Why Are Mexican Businesses Betting on Sharjah?

At a time when nations around the world are seeking new allies for innovation and economic growth, Sharjah and Mexico have marked a pivotal moment. In celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Mexico, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) and the Mexican Business Council recently hosted the Sharjah-Mexico Business Roundtable at the House of Wisdom — and it was more than just a symbolic gesture. It was a dynamic platform for charting new opportunities across borders.

The setting was ideal: Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, a modern-day cultural hub, playing host to a conversation rooted in economic ambition and global vision. Attendees included influential figures like H.E. Luis Alfonso de Alba, Mexico’s Ambassador to the UAE; H.E. Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Mr. Rafael Villalona, President of the Mexican Business Council — alongside an array of entrepreneurs and investors from both nations.

So, why now? Why Sharjah?

The roundtable wasn’t just a reflection on the past 50 years — it was a launchpad for the next era of cooperation. With topics ranging from SME financing and real estate to logistics and automotive manufacturing, the event was a deep dive into the real, tangible sectors where Sharjah and Mexican businesses can thrive together.

In his keynote, Ambassador de Alba summed it up perfectly: “Sharjah has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between Mexico and the UAE.” He recalled Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at the 2022 Guadalajara International Book Fair — a cultural milestone that built the bridge now being crossed for deeper economic ties. “This is just the beginning,” he said with certainty.

A Shared Vision for Innovation and Growth

H.E. Mohamed Al Musharrkh brought a personal touch to the conversation, recalling his participation in the UAE’s official delegation to Mexico in 2018–2019. “Sharjah and Mexico may be miles apart, but our ambitions are aligned,” he noted. Today, Sharjah is home to over 45 Mexican companies and recorded imports worth AED 7 million from Mexico in 2024 alone.

Mr. Rafael Villalona, on the cusp of the Mexican Business Council’s first anniversary, pointed to promising trade figures — bilateral trade hit US$2.5 billion in 2023, and companies like CEMEX have seen UAE revenues skyrocket to over US$180 million while creating hundreds of jobs. And yet, he says, the potential is far from tapped. He highlighted opportunities in construction, agriculture, and especially automotive — an industry where Mexico is ranked fourth globally in auto parts production.

So, What Makes Sharjah Stand Out?

A key moment of the event was the panel discussion titled “Why Sharjah? Opportunities Beyond Borders.” The panelists painted a compelling picture.

Mr. Issa Ataya, CEO of Alef Group, spotlighted the surge in Sharjah’s real estate sector — AED 13.2 billion in transactions during Q1 2025 alone, thanks in part to progressive reforms like full foreign ownership in designated zones. Alef Group’s community-focused developments like Hayyan and Al Mamsha are now seen as templates for international investors.

Khaleefa Al Hosani, SVP of SMEs at Emirates Development Bank, spoke about the financial backbone supporting these ventures: SME-specific loans, credit guarantees, and a clear focus on renewable energy and manufacturing. “Sharjah is a launchpad for scalable ventures,” he said confidently.

Then came Mr. Marwan Alichla of Invest in Sharjah, who tied it all together — connectivity, diversification, investor support, and tech innovation, like the emirate’s new AI-powered trade license that can be issued in under five minutes. From the Hamriyah Free Zone to Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, the infrastructure is in place — and ready for global business.

A Mexican Perspective on UAE Opportunity

From the Mexican side, entrepreneurs laid out their regional strategies with enthusiasm.

Sergio De La Vega, CEO of Supercool, spoke about innovation in clean energy and mobility. “The UAE is a global energy leader — it has vision, scale, and ambition,” he remarked. For companies like his, the synergy is obvious.

Tirso Fidalgo Arias, CEO of Metatron, made a logistical case for Sharjah. “Shipping from Mexico to China can take three to four months. From the UAE, it’s two weeks,” he explained. For global operations, time is money — and Sharjah delivers speed.

Even in food and agriculture, the connections are growing. Shaw Lash, co-founder of Lila Taqueria, emphasised how Mexican cuisine is finding fertile ground in the UAE — quite literally. Her team is already sourcing produce from organic farms in the Emirates, opening doors to culinary and agricultural collaboration.

Looking Ahead: From Dialogue to Action

As the roundtable came to a close, there was a palpable sense of momentum. This wasn’t just a ceremonial gathering — it was a blueprint in motion. With eyes on sectors like real estate, energy, agriculture, logistics, and automotive, and a shared belief in innovation and entrepreneurship, Sharjah and Mexico are turning 50 years of friendship into a powerful new chapter of cross-continental collaboration.

And if this roundtable is any indication, the next 50 years will be driven not only by diplomacy but by action — bold, strategic, and future-focused.