The UAE Undersecretary for Foreign Trade and Industry Affairs, Ministry of Economy, HE Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Saleh opened Day 2 of the Third Sharjah FDI Forum with promising remarks on the role foreign direct investments (FDIs) will play in fulfilling the SDG 2030’s vision, globally, saying that the UAE is both a global destination for and an exporter of FDI. Among other high-profile attendees were Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development (Shurooq); HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq; and HE Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar, Founder and Chairman of Emaar Properties.  

Observing how the UAE’s focus will remain with areas like innovation and technology, Al Saleh observed: “The UAE is investing heavily on R&D and public-private partnerships, which highlight a strong and vibrant national economy committed to increasing competitiveness at an international level.”

“The government must play a major role in the national march towards increasing our FDI attractiveness,” he said explaining that the UAE is planning to introduce effective programmes to support and encourage small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mediate, and mediate the integration of big MNCs with SMEs.

A clear political and cultural vision that supports FDI’s role in development, flexible regulations, smart government services, protection from corruption, and allowing a free flow of capital, human resource, goods and services were among the essential components for FDI attractiveness the Undersecretary listed in his opening address.