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Over the past 15 years, Shurooq has redefined Sharjah’s economic landscape. With an almost Dhs8bn investment portfolio spanning over 50 projects, the authority has transformed the emirate from a manufacturing- and trade-driven economy into a diverse hub for sustainable growth. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, outlines how the authority’s strategy is positioning Sharjah as a benchmark for balanced development.”Shurooq’s investments are designed to generate long-term value across sectors that contribute to Sharjah’s social and economic resilience.”
Shurooq’s model blends the strategic vision of government with the agility of private enterprise. Through public–private partnerships and alliances with global firms such as Eagle Hills, Diamond Developers, GHM, and The Lux Collective, it has accelerated the development of large-scale real estate, eco-luxury hospitality, and sustainable urban projects. Its investment promotion arm, Invest in Sharjah, attracts high-value capital in growth sectors including green manufacturing, logistics, and cultural tourism. Cultural heritage remains a cornerstone of Shurooq’s development vision. Projects such as the Heart of Sharjah have converted historic neighbourhoods into active commercial and cultural hubs. “We see heritage as a growth asset,” Al Qaseer explains. “It adds depth to our destinations and value to our economy.”
Sustainability and innovation
For Shurooq, sustainability is an operational framework. All developments undergo environmental and social impact assessments from planning through delivery. The 7.2-million-sq ft Sharjah Sustainable City exemplifies this approach through solar-powered homes, smart mobility systems, and wastewater reuse.
Across the Sharjah Collection of eco-retreats, Al Faya, Kingfisher, Moon Retreat, and the soon-to-launch Nomad, Shurooq integrates renewable energy, minimal-impact designs, and eco-materials. Partnerships with Beeah Group and other green technology leaders embed waste management, energy efficiency, and circular-economy practicesacross operations.
Investing in people and enterprise
More than 600 small and medium enterprises operate within Shurooq’s destinations, benefitting from access to new markets and visibility. From retail and food services to logistics and tourism, SMEs form a vital part of the authority’s value chain. “Every development we create is designed to generate opportunity,” says Al Qaseer. “We want local entrepreneurs to grow alongside our destinations.” Since establishing Invest in Sharjah in 2016, the emirate has attracted over Dhs96.7bn in foreign direct investment, resulting in 617 projects and more than 46,000 jobs. The focus now lies on sectors shaping the global economy, renewable energy, advanced logistics, agri-tech, and cultural tourism.
Creating places that connect
Under the vision and guidance of Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Shurooq has built a development philosophy around “place-making”, creating destinations that bring people, culture, and nature together.
From Al Noor Island and Al Montazah Parks to the House of Wisdom, each project demonstrates how integrated design can drive civic engagement and cultural vitality. In the eastern region, projects such as Nomad in Kalba and Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan are redefining eco-tourism and coastal hospitality. Meanwhile, Mleiha National Park, within the UNESCO-inscribed Faya Palaeolandscape, connects archaeology, ecology, and adventure, showing how heritage and progress coexist.
“Our role is to ensure that progress and preservation move in tandem,” concludes Al Qaseer. “That is how we build economies that endure.”
