Sharjah India Investment Roadshow concluded a two-day visit to Ahmedabad and Chennai, as officials from the emirate’s Department of Government Relations sought to expand investment ties across technology, services, industry, and culture. The delegation reported more than 100 Indian foreign direct investment projects implemented in Sharjah during 2025, valued at nearly USD 3 billion, alongside AED 6.1 billion in Indian real estate transactions in the emirate during the first nine months of 2025.
The roadshow was organised by the Department of Government Relations in collaboration with Invest in Sharjah and the Confederation of Indian Industry. It forms part of Sharjah’s wider strategy to deepen bilateral economic engagement with India, one of the UAE’s largest trade partners.
Economic Context: Growing Sharjah India Investment Flows
Sharjah India Investment Roadshow takes place against the backdrop of expanding commercial ties between the two markets. According to figures released by the organisers, Indian investments generated more than 3,600 jobs in Sharjah over the past five years. Indian investors also recorded AED 6.1 billion in property transactions in Sharjah during the first nine months of 2025.
Officials stated that nearly 45,786 Indian companies operate across Sharjah’s free zones and mainland. These figures were disclosed in official statements during the visit and have not been independently verified.
The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and India has further reduced trade barriers and is cited by business groups as contributing to increased bilateral investment flows.
Delegation, Composition, and Programme
The Sharjah delegation was headed by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations and the Higher Committee for Economic Integration in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Other members included Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; Marwan Saleh Alichla, Director of Investment Promotion and Support at Invest in Sharjah; Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone; and Mohammed Bani Hammad, Director of Business Development Sector at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park.
Business seminars were hosted in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry in both Chennai and Ahmedabad. In Chennai, the delegation met Ajit Chordia, Chairman of CII Chennai Zone and Managing Director of Olympia Group India. In Ahmedabad, Sunil Dave, Convenor of the CII Gujarat State Panel on International Trade and Exports Collaboration and Managing Director of BC Instruments India Pvt Ltd, received the delegation.
Panel discussions titled “Investment Opportunities in Sharjah” were held in both cities, outlining opportunities across industry, logistics, technology, and the creative sectors. Organisers also highlighted Sharjah’s connectivity, noting that the emirate facilitates 110 weekly flights to 13 major Indian destinations.
Statements From Officials
In his keynote remarks, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said: “The dynamic industries of Chennai and Ahmedabad – spanning automotive, engineering, technology, and manufacturing – reflect the same ambition we see in Sharjah. This makes both cities natural partners for expanding investment and fostering long-term economic cooperation.”
Mohamed Juma Al Musharrakh stated, “India is not only a major trade partner for Sharjah; it is also a long-standing and trusted investment partner. Today, nearly 45,786 Indian companies operate across Sharjah’s free zones and mainland, contributing significantly to our economy.”
He added: “Through this roadshow, our objective is clear: to translate our intent into concrete partnerships and support more Indian companies in scaling regionally and globally from Sharjah.”
Representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry said the visit demonstrates the strength of bilateral economic ties and provides a platform to enhance cooperation in industrial and technological sectors.
Sector Focus And Investment Data
According to figures shared during the roadshow, more than 100 Indian FDI projects were implemented in Sharjah during 2025, valued at nearly USD 3 billion. The sectors discussed during meetings included advanced industries, digital transformation, research and development, and smart solutions.
Officials also noted growing interest from Indian publishers in establishing operations in Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park was presented as an ecosystem supporting companies seeking access to Middle East and Africa markets.
Strategic Positioning Within the Gulf India Trade Corridor
Sharjah India Investment Roadshow reflects the emirate’s efforts to secure a larger share of Gulf-India capital flows, particularly in manufacturing, technology, and services. With India remaining one of the UAE’s top trade partners, sub-national engagement through targeted roadshows signals a more sector-specific approach to investment attraction.
The reported scale of Indian corporate presence in Sharjah, alongside real estate and FDI figures, indicates sustained bilateral engagement. However, detailed breakdowns of sector allocation, capital deployment timelines, and realised economic output were not disclosed during the visit.
As Sharjah advances its knowledge-based economic strategy, sustained engagement with Indian industrial and technology hubs such as Chennai and Ahmedabad is likely to remain a priority within the broader UAE-India economic framework.
–Input WAM
