In a significant move to strengthen economic ties, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Mexico celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a business forum titled "Sharjah-Mexico Business Forum" held at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. Organized by the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office, known as "Invest in Sharjah," the gathering aimed to enhance collaboration in non-oil sectors, particularly in real estate, advanced manufacturing, and innovation, while also exploring the extensive investment and trade opportunities available to Mexican companies in the UAE, as well as in South America and the Caribbean.
The forum was attended by notable figures including Luis Alfonso de Alba, the Mexican ambassador to the UAE, and Mohammed Juma Al Musharrakh, the CEO of "Invest in Sharjah." Rafael Villalona, the head of the Mexican Business Council, along with a group of prominent investors, also participated, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in fostering innovation and building sustainable economies.
De Alba highlighted the pivotal role that Sharjah plays in enhancing relations between the two nations, particularly in cultural and economic sectors. He pointed out Mexico's participation as a guest of honor at the 2022 Guadalajara International Book Fair, which has further strengthened the cultural exchange between the countries. He also noted the increasing trade between the UAE and Mexico, especially in sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and agricultural technology.
Al Musharrakh expressed optimism regarding the outcomes of the forum, reminiscing about his experience during an official visit to Central America from 2018 to 2019, which aimed to bolster bilateral relations and explore economic cooperation. He emphasized the growing attractiveness of Sharjah for Mexican businesses, stating that the emirate currently hosts over 45 Mexican companies, with imports from Mexico amounting to 7 million dirhams in 2024.
"The ambitions of Sharjah and Mexico are closely aligned despite the geographical distance. We all believe in the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as the potential for collaborative efforts to create a sustainable impact," Al Musharrakh remarked.
During the forum, Villalona noted that the Mexican Business Council will soon celebrate its first anniversary, highlighting the growth of the Mexican business sector within the UAE. He revealed that bilateral trade between the UAE and Mexico has doubled over the past four years, reaching 2.5 billion dollars in 2023. Additionally, the revenues of the Mexican company Cemex in the UAE rose from 70.1 million dollars to over 180 million dollars, creating more than 700 job opportunities.
During a panel discussion titled "Because It’s Sharjah... Unlimited Opportunities," Ataa, the CEO of Alif Group, discussed the booming real estate sector in Sharjah. He reported a significant annual increase of 31.9% in real estate transactions, with a total of 13.2 billion dirhams (approximately 3.6 billion dollars) recorded in the first quarter of 2025. This growth, he explained, is attributed to regulatory reforms allowing foreigners full ownership in designated areas, which has led to a 25.3% rise in the number of foreign investors, bringing the total to 3,725 investors.
Al-Housani presented financial solutions that support company growth, particularly through specialized loan programs and credit guarantees for small and medium enterprises. He emphasized that the ecosystem of these companies in Sharjah serves as an ideal launchpad for ventures poised for growth and expansion.
In the same discussion, Al-Ajlah highlighted the strategic advantages of Sharjah, noting its strong connectivity to global markets, diverse economic sectors, and business-friendly policies. He emphasized that these factors make Sharjah an attractive destination for investment.
The session also featured insights from Mexican entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and strategies for success in the UAE market. De La Vega discussed the role of smart and sustainable cooling solutions provided by his company in advancing efforts towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions, affirming that the UAE's climate goals offer significant opportunities for further innovations.
Arias underscored Sharjah's strategic importance in the region, describing it as a distinguished logistics hub for company operations. He explained that shipping from Mexico to China typically takes three to four months, while operating from the UAE reduces this time to just two weeks.
Chef and owner of Leila Taqueria, Shu Lash, emphasized the importance of Mexican cuisine in fostering partnerships, particularly in the agricultural sector. He noted that his team sources products from organic farms in the UAE, highlighting the potential for collaboration between Mexican culinary traditions and local agriculture.
The Sharjah-Mexico Business Forum marks a significant step forward in fostering economic cooperation between the two nations, paving the way for future partnerships that could lead to mutual growth and innovation. With a shared vision for sustainable development and a commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, both countries are poised to benefit from the opportunities that lie ahead.
