Bodour: Sharjah shows investors follow credibility, not incentives

Before seeking inflows, she says the emirate built institutions and infrastructure

- BY NIVETHA DAYANAND Assistant Business Editor

Foreign investors are drawn to markets that offer credibility and clarity, not just opportunity, according to Shaikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

Speaking at the Sharjah Investment Forum 2025, she said the emirate’s experience shows that “capital today does not simply chase markets; it follows credibility, clarity and long-term value.”

Sharjah’s strategy

Sharjah, she explained, focused on building institutions and infrastructure before seeking inflows.

“History shows us that when governments invest in their own people, institutions and infrastructure, foreign capital follows,” she said.

“Instead of relying on incentives, we built a robust ecosystem, strengthened institutions, improved infrastructure and ensured regulatory predictability and agility.”