WAIPA’s World Investment Conference 2025 to take place in Sharjah, UAE, 22-24 October 2025
Host Agreement signed in the presence of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi
The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) has announced the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC) will be hosted by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment. Marking its debut in Sharjah, the event will be conducted under a shared agenda with the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), which will take place from October 22 to 24.
“Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity — they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah,” said CEO and Executive Director of WAIPA Ismail Ersahin.
“This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA’s legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah’s hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment,” he added.
For more than 28 years, WIC has served as the largest and most prestigious gathering of its kind, offering a unique platform for IPAs, ministers, CEOs, policymakers, and international institutions to build relationships, share knowledge and forge meaningful partnerships. By connecting FDI professionals from across the globe, WIC aims to foster investment strategies that fuel sustainable economic growth.
This year’s WIC holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes.
The 2025 edition of WIC will offer multiple conference tracks, all designed to deepen the understanding of investment policies and best practices through expert-led discussions and hands-on learning experiences.
This international collaboration was officially formalised through a “Host Agreement” in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the WIC Executive Board, WAIPA. Signatories to the agreement included H.E. Mohammed Abdul Rahman Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA.
Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate’s status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment, and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.”
Dr. James Zhan , Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference emphasized that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world’s top 15 investment destinations.
The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum—bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy.
About World Investment Conference
Since its inception in 1995, WIC has been the flagship event of WAIPA, serving as a premier platform for dialogue on global investment trends. It brings together decision-makers, senior government officials, and international investors from around the world countries to examine key economic developments that affect FDI flows and explore new avenues for global cooperation and economic integration. The agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, ambassador-investor discussions, and networking activities that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.
About WAIPA
With 130+ member IPAs representing over 110 nations, WAIPA serves as the primary agency promoting investment promotion and facilitation. By encouraging FDI and highlighting the role of its members, WAIPA continues to drive global economic growth and development.
For more information, please contact: Courtney Fingar, Senior Adviser – Communications, WAIPA [email protected]
