The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) announced huge foreign direct investment (FDI) figures for the first half of 2025, the strongest performance among all UAE emirates.
The emirate registered 74 projects, a 57% rise from 47 projects in the same period last year. Capital investment surged 361% to $1.5 billion, compared to $325 million in H1 2024. Job creation also grew by 45%, with 2,578 new positions generated against 1,779 a year earlier.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), attributed the growth to Sharjah’s vision of balanced development that prioritizes human wellbeing. She said the real impact of these figures lies in the opportunities created for people and the foundations laid for future generations.
“Through this investment we are strategically directing capital to unite ambition with community needs, merging culture and development to forge a resilient and adaptable model for sustainable growth”, Sheikha Bodour said.
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said the growth reflects the emirate’s strategic planning, stability and flexible regulations that appeal to both global and domestic investors. He noted that Sharjah’s FDI expansion has translated into stronger employment opportunities and wider economic participation.
February recorded the highest activity in both projects and capital inflows, setting a strong pace for the year. Consumer products led growth with a 53% rise in project count and 188% in investment. The F&B sector saw a 112% jump in projects and 25% increase in jobs, while business services posted a 500% increase in project activity and 1,100% growth in employment. Industrial equipment also grew, with project volume up 100% and capital expenditure 45% higher.
Key strategic projects announced include a residential community by Kuwait Real Estate Company, a polyethene film recycling plant by Italy’s Greenthesis Group, a logistics hub by India’s Gxpress, a gold jewellery facility by India’s Vinsmera Jewels, and an ICT training centre by Singapore’s G-TEC.
The figures, sourced from fDi Markets and the Financial Times’ database for cross-border investments, place Sharjah among the fastest-rising destinations for global capital inflows.