The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), operating under the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has been named the ‘Best FDI Agency 2019 – UAE’ by International Finance, a premium business and finance magazine published by the UK’s International Finance Publications Limited.

Since 2013, the award has been recognising industry talent, leadership skills, industry net worth and capability on an international platform, and honoured Invest in Sharjah for its path-breaking initiatives that have enhanced the investment environment in the emirate by creating ideal conditions for sustainable economic partnerships to be forged at the local, regional and international levels, in addition to its outstanding year-on-year performance.

After careful consideration by a qualified research team, Invest in Sharjah was chosen as the winner of the ‘Best FDI Agency 2019 – UAE’ category based on the strength of the office’s record of past accomplishments in offering expert consultancy and customized solutions to help businesses explore several key sectors in Sharjah such as tourism and leisure, healthcare, environment, transport and logistics, education and light manufacturing.

In 2019, Invest in Sharjah continued on its mission to bring Sharjah to the doorsteps of global investors with 16 international participations in leading trade and investment events, including the World Economic Forum, and conducted visits and roadshows across seven nations, namely, Russia, China, India, Spain, South Africa, Italy and Saudi Arabia. In October 2019, Invest in Sharjah assumed MENA’s regional directorship at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) for a two-year term until 2021.

The International Finance award ceremony, held recently, at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel Dubai, was attended by professionals and senior management representatives in the fields of finance, banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance, energy, oil & gas, logistics and utilities, predominantly from Middle East, Asia, Europe and Africa.

In a statement, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO, Invest in Sharjah, said: “We are honoured to be recognised as the Best FDI Agency 2019 – UAE by International Finance. This prestigious accolade is a testament to Invest in Sharjah’s commitment to fortify Sharjah’s global reputation as a dynamic destination for foreign direct investments across its diversified market sectors. Our strategy of presenting investors with specialised opportunities based on advanced research models that identify their exact needs and growth aspirations in the UAE and this region, has gone a long way in enhancing investor confidence in the tremendous potential presented by Sharjah.”

He continued: “This award is an affirmation of the fact that our innovation-driven and path-breaking initiatives have benefitted not only our clients but added to the best practices culture of the global FDI community,” Musharrkh added. “As Sharjah’s role in shaping the future of business and investments in the region intensifies with Invest in Sharjah assuming MENA’s regional directorship at the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) until 2021, we will be redoubling efforts to guide investors from around the world through the exciting opportunities ahead in both local and regional markets.”

“We are working to make Sharjah one of the top investment destinations in the Middle East, and being conferred with this award, further strengthens our commitment in taking forward this vision,” he added.

‘Invest in Sharjah’ is committed to highlight Sharjah’s business-friendly environment and attractive investment opportunities in all local and international forums. Since its inception by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) during the Sharjah FDI Forum in September 2016, the Office brings together local and international investors, guiding them to the tremendous opportunities and potential that Sharjah offers. The Office’s efforts contributed to cement the emirate’s position as a leading investment destination regionally and globally.