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Summary
A high-level delegation from Sharjah recently finished a successful two-day business trip to India. The group visited the major cities of Ahmedabad and Chennai to find new ways for businesses in both countries to work together. This visit, known as the Sharjah-India Investment Roadshow, focused on key areas like technology, manufacturing, and culture. The goal is to build stronger economic ties and encourage more Indian companies to set up operations in Sharjah.
Main Impact
The primary impact of this visit is the strengthening of a multi-billion dollar economic partnership. Indian businesses are already a massive part of Sharjah’s economy, with over 45,000 Indian companies currently operating there. By visiting industrial hubs like Chennai and Ahmedabad, Sharjah is opening doors for even more growth. This cooperation helps create thousands of jobs and brings new technology and services to the region, making Sharjah a central point for Indian firms looking to grow globally.
Key Details
What Happened
The delegation was led by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, who heads the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah. The team met with Indian business leaders and government officials to discuss how to make it easier for companies to trade and invest. They held seminars in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). These meetings allowed leaders from Sharjah’s free zones and technology parks to show Indian investors the benefits of moving their business to the Middle East.
Important Numbers and Facts
The economic connection between Sharjah and India is backed by impressive data. Over the last five years, Indian investments have created more than 3,600 jobs in Sharjah. In just the first nine months of 2025, Indian investors spent 6.1 billion dirhams on real estate in the emirate. Furthermore, during 2025, more than 100 new Indian projects were started in Sharjah, with a total value of nearly $3 billion. To support this constant movement of people and goods, there are now 110 flights every week connecting Sharjah to 13 different cities across India.
Background and Context
India and the United Arab Emirates have a long history of trading with each other. In recent years, this relationship has become even stronger thanks to a special trade deal called the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This agreement removes many taxes and barriers, making it much cheaper and easier for businesses to work across borders. Sharjah has positioned itself as a perfect partner for India because it offers specialized areas for different industries, such as publishing, research, and advanced manufacturing. Both regions share similar goals in wanting to grow their technology and engineering sectors.
Public or Industry Reaction
Business leaders in both India and Sharjah have expressed great excitement about these developments. Representatives from the CII in Chennai and Ahmedabad noted that the visit shows how much Sharjah values Indian expertise. They pointed out that Sharjah is not just a place to sell products, but a strategic base where Indian companies can reach markets in Africa and the rest of the Middle East. Indian publishers and tech firms have shown particular interest in the modern facilities and support systems that Sharjah provides for new businesses.
What This Means Going Forward
Looking ahead, the focus will shift toward high-tech industries and sustainable practices. Sharjah is working on building a "knowledge-based economy," which means they want to attract companies that focus on research, digital transformation, and smart solutions. There is also a growing focus on food security. For example, companies like Gheras Agricultural Company are working on modern farming methods in Sharjah. This opens up new opportunities for Indian agricultural tech firms to share their knowledge. As more Indian companies join Sharjah’s free zones, we can expect to see more innovation in how products are made and shipped around the world.
Final Take
The relationship between Sharjah and India is moving far beyond simple buying and selling. It has become a deep partnership where both sides invest in each other's future. By focusing on technology and long-term stability, Sharjah is proving to be a reliable home for Indian businesses. This roadshow has set the stage for a new wave of projects that will likely bring more wealth and innovation to both regions for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indian companies are currently in Sharjah?
There are currently 45,786 Indian companies operating within Sharjah’s mainland and its various free zones.
What sectors are Sharjah and India focusing on for investment?
The main focus areas include technology, manufacturing, automotive engineering, publishing, and logistics.
How much did Indian investors spend on Sharjah real estate recently?
In the first nine months of 2025, Indian investors recorded 6.1 billion dirhams in real estate transactions in Sharjah.