Amid record-breaking foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, H.E. Mohamed Al Musharrkh, the CEO of Invest in Sharjah, attributes the emirate’s success to a leadership philosophy rooted in integrity, collaboration, and a future-focused strategy. In an exclusive interview, he detailed how cultivating a team culture that champions innovation and data-driven results has been instrumental in transforming Sharjah’s economic vision into measurable, sustainable achievements.

What core values and principles guide your leadership style at Sharjah FDI Office, and how do you cultivate a team culture that transforms vision into measurable achievements?

With great emphasis on integrity, collaboration, and a culture of innovation, my approach to leadership is based on shaping an environment where each team member feels invested in our shared mission. By consistently encouraging both strategic data-based, and creative problem-solving, I ensure that there are always open channels for communication and feedback; transforming Sharjah’s vision into results that give value.

Every project is also tracked against clear performance metrics, and personal ownership is championed at all organisation levels; building on our collective and individual strengths. This philosophy and team integration has enabled Invest in Sharjah to orchestrate record-setting FDI achievements and increase the impact of economic development within the emirate.

What important career moments or experiences have most shaped your approach as a professional in economic development and investment, especially in navigating regional and global economies?

Reflecting on my professional journey, the most impactful moments have been through diverse experiences that provided me with both a local and global perspective. My time and experience at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided an invaluable foundation, giving me essential insight into international business relations and their real-world complexities. It was then a privilege to have a subsequent role at Shurooq, which deepened my appreciation for public-private collaboration; and leading the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) while it served as the MENA Regional Director for WAIPA allowed me to approach economic development through a global lens, emphasising adaptability and strategic networking.

These experiences have collectively shaped who I am today, and as a student of life I always try to apply each lesson I have learnt and carry the wisdom of my mentors into the future; this has strengthened my dedication to adaptability, regional connectivity, and the pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of investment trends that transcend borders.

In your view, what traits define a resilient and forward-thinking business leader in today’s UAE, and how have you embedded these qualities into Sharjah’s investment strategy?

It’s my belief that a strong business leader is defined by agility, visionary thinking, ethical responsibility, and the ability to see challenges as an opportunity to find solutions that serve as a model for those in the future. At Invest in Sharjah, I instill these traits by championing innovation, fostering a collaborative ecosystem, and the importance of strategic and data-driven risk management.

Sharjah’s investment model prioritises diversification, world-class infrastructure, and future-proofing; demonstrated by our emirate’s active development in advanced manufacturing, green technologies, health-care, and creative industries; to name a few. This multifaceted approach, as we elevate from dependency on hydro-carbons, ensures not only short-term gains but also sustainable and impressive growth for the emirate.

On your professional journey you’ve completed advanced executive programmes at some of the world’s top institutions. How do lifelong learning and personal growth influence your daily leadership and long-term strategies at Invest in Sharjah?

Continual learning is integral to my leadership philosophy and daily routine, and I would say this passion was sparked through the wisdom gained from executive programs at world-class institutions like Harvard, Stanford, London Business School, and Singularity University; fueling my intellectual curiosity and equipping me with practical frameworks for strategic decision-making.

I channel this mindset throughout our efforts at Invest in Sharjah by making sure professional development is at all levels, making sure we stay ahead of industry trends, and ensuring we retain the adaptability needed to navigate a changing global economy. The vision and leadership within Sharjah and the UAE collectively are very inspiring; and our nation continues to set global benchmarks of what is possible when people work together and pursue a shared goal.

Sharjah has recently posted record FDI growth in 2025, attracting $1.5 billion in investments and launching 74 new projects. What factors do you attribute to this success, and what lessons might other regions draw from Sharjah’s model?

The emirate’s success this year is not by chance and is built upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah; and a well-planned strategy that blends infrastructure, forward-thinking policy, and a welcoming business climate. This surge in capital investment is not only a testament to Sharjah’s financial stability but also reflects our commitment to aligning ambition with real community needs; demonstrated by a 45% jump in job creation and strong gains in consumer products, food and beverage, business services, and industrial equipment sectors.

The lesson for other regions in the world is clear, and sustainable development depends on a flexible regulatory environment, unified leadership, the nurturing of key sectors, and a long-term vision that integrates local talent and global best practices.

How is Sharjah positioning itself to compete globally, and which partnerships or emerging sectors do you see as key for sustaining the emirate’s momentum as an attractive destination for international investors?

Sharjah is positioning itself as a global investment hub by leveraging its cultural identity, advanced infrastructure, and forward-thinking policies; and key to this strategy are inter-governmental collaborations such as with the UAE Ministry of Investment, global technology partners like Microsoft, and regional business councils; all pursuing a common agenda. We are also focusing on expanding emerging sectors such as edutech, renewable energy, advanced and future-proofed logistics, as well as environmental sustainability, while continually upgrading transportation and communication networks.

These efforts have cemented Sharjah’s reputation, driven FDI inflows, and will remain central to our emirate’s vision of sustainable prosperity and international competitiveness. With such a solid foundation in Sharjah, I am very excited for what the future holds.

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