Sharjah:Dubai The UAE is poised to become a central hub for capital flows between East and West within the next five years, according to discussions at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2026. This transformation is supported by a robust regulatory framework that has attracted numerous licensed digital asset companies, as stated by the head of the Dubai Digital Asset Association on the forum's opening day.
According to Emirates News Agency, during a panel discussion titled "Capital Without Borders Where Smart Money Is Moving Next," industry leaders emphasized that trust, custody, and clear regulations are now more critical than returns in deciding where capital is deployed. The panel featured Saqr Ereiqat, Secretary General of the Dubai Digital Asset Association, alongside Jigar Sagar of Triliv Holdings Limited, Amer Al Ahbabi of Vertix Holdings, and Khuloud Al Omian of Forbes Middle East, with moderation by Oliver Cornock of Oxford Business Group.
Ereiqat highlighted that the UAE has been strategic in its approach, being one of the first to implement a blockchain strategy and establish regulators like Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This move has made the UAE a competitive destination for global exchanges, including Crypto.com, and a rival to the UK in terms of talent density. "Trust is the new currency, and the UAE is winning," he stated, predicting the UAE's rise as a pivotal capital movement point.
Amer Al Ahbabi discussed Vertix Holdings' approach, noting the importance of independent custody for investor assets. The company recently partnered with a Spanish firm after a thorough two-year review. He also mentioned the company's collaboration with Dubai Chambers to enhance governance training for family offices.
Jigar Sagar, a prominent entrepreneur, noted the UAE's leadership in regulation, emphasizing that adoption across government and markets remains the challenge. He cited the Dubai Land Department's property tokenization efforts as an example of innovative state initiatives.
Khuloud Al Omian pointed out that despite interest in digital assets, investors still favor tangible assets like real estate. She stressed the need for stability, clear regulations, and transparency to attract investments into digital sectors, which could contribute significantly to areas such as food and water security, healthcare, and education.
The two-day event, organized by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, is themed 'Building Adaptive Economies.'
