The Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) has unveiled a high-profile lineup of global economic experts, entrepreneurs, and real estate leaders for its eighth edition, scheduled for October 22-23, 2025. Held under the theme “Leading Global Transformation: Investing Towards a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” the forum will run concurrently with the World Investment Conference at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The event is set to feature over 95 speakers across more than 160 activities, with an expected attendance of over 10,000 participants from around the world.
Global Economic Perspectives
Headlining the event is Mohamed A. El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor at Allianz and a globally recognized authority on economic markets and policy. With a distinguished career that includes leading PIMCO and chairing the Global Development Council under former U.S. President Barack Obama, El-Erian will offer invaluable insights into the intersection of global economic fluctuations, financial policies, and geopolitical shifts. His perspective is highly anticipated by MENA’s investors and founders navigating the complexities of the current global landscape.
Digital Entrepreneurship and Content Creation
Bringing a fresh perspective on digital-first business building is Raj Shamani, India’s leading podcaster and a prominent voice in modern entrepreneurship. With a digital footprint that includes over 18 billion views and 20 million followers, Shamani has successfully transformed content into a powerful tool for fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. His journey from individual passion to significant economic impact will provide a compelling case study for the region’s burgeoning creator economy and digital startups.
Alternative Investing and Financial Freedom
Codie Sanchez, founder and CEO of Contrarian Thinking, will share her expertise on building wealth through unconventional and crisis-resistant small businesses. A New York Times bestselling author, Sanchez focuses on empowering individuals to achieve financial independence. Her participation at SIF 2025 represents a call to rethink traditional investment models, highlighting how innovation in small enterprises can drive economic resilience and sustainable growth for the broader economy.
MENA’s Real Estate and Youth Empowerment
Representing a new generation of leadership in the UAE is Amira Sajwani, Managing Director at DAMAC Properties, Founder of PRYPCO, and a judge on Shark Tank Dubai. As a key figure in the real estate sector, Sajwani is known for blending innovation with strategy to redefine luxury living and sustainability. Her session will focus on the evolving real estate landscape and her commitment to empowering women and youth within the industry, offering a vital regional perspective.
About Sharjah Investment Forum
Organized by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) since 2015, the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) has established itself as a key regional platform for tracking global investment trends and exploring emerging opportunities in the modern, sustainable economy. Over its previous editions, the forum has successfully attracted decision-makers, experts, and international investors to engage in strategic discussions aligned with the development priorities of Sharjah, the UAE, and the world.
About World Investment Conference
The World Investment Conference (WIC) is the flagship event of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). Since its inception in 1995, it has convened senior decision-makers and international investors from over 100 countries to discuss economic trends affecting foreign direct investment (FDI) and explore new avenues for economic collaboration.
Source: Zawya
