For immediate release
Sharjah, October 22, 2025
High-level event inaugurated by H.H. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi,
featuring Dr Mohamed El-Erian, global ministers and top business figures
The 29th World Investment Conference (WIC 2025) officially opened today in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, under the patronage of the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) and in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, marking the beginning of two days of high-level dialogue on global investment, sustainability and innovation.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from H.H. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq, UAE Minister of Economy; and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the WIC Executive Board and WAIPA.
Addressing hundreds of delegates from more than 100 countries, H.H. Sheikha Bodour welcomed participants to the emirate, highlighting Sharjah’s growing role as a platform for sustainable and responsible investment. She emphasised that WIC 2025 “comes at a pivotal time for the global economy, when collaboration between nations, investors, and institutions is more essential than ever.”
The newly elected President of WAIPA, Mohamed Mulla Yaqoub, Assistant Director General for Business Development Affairs at KDIPA, delivered his first speech in the role, outlining his vision for advancing the global IPA community through stronger cooperation, innovation, and sustainable investment.
A keynote address by Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, Chief Economic Adviser at Allianz and President of Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, set the tone for the discussions ahead. Dr. El-Erian explored how emerging economic realignments and technological transformation are reshaping investment flows, urging IPAs to adapt with agility and purpose to seize opportunities amid uncertainty.
The day’s programme also featured H.E. Mohamed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization and Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, who underscored the importance of free zones as catalysts for resilient, innovation-driven economies.
Dynamic discussions and high-level panels
Throughout the day, delegates participated in a rich series of sessions addressing sustainability, resilience, digital transformation and innovation in investment promotion.
Highlights included:
- Global Leaders’ Insights panel, featuring senior ministers and international experts discussing new strategies for investment facilitation in a shifting global economy.
- A fireside chat with entrepreneur Raj Shamani, exploring how digital creators and influencers are shaping modern investment trends.
- “Green is the New Gold”, a high-level discussion on sustainable investment as a source of competitive advantage, with speakers including H.E. Amna Al Dahhak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Prof. Raekwon Chung, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and climate policy expert.
- “Future-Proofing Economics” featuring senior economic leaders including H.E. Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary, UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, and Mrs. Taliya Minullina, CEO, Tatarstan Investment Development Agency.
Parallel sessions focused on start-ups and SMEs, private equity funds, smart cities and digital transformation, highlighting new pathways for inclusive and technology-enabled growth.
The day concluded with a gala dinner and cultural show, where WAIPA presented the 2025 Investment Awards, honouring outstanding achievements by investment promotion agencies across the globe.
A milestone for WAIPA and Sharjah
The 2025 edition of WIC carries special significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA, celebrating three decades of empowering investment promotion agencies and advancing sustainable global development.
“WIC has always been more than a conference — it’s a unique platform that connects the world’s leading minds in investment to share knowledge, innovation and vision,” said Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. “This year’s opening day has reaffirmed our collective commitment to a future where investment serves people, planet, and prosperity.”
The conference continues through 23 October, with upcoming sessions focusing on AI and the future of investment, global finance and sustainability, and the role of IPAs in navigating global shocks.
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]
