Sharjah’s Ramadan Majlis 2025 convened on Thursday in Mleiha, thereby drawing influential leaders to explore the emirate’s industrial future and, in turn, boost regional and local economic growth—especially in manufacturing. Moreover, esteemed figures such as Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; and Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah’s Department of Government Relations, actively participated in the discussions.
Under the vibrant theme “Sharjah: Shaping the Future, Empowering Growth,” organizers—including Shurooq, the Sharjah FDI Office, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park)—united senior officials from the UAE Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Sharjah’s Economic Integration Committee. Furthermore, leaders from investment, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurship sectors joined forces to drive progress and sustainability.
Additionally, key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed at the event further solidified Sharjah’s commitment to innovation and business development. For instance, Invest in Sharjah and SRTI Park set the stage for enhanced innovation; similarly, Sheraa and Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat) forged a partnership to advance the entrepreneurship ecosystem. In addition, Invest in Sharjah and Alef Group collaborated to expand opportunities in the property sector.
Bodour Al Qasimi stresses focus on Sharjah heritage
During her welcoming address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi stressed that the Majlis served as a dynamic platform for uniting government entities and stakeholders. Consequently, she stated, “Sharjah’s future depends on thoughtfully integrating innovation with sustainability. Therefore, our heritage must guide our progress rather than limit it. Thus, the Ramadan Majlis creates a vibrant space for dialogue, where every partnership and idea brings us closer to a resilient and inclusive future.”
Subsequently, participants honed in on strategies to accelerate industrial growth and transform the manufacturing sector. For example, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE’s robust global economic presence, which is supported by an extensive network of partnerships and agreements. Likewise, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, leading Sharjah’s Economic Integration Committee, celebrated the emirate’s thriving economy. He noted that Sharjah’s GDP now exceeds AED 145 billion—3.5% above the global average—and accordingly praised the private sector for its remarkable achievements.
Furthermore, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh and Hussain Al Mahmoudi propelled innovation by signing an MoU between Invest in Sharjah and SRTI Park. As a result, their collaboration launched the ‘Innovate in Sharjah’ platform—a digital gateway that offers cutting-edge facilities and incentives in artificial intelligence and technology. Similarly, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, and Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Emarat, sealed an agreement to help startups secure funding and access investment opportunities in sectors such as edtech, sustainability, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.
In conclusion, the Majlis showcased Sharjah’s unwavering commitment to sustainable industrial growth and, consequently, forged vital partnerships that empower innovation and entrepreneurship across the UAE.
