Sharjah-Mexico meet discusses opportunities in SME financing
Attended by Luis Alfonso de Alba, Ambassador of Mexico to the UAE; Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; Rafael Villalona, President of the Mexican Business Council; and leading investors and entrepreneurs from both countries, the event underscored a shared vision for innovation-driven partnerships.
As part of the agenda, a dedicated panel discussion titled 'Why Sharjah? Opportunities Beyond Borders' was held, during which participants examined Sharjah's competitive advantages, sectoral growth opportunities, and regulatory reforms, reaffirming a shared commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and cross-regional investment.
Diplomatic milestones and economic ambitions In his keynote address, Luis Alfonso de Alba, highlighted the significance of the roundtable as a precursor to the golden jubilee of bilateral relations. 'Sharjah has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between Mexico and the UAE,' he stated, citing Sharjah's participation as the guest of honour at the 2022 Guadalajara International Book Fair as a cultural milestone. 'This event we are having today signals the great potential to expand commercial ties between Sharjah and Mexico. I am certain this is only the beginning of a fruitful mutual relationship, potential is huge and the time is right.' Trade growth and strategic synergies Mohamed Al Musharrkh, echoed this optimism recalling his visit to the Central-American region, saying, 'I had the honour of being part of the UAE's official delegation to Mexico in 2018–2019, led by the Ministry of Economy, and our mission aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for economic cooperation.' Al Musharrkh also emphasised Sharjah's growing appeal to Mexican businesses, noting that the emirate hosts over 45 Mexican companies and imported goods worth 7 million dirhams from Mexico in 2024. 'Sharjah and Mexico may be miles apart, but our ambitions are aligned. We share a belief in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of collaboration to create lasting impact.' Sectoral opportunities and regional vision Rafael Villalona, started by noting the Council's first anniversary in the coming weeks and outlined the growth of Mexican enterprise in the country, stating, 'UAE-Mexico bilateral trade has doubled in recent years, reaching $2.5 billion in 2023, and revenues from CEMEX in the UAE alone have also risen from $70.1 million to over $180 million, while creating over 700 jobs.' However, he stressed untapped potential, identifying construction, automotive, and agriculture as priority sectors. Villalona also highlighted Mexico's automotive prowess-ranked fourth globally in auto parts production, as well as agricultural leadership.
Sharjah as a gateway for growth A key part of the event was a panel discussion titled 'Why Sharjah? Opportunities Beyond Borders' featuring insights from Sharjah-based leaders and Mexican business pioneers. Mr.
Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group, spotlighted Sharjah's thriving real estate sector, citing a 31.9% year-over-year surge in transactions to Dhs 13.2 billion ($3.6 billion) in Q1 2025. He linked this growth to regulatory reforms, such as allowing full foreign property ownership in designated areas, which drove a 25.3% rise in foreign investors (totaling 3,725). Ataya emphasised Sharjah's unique value, and highlighted Alef Group's lifestyle-centric projects like Hayyan and Al Mamsha as models for international investors.
Khaleefa Al Hosani, Senior Vice President of SMEs at Emirates Development Bank, outlined financial mechanisms empowering businesses, including tailored loan programs and credit guarantees for SMEs. 'Sharjah's business and investment ecosystem is a launchpad for scalable ventures, and we have seen major growth in recent times' he stated, noting the bank's commitment to fostering innovation in sectors like manufacturing and renewable energy.
Marwan Alichla, Director of Investment Promotion & Support at Invest in Sharjah, expanded on the emirate's strategic advantages, emphasising its connectivity to global markets, sector diversification, and business-friendly policies. He highlighted the strong support for investors and businesses, from setup to expansion, and also noted recent innovations with the launch of their AI powered trade licence which can be issued within 5 minutes. Sharjah's industrial and logistics hubs, such as Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, as catalysts for cross-border collaboration.
Leveraging UAE opportunities in energy, agriculture, and logistics The dialogue shifted to Mexican perspectives, with entrepreneurs outlining their UAE market strategies. Mr. Sergio De La Vega, CEO of Supercool, spoke about his company's sustainable efforts, saying, 'We have a strong focus on innovation in energy and mobility, and the UAE is a very strong player in the global energy sector. This country has a clear long-term vision, and the world's biggest solar farms and energy storage technologies are in this region.' Tirso Fidalgo Arias, CEO of Metatron, highlighted Sharjah's strategic importance in the region, noting that it offers an exceptional logistical hub for their operations. He explained that while shipping from Mexico to China typically takes three to four months, operating from the UAE allows Metatron to ship to China in as little as two weeks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Zawya
SEWA to enhance water security in Sharjah via strategic projects worth $1.09bln
The Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA) is actively working on several key projects, including the Al Hamriyah Independent Water Desalination Plant, which can produce up to 90 million gallons of water daily. Engineer Faisal Al Serkal, who leads the Water Department at SEWA, stated that the authority is developing several key projects. These include three pumping stations and nine water storage reservoirs that will hold a total of 180 million gallons. These facilities will be located in the areas of Al Zubair, Al Badi', and Al Burair. Additionally, SEWA is constructing main water pipelines that stretch approximately 245 kilometres. Altogether, these projects will cost around AED4 billion and will help improve the water supply system in Sharjah, ensuring that treated water can be effectively delivered to Sharjah and the Central Region. One specific project that has already begun is the construction of a major water pipeline connecting Al Houma to Al Falaj station. This pipeline will be 1,600 mm in diameter and 8 km long, with an estimated cost of around AED105.5 million. It is expected to be finished by the end of this year. This pipeline is part of a larger network of transmission lines that, when completed, will stretch 77 km from Al Hamriyah plant to Al Falaj station, costing around AED645 million. Contractors are already on board to carry out the work for the reservoirs and pumping stations. The individual costs for the projects at Al Zubair, Al Badi', and Al Burair are estimated at AED505 million, AED460 million, and AED446.85 million, respectively. The entire project is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2027.
Zawya
7 hours ago
- Zawya
CBUAE gold reserves rise 26% in January to May 2025
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) increased its gold reserves by 25.899% during the first five months of the year to AED28.933 billion at the end of May, up from AED22.981 billion at the end of December 2024. According to the Central Bank's statistical bulletin issued today, the CBUAE's gold holdings rose by 0.49% month-on-month in May, to AED 28.791 billion at the end of April. Statistics showed that demand deposits also grew, exceeding AED1.166 trillion by the end of May, compared to AED1.109 trillion at the end of December 2024. Of this total, AED892.577 billion were in local currency and AED274.329 billion in foreign currencies. Savings deposits rose to AED359.57 billion at the end of May, up from AED317.48 billion at the end of December 2024. This included AED305.508 billion in local currency and AED54.062 billion in foreign currencies. Time deposits exceeded AED1billion for the firs time by the end of May, including AED614.854 billion in local currency and AED398.348 billion in foreign currencies.
Arabian Business
9 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Sharjah's Shurooq invests $81.7mn in luxury eco-retreats promoting wellness and slow travel
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested over AED 300 million (US$81.7 million) to develop the ' Sharjah Collection ', a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats designed to offer restorative experiences rooted in nature, heritage, and sustainability. Together, these seven retreats offer 154 high-end accommodation units across Sharjah's most breathtaking landscapes – from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages. Shurooq's investment taps into the increasing global demand for wellness-focused, and slow, meaningful travel. Luxury eco-retreats transform Sharjah's tourism landscape The Sharjah Collection, operated and developed by Shurooq, reflects the emirate's broader vision for sustainable development. Each retreat is a sanctuary of cultural authenticity and ecological balance. It offers travellers opportunities to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with self, place, and purpose. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, commented: 'Our hospitality projects are built on a vision that goes beyond traditional tourism. They serve as living bridges between the visitor and the place – preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form. 'From the start, we have been intentional in designing each destination within the Sharjah Collection to reflect the unique environmental, geographical, and cultural character of its location, offering visitors an experience that is both authentic and immersive. 'Whether it was desert dunes, mountain ranges, or coastal landscapes, Sharjah's natural diversity has provided fertile ground for hospitality projects that resonate with the spirit of each site. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with every retreat designed to echo its surroundings and provide a deeply rooted experience blending cultural richness with natural beauty.' Among the highlights is Al Faya Retreat, set in the heart of Mleiha's desert. This includes two repurposed 1960s buildings, which were once a clinic and a grocery store adjacent to the UAE's first fuel station. They have been turned into a boutique retreat of five rooms with panoramic desert views, and guests are able to enjoy contemporary dining and curated desert trails. The Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba is located within a coastal mangrove reserve, which is managed in close collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). The retreat offer 40 sea-facing luxury tents in a nature-first setting that promotes conservation through low-impact design and sustainable materials. Within Mleiha National Park (MNP), Moon Retreat is a leading glamping destination, offering 10 geodesic domes and six premium tents. Activities include stargazing, yoga, horse riding, and guided desert explorations with MNP's dedicated team. Najd Al Meqsar, in Khorfakkan's Wadi Wishi, features seven luxury heritage units built within restored homes over 100 years old, overlooking ancient mountains and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. Developed in collaboration with 'Mubadara', the retreat includes access to a 300-year-old fort and scenic hiking trails leading to Al Rafisah Dam. In the nearby historic core of Khorfakkan, Al Rayaheen Retreat comprises 19 restored heritage homes redesigned in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. Among them is the home of the Al Mushtaghil family, now transformed into a central guest facility with a traditional restaurant, palm-lined courtyards, and community spaces that blend historic preservation with modern comfort. Launching in Q4 2025, Nomad introduces a new eco-retreat concept to Sharjah's east coast. Situated in Kalba's mountainous valleys near the Kalba Nature Reserve, the retreat will feature 20 bespoke, solar-powered luxury trailers – designed and manufactured locally. In addition to promoting community enterprise, the off-grid design provides full immersion into nature while safeguarding local ecosystems. A no-WiFi, lights-off approach enhances digital disconnection and night-sky visibility, encouraging mindfulness and environmental awareness. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is projected to exceed US$1 trillion in 2025, while the 'slow travel' movement, which is growing at approximately 10 per cent annually, is redefining how travellers engage with destinations, placing value on time, tranquillity, and cultural depth. Condé Nast Traveller named slow travel one of the defining travel trends of 2025.
