Sharjah Steps Up Efforts to Attract Global Brands and Expand Real Estate Investment Opportunities
Sharjah Chamber outlines plans to strengthen the property, retail and hospitality sectors through international exhibitions, business partnerships and closer coordination with government authorities.
Sharjah is looking to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for international businesses and investors, with new initiatives targeting the real estate, retail and hospitality sectors.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting key economic industries by giving greater responsibilities to its Sectoral Business Groups. The initiative aims to identify emerging investment opportunities, address industry challenges and encourage projects that contribute to the emirate's long-term economic development.
The priorities were discussed during a meeting chaired by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber, with members of the board of directors, senior officials and representatives from different business sectors.
Participants included representatives from the real estate, shopping mall, hotel, hotel apartment, manufacturing, food trading, used car and legal services industries. Government entities attending the meeting included the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, Sharjah Economic Development Department and Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
International brands and retail expansion among key priorities
One of the main areas discussed was the potential to attract additional international brands to Sharjah and create more opportunities for retailers seeking to enter the local market.
Abdullah Al Blooshi, Head of the Shopping Mall Sector Business Group, highlighted the positive performance of Sharjah's shopping centres, pointing to increased visitor numbers and sales activity.
To build on this momentum, the business group is planning a specialised exhibition that will introduce international brands to investment opportunities in the emirate. The initiative is expected to encourage new partnerships, broaden retail offerings and strengthen Sharjah's position as a shopping destination.
The proposed event would also provide a platform for local businesses and international retailers to explore potential market opportunities.
Real estate sector looks to expand its international reach
Sharjah's property market was another major focus of the discussions, with industry representatives highlighting the importance of maintaining investor confidence through effective regulations and a diverse range of development projects.
Hesham Saeed Khattab, a member of the representative committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group, pointed to the role of the emirate's regulatory framework in supporting market stability and encouraging investment.
He also highlighted the importance of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition, known as ACRES, in bringing property developers and investors together and presenting real estate opportunities across the emirate.
Looking ahead, the Real Estate Sector Business Group intends to increase its participation in international exhibitions to introduce Sharjah's property market to a wider audience and attract additional overseas investment.
These efforts reflect the sector's focus on expanding its international presence and creating stronger connections with potential investors.
Industrial development supports wider economic growth
The Chamber also reviewed progress in Sharjah's industrial sector, particularly the development of infrastructure and dedicated industrial areas.
Lalu Samuel, Head of the Industry Sector Business Group, explained that ongoing infrastructure improvements are helping businesses access facilities and services required to expand their operations.
The developments are intended to improve productivity, support manufacturing activities and enable industrial companies to respond more effectively to changing market requirements.
Food security-related industrial initiatives and opportunities to expand the international reach of local businesses were also among the priorities discussed.
Hospitality businesses receive operational support
The hotel and hospitality sectors were also highlighted during the meeting, with representatives discussing measures to improve operating conditions for establishments across the emirate.
Fadi Musharafieh, Head of the Hotel Sector Business Group, welcomed flexible payment arrangements introduced by Sharjah City Municipality and the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA).
The measures cover utility bills and parking fees and are intended to help hotel operators manage operating expenses and financial commitments more effectively.
Meanwhile, Hisham Al-Din Youssef, Head of the Hotel Apartments Business Group, stressed the importance of increasing awareness among operators about applicable regulations and operational standards.
He noted that stronger compliance efforts could contribute to improved service quality and help accommodation providers meet the expectations of visitors and guests.
Sharjah strengthens cooperation across business sectors
The meeting also addressed developments in the used automotive parts trade and legal services industries.
Khalid Batarfi, Head of the Used Car Trade Sectoral Business Group, highlighted Sharjah's position in the international export market for used automotive spare parts, with trade connections extending to France, Spain and several African countries.
In the legal sector, Mohamed Ali Al-Hammadi, Head of the Law Firms Sector Business Group, reported that the group's efforts to strengthen engagement between legal professionals and the Sharjah Judicial Department had achieved 80% of its target.
He also discussed the group's involvement in reviewing and drafting legislation related to the legal profession, alongside plans to improve cooperation with specialised research institutions and other business groups.
Chamber aims to strengthen Sharjah's investment environment
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais said the Chamber intends to continue supporting businesses and economic sectors through initiatives that improve competitiveness, encourage investment and help companies access new markets.
He emphasised the importance of economic diversification, investment incentives and stronger business capabilities as Sharjah responds to changing regional and international economic conditions.
By expanding cooperation between industry representatives and government authorities, the Chamber aims to turn sector-specific opportunities into practical initiatives that support sustainable growth.
For Sharjah's real estate and commercial property sectors, the planned international engagement and continued promotion of ACRES could provide additional opportunities to connect local developments with investors and businesses from overseas markets.
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