Sharjah expands its output base, local economy with notable growth

HI 2025 performance report reveals considerable growth across key sectors, driven by strategic FDI and a vision for sustainable, diversified development

- Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Following its recent recognition as the UAE's fastest-growing emirate for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first half of 2025, Sharjah is continuing to demonstrate notable economic returns from this influx of capital.

The new performance data from HI 2025 confirms that these investments are actively expanding the project pipeline, driving job creation, and fortifying the emirate's industrial base; particularly across consumer products, food and beverage, business services, and industrial equipment.

This performance is widely seen as a direct indicator of strengthening investor confidence and underscores Sharjah's effective strategy in channelling foreign investment into sustainable economic development. Senior officials have noted that the current trajectory reinforces Sharjah's role as a competitive and reliable investment hub, while positioning its economy for long-term resilience and diversified growth.

Sharjah's economic momentum has yielded dramatic results in the first half of 2025, with capital investment soaring to $1.5 billion, a 361% increase compared to the $325 million recorded in the same period last year, and accompanied by 74 new projects, a 57% rise from the 47 projects in HI 2024. In parallel, employment saw a notable boost with 2,578 new jobs created, marking a 45% increase from 1,779 positions in HI 2024, with the majority concentrated in production and service-based sectors that support Sharjah's strategy for sustainable growth and a skilled, high-value workforce.