Invest in Sharjah

What Invest in Sharjah does

Invest in Sharjah (legal entity: Sharjah FDI Office) is the official investment promotion agency of the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE, operating as a government-affiliated entity under the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Sharjah, the agency serves foreign direct investors — both enterprises and SMEs — seeking to establish or expand operations in Sharjah and the broader GCC market. It functions as a strategic bridge between global investors and Sharjah's economic ecosystem, providing market intelligence, bespoke advisory services, sector-specific facilitation, and aftercare support across key verticals including manufacturing, logistics, technology/innovation, healthcare, media/creative industries, and real estate.

The agency's product surface comprises a portfolio of digital platforms and physical service infrastructure. Its flagship digital offerings include the Invest in Sharjah website (primary gateway for investment intelligence), Sharjah AcquireHub (the region's first government-backed digital M&A platform, built in partnership with Transworld Business Advisors), the Sharjah Investment Tracker (interactive investment mapping tool), and the Innovate in Sharjah platform (AI/technology R&D gateway launched in March 2026). Operational service delivery is anchored by the SAEED Center (Sharjah Investors Services Center), a one-stop government services facility that has supported over 5,000 businesses since 2019. The agency has also deployed an AI-powered business license issuance system capable of issuing licenses within five minutes, and operates across six specialized free zones and 33 industrial zones through partner authorities.

Invest in Sharjah does not generate commercial revenue. As a government investment promotion agency, it provides advisory and facilitation services to investors at no direct cost, with operations funded through the Sharjah Government budget via Shurooq. Revenue generation is indirect, occurring through increased economic activity, business registrations, and investment flows that benefit Sharjah's free zones and broader economy. The agency pursues an enterprise field sales GTM motion via direct international business delegations, roadshows, and sector-specific events in target markets including the US, India, Japan, Mexico, Switzerland, Hong Kong, and the UK, supplemented by flagship events such as the annual Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) and Ramadan Majlis.

Name

Invest in Sharjah

Legal name

Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah)

Website

https://investinsharjah.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Invest in Sharjah is a government-affiliated investment promotion agency under Shurooq that facilitates foreign direct investment into the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. It serves global investors and SMEs with advisory services, digital platforms (including M&A and innovation gateways), and one-stop government services, operating at no direct cost to investors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Investment Promotion Services

NAICS

Miscellaneous Intermediation (52391), Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940)

SIC

International Affairs (9721), Investment Advice (6282)

akta.pro primary industry

Investment Promotion & FDI Facilitation (BPADAMAD)

Keywords

• Investment promotion services
• Foreign direct investment
• Investor facilitation advisory
• Business setup services
• Free zone licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Sharjah

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Investment Promotion Services: As a government-affiliated investment promotion agency (Sharjah FDI Office), Invest in Sharjah operates as a non-commercial entity providing investment facilitation services at no direct cost to investors. The agency is funded by the Sharjah Government through Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority) to drive economic diversification and FDI inflows into the emirate.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Invest in Sharjah (Sharjah FDI Office) is a government investment promotion agency that facilitates foreign direct investment into Sharjah by acting as the single point of contact for global investors. It provides market intelligence, sector opportunity mapping, end-to-end business setup advisory, licensing support through free zones and mainland, post-setup aftercare, and organizes international roadshows, business roundtables, and flagship events such as the Sharjah FDI Forum and Ramadan Majlis.

Product overview

Invest in Sharjah is the investment promotion agency of Sharjah, operating as a strategic partner for global investors. The agency's digital ecosystem comprises its core website portal (investinsharjah.ae) as the primary gateway for investment intelligence and advisory, supplemented by specialized digital platforms including Sharjah AcquireHub (M&A platform), the Sharjah Investment Tracker (investment mapping tool), and the Innovate in Sharjah platform (innovation gateway). Physical service delivery is provided through the SAEED Center (Sharjah Investors Services Center), offering government services under one roof. The portfolio also encompasses six specialized free zones (Hamriyah, SAIF Zone, SHAMS, SRTI Park, Sharjah Publishing City, Sharjah Healthcare City) that form part of the broader investment infrastructure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Invest in Sharjah Direct Investment Facilitation and Advisory Bespoke, multi-lingual advisory and aftercare service provided directly by Invest in Sharjah team to international investors evaluating or executing market entry into Sharjah. Covers market intelligence, opportunity mapping across sectors, free zone and mainland matching, regulatory guidance, step-by-step setup support, and post-establishment aftercare.
• Sharjah AcquireHub Region's first government-backed digital platform that streamlines mergers and acquisitions within Sharjah, offering seamless online registration, tailored advisory, due diligence support, and post-transaction assistance under strict confidentiality. Connects investors with high-potential acquisition opportunities in Sharjah, operated jointly with Transworld Business Advisors.
• Innovate in Sharjah Platform Centralized digital gateway offering facilities and incentives in artificial intelligence and technology to global innovators, R&D teams, and high-tech manufacturing stakeholders. Provides access to research infrastructure, laboratories, and innovation resources in Sharjah.
• AI-Powered Business License Issuance AI-driven business license issuance service that processes and issues a Sharjah business license within 5 minutes, available to investors setting up in free zones and the mainland under Invest in Sharjah's business setup services.
• Sharjah Investment Tracker Interactive investment mapping and tracking tool that visualizes opportunities across Sharjah's free zones and industrial areas, enabling prospective investors to evaluate locations and assets digitally before engaging advisory.
• SAEED Center (Sharjah Investors Services Center) First-of-its-kind integrated investor services facility in Sharjah delivering a complete range of government solutions (licensing, visas, and approvals) under one roof, enabling rapid business setup for investors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 45% year-on-year increase in FDI project count and 8.8% rise in capital investment to AED 7.74 billion in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments11 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Navis International Trade and ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 February 2026MoU signed between Invest in Sharjah and Navis International regarding the company's investment in Al Qasimia Industrial Area to establish a storage and distribution facility serving GCC markets. Reinforces Sharjah's position as a regional industrial and logistics hub.
• NokiacoreTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2026Strategic innovation MoU between Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) and Nokia focusing on knowledge exchange, advanced technology development, and AI-driven network innovation. Part of triple-helix collaboration model linking government, private sector, and academia.
• MicrosoftcoreTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2026Sheraa announced joining Microsoft's startup programme enabling Sheraa startups to access Azure credits of up to USD 150,000, Azure AI services, and advanced development tools to support their growth and scalability.
• Publicis Groupe, Accenture, Kearney, The Pearl Initiative, EYcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 February 2026Partnership with leading global institutions to deliver the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship, enabling participants to benefit from advanced expertise in leadership, business development, and innovation. First cohort graduated at Ramadan Majlis.
• AmCham Dubai (American Chamber of Commerce in Dubai)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 February 2026Co-host Business and Golf Day 2026 at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club to strengthen investment ties between Sharjah and the US business community. Event attended by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi and US Consul General Robert Raines. Partnership reflects shared belief that collaboration works best when personal, practical, and forward-looking. Supports aspiration for establishing 'AmCham Sharjah' to formalize US-Sharjah business relations.
• Indian Business Professional Council in SharjahcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2026Co-organized Sharjah-India Business Roundtable strengthening economic partnerships between Sharjah and India. Partnership leverages CEPA benefits and supports 45,000+ Indian companies operating in Sharjah.
• Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 January 2026Collaboration with CII for Sharjah-India Investment Roadshow across Ahmedabad and Chennai. CII representatives welcomed delegations and facilitated business connections in major Indian industrial cities.
• University of CambridgecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025Three-day Cambridge Leadership Delegation Program in collaboration with University of Cambridge. Senior Sharjah leaders in investment, business, research, and education traveled to UK for high-level exchange and knowledge-sharing through site visits, expert-led sessions, and strategic meetings.
• Oxford Business GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025MoU between Shurooq and Oxford Business Group to publish The Sharjah 2026 Report. Also MoU between Invest in Sharjah and Financial Times to support sectoral analysis and market-entry strategies. Launch of 'The Sharjah Model' report produced by Oxford Business Group.
• Financial TimescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 October 2025MoU between Invest in Sharjah and Financial Times to support sectoral analysis and market-entry strategies. Leveraging FT's fDi Markets data for cross-border greenfield investment insights.
• WAIPA (World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 September 2025Collaboration with WAIPA to co-organize SIF 2025 with the 29th edition of World Investment Conference (WIC), marking WIC's debut in Sharjah. Brings together global leaders and decision-makers to exchange insights and forge cross-border partnerships.
• UAE Ministry of InvestmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 September 2025Collaboration with UAE Ministry of Investment to co-organize SIF 2025, aligning national and emirate-level investment promotion efforts.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organisation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2025Collaboration with JETRO to organize 'Discover Sharjah' business seminar in Tokyo showcasing investment opportunities in technology, smart solutions, and advanced industries to Japanese business community. Part of 4-day visit to Japan meeting officials from Tokyo and Osaka chambers of commerce.
• CrewwminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2025Meeting with Creww in Tokyo, which supports growth of entrepreneurs through a smart platform. Discussions focused on potential joint projects and enabling access to Japanese financing models.
• Plug and Play JapanminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2025Meeting with Plug and Play Japan, a company specialized in driving innovation within large organizations to help them thrive in a fast-changing business landscape. Exploring collaboration opportunities in innovation ecosystem.
• Transworld Business AdvisorscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 26 May 2025Strategic partnership to develop and operate Sharjah AcquireHub, the region's first government-backed digital platform for M&A transactions. Transworld leads platform development, delivers M&A readiness workshops, and leads international roadshows to promote acquisition opportunities in Sharjah. Transworld completed over 2,500 transactions in 2024 globally.
• Mexican Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 April 2025Co-organized Sharjah-Mexico Business Roundtable at House of Wisdom to identify strategic growth opportunities in SME financing, logistics, real estate, and automotive manufacturing. UAE-Mexico mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025.
• Hong Kong Science and Technology ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2025Visit to Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (330,000 sqm, 2,200+ tech companies from 25 countries) during InnoEX 2025. Discussions focused on collaboration in startup incubation and acceleration, and co-hosting industry events.
• Cyberport Hong KongminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2025Visit to Cyberport, a leading government-led innovation hub nurturing Hong Kong's digital economy. Explored opportunities to drive investment in digital transformation and empower emerging innovators.
• Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2025MoU between Sheraa and Emarat to facilitate startups' access to funding and investment opportunities, strengthen entrepreneurship programmes in edtech, sustainability, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.
• Alef GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 March 2025MoU between Invest in Sharjah and Alef Group to highlight opportunities in Sharjah's expanding freehold property market and support emirate's vision for sustainable growth and innovation.
• Consulate General of the UAE in GenevacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025Co-hosted business roundtable at The Chedi Al Bait Hotel bringing together government officials, business council representatives, and investors from Sharjah and Neuchâtel, Switzerland. Strengthened bilateral ties in manufacturing and technology.
• Neuchâtel Service of the Economy (NECO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2025Partnership with NECO to explore collaboration between Sharjah and Neuchâtel in precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare innovation. Neuchâtel has 300+ years of precision engineering heritage.
• Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose partnership with Sheraa, Sharjah's leading startup support organization providing incubators, accelerator programmes, and annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. Supports innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI/SPARK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerClose partnership with SRTI Park, a world-class innovation ecosystem promoting R&D and supporting collaboration between industry, government, and academia. Home to tech-focused SMEs, multinationals, and startups.
• GulftainercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Gulftainer, a leading port and logistics company operating at Sharjah's ports. Enables UAE manufacturers to access global markets with speed and reliability.
• Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvest in Sharjah operates as an affiliate of Shurooq, the independent body mandated to oversee social, cultural, environmental, and economic development of Sharjah. Shurooq named FDI Agency of the Year 2013-2014.
• Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and IndustrycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing collaboration with SCCI on business events, roundtables, and investor support. Chamber facilitates market entry and helps build business networks.
• Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with UAE's second largest industrial free zone home to 6,500+ businesses from 163 countries. Offers air, sea, and land access to domestic and regional markets.
• Sharjah Media City (SHAMS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with SHAMS, a world-class media hub launched in 2017 for creative and media businesses. Issues business licenses in 60 minutes with 70% startup retention rate.
• BEEAHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with BEEAH, a sustainability pioneer and environmental services company. Contributes to Sharjah's zero waste-to-landfill target and sustainable city initiatives.

Scale indicators30 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• IDA Ireland: Ireland's foreign direct investment agency, globally recognized for winning tech and pharmaceutical greenfield investment. Comparable in mandate (FDI attraction with sector specialization) and useful as a model for Sharjah's targeting of advanced manufacturing and innovation FDI.
• Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB): Among the world's most established and successful IPAs, with a sophisticated sector-focused investment promotion playbook (manufacturing, digital economy, sustainability). A benchmark for agency capability and global outreach, though operating in a far larger and more developed ecosystem than Sharjah.
• MISA (Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia's national investment promotion ministry, operating at national scale under Vision 2030. Competes head-to-head for FDI in manufacturing, logistics, tech, and tourism, with a vastly larger budget and sovereign capital toolkit.
• Invest Hong Kong: Hong Kong's investment promotion department, focused on attracting multinational regional headquarters and financial / professional services FDI. Recently deepened ties with Sharjah via joint visits (HKSTP, Cyberport), reflecting parallel innovation-promotion mandates.

Regional players

• Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA): Kuwait's national IPA responsible for attracting and regulating foreign investment. Smaller mandate but directly comparable as a GCC sovereign-backed promotion agency competing for the same regional FDI pool.
• Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB): Bahrain's investment promotion authority, historically focused on financial services and ICT FDI in the GCC. Comparable mandate and scale, competing for regional headquarters and shared-services investments.
• Invest Oman (Oman Investment Authority): Oman's national investment promotion vehicle, increasingly active in attracting FDI into logistics, tourism, manufacturing, and renewables. A comparable GCC economy pursuing diversification away from hydrocarbons.
• Invest Qatar: Qatar's investment promotion agency, focused on attracting FDI across sectors tied to Qatar National Vision 2030. A comparable GCC IPA targeting similar industrial and knowledge-economy investors from outside the region.

Direct peers

• Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO): The investment promotion agency of Abu Dhabi, the UAE's largest emirate and direct competitor for foreign capital. Operates a similar mandate to attract FDI into strategic sectors (tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare), with a larger sovereign-wealth-fund-backed incentive toolkit.
• Dubai FDI (Dubai Investment Development Agency): Dubai's official investment promotion agency. Most direct competitor within the UAE, leveraging Dubai's global brand, financial center (DIFC), and aviation hub (Emirates/DXB) to attract the same pool of foreign investors Sharjah targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/investinsharjah
• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=Jb7p_-qm4Zg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Invest in Sharjah