department of Economic Development and the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.
The additional data is intended to provide investors with a broader understanding of the requirements and opportunities associated with establishing a business in the emirate.
A third phase, scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, is expected to extend the platform beyond its initial focus on real estate, logistics and industrial land.
Planned additional sectors include education, healthcare and technology, potentially allowing investors to explore a wider range of opportunities through a single digital platform.
The phased rollout reflects Sharjah’s efforts to combine investment promotion with digital tools that can help businesses identify locations and assess potential projects more efficiently.
Sharjah’s Investment Ambitions Extend Beyond Logistics
Although transport and logistics remain central to Sharjah’s investment strategy, the emirate is also seeking to attract capital into technology, manufacturing, hospitality and other sectors that can support economic diversification.
The expansion of infrastructure, together with the introduction of AI-powered investment services, is intended to make the emirate more accessible to international investors and encourage the development of new commercial activities.
Sharjah’s target of AED 9.24 billion in FDI for 2026 represents an ambitious increase on the AED 7.7 billion recorded in the previous year. Achieving that goal will depend on its ability to convert investor interest into committed capital and operational projects.
For now, the emirate is pursuing a strategy that combines physical infrastructure with digital investment tools. From Khor Fakkan’s maritime access and the development of inland logistics hubs to the airport expansion and Najm platform, Sharjah is seeking to build a more connected and diversified investment environment.
