Sharjah Positions Ports and Logistics Network as Supply Chain Shield for Global Investors

The initiative comes as companies across the region face increasing logistics costs, trade disruptions, and geopolitical pressures, prompting investors to place greater emphasis on operational continuity and risk management when selecting business locations.

Speaking on Sharjah's investment strategy, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, Chief Executive Officer of Invest in Sharjah, said the emirate's approach is centered on flexibility, connectivity, and long-term business stability.

"Sharjah's approach to protecting investor confidence is anchored in flexibility, connectivity, and operational continuity," Al Musharrkh said.

He highlighted the emirate's access to both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through Port Khalid, Hamriyah Port, and Khorfakkan Port, providing businesses with multiple routes to regional and international markets.

According to Al Musharrkh, the diversified port network reduces reliance on a single trade corridor and enables companies to respond more effectively to changing market conditions and potential disruptions.

The growing importance of resilient logistics infrastructure is reshaping investor priorities. While growth opportunities remain attractive, businesses are increasingly evaluating locations based on their ability to maintain uninterrupted operations during periods of uncertainty.

"Investor conversations today are less about identifying opportunity and more about validating continuity at scale," Al Musharrkh said.

He noted that companies are paying closer attention to the diversity of trade routes, the strength of logistics networks, and the capacity of business ecosystems to absorb cost fluctuations without disrupting operations.

Sharjah's logistics capabilities are further supported by the Sajaa Dry Port, which connects maritime gateways with manufacturing, storage, and distribution facilities throughout the emirate. The integrated network enables businesses to streamline cargo movement and improve supply chain efficiency.

"The objective is not to eliminate cost pressures, but to manage them through efficiency and predictability," Al Musharrkh explained. "In periods of volatility, predictability becomes a defining factor in protecting margins, ensuring delivery timelines, and reinforcing long-term investor confidence."

Manufacturing continues to play a central role in Sharjah's economic strategy. The sector contributes approximately 18 percent of the emirate's economy and is supported by more than 2,800 factories operating across 21 industrial zones. Sharjah's exports currently reach over 120 countries worldwide.

Recent investment trends indicate growing interest in sectors linked to essential demand and production capacity, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, education, food security, and related services.

"Investment in Sharjah is increasingly directed toward sectors anchored in real demand, production capacity, and continuity of supply," Al Musharrkh said.

Data released by Invest in Sharjah shows that the emirate attracted 31 foreign direct investment projects in the manufacturing sector during 2025, generating approximately $434.6 million in capital investment. Over the past five years, Sharjah secured 99 manufacturing projects valued at nearly $957.3 million.

The emirate is also home to around 40 percent of the UAE's industrial establishments, reinforcing its position as one of the country's leading manufacturing hubs.

Beyond infrastructure, Sharjah continues to enhance its investor support framework through Invest in Sharjah and the Sharjah Investors Services Centre (SAEED), offering businesses a streamlined process for licensing, approvals, and government engagement.

"Sharjah's investor support is designed to remove friction from the entire investment journey, from first enquiry to full operation," Al Musharrkh said.

As global businesses increasingly seek stable and adaptable operating environments, Sharjah is positioning itself as a destination where companies can establish, expand, and sustain operations with confidence.

Industry observers note that the emirate's combination of strategic connectivity, industrial depth, logistics infrastructure, and regulatory support is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition for investors looking to build resilient regional operations in a rapidly evolving global market.