Outlining bold strategies for scaling change at SIF–WIC 2025

Held under the theme “Scaling Change Through Investment”, the session examined how strategic funding decisions and mentorship can drive sustainable transformation and build cross-cultural ecosystems. Moderated by Inzamam Rashid, Gulf Editor at Monocle, the discussion formed one of the headline sessions of the morning, setting the tone for a day dedicated to future-focused investment and innovation.

Speaking from her experience leading one of the region’s largest private real estate developers — responsible for over 46,000 delivered homes and 33,000 under development across 30 countries — Amira Sajwani highlighted how DAMAC’s evolution has been driven by a culture of innovation and adaptability. “It’s extremely important, when looking at any business, to build on a strong foundation while taking it to the next level,” she said. “Innovation doesn’t discard legacy; it elevates it. For us, collaborations have always been a core part of our brand identity. We focus on partnerships that resonate globally and locally, and increasingly with younger audiences who want homes that reflect wellness and technology integration.”

She added: “Competition is healthy as it forces us to rethink and innovate. We focus on delivering what we promise and differentiating our offerings. Last year, we launched 28 projects, many of which introduced features never before seen in the market. That’s how we’ve maintained our position as one of the largest private developers in the UAE.”

Drawing on her experience with PRYPCO, Sajwani also emphasised how proptech is revolutionising real estate investment by digitising access, enhancing transparency, and creating new opportunities for investors globally. “Digitalisation bridges the gap between legacy and the future,” she noted, “and that is where the UAE stands out — leading the transformation with purpose and speed.”

From the entrepreneurial frontlines, John Aguilar offered a complementary perspective. As the creator of The Final Pitch, a show that has connected over 150 startups with leading investors across Asia, he underlined how investment success hinges as much on mindset as it does on money. “Transformation isn’t just about funding; it’s about helping founders grow into what they’re capable of achieving,” he said. “We guide entrepreneurs through a hero’s journey — mentorship, feedback, and preparation — so that by the time they pitch for the final time, they are ready to scale globally. Many founders start with audacity, but learning to accept feedback and mentorship determines who can transform an idea into a scalable business.”

He added: “Storytelling is the new due diligence. A well-curated story gets founders in front of the right people and positions their startup for growth. Media, mentorship, and storytelling allow ecosystems to learn from and invest in each other across borders.”

The fireside chat reinforced Sharjah’s growing role as a nexus for dialogue on investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship, showcasing how the UAE’s leadership in capital efficiency, startup development, and sustainable growth continues to inspire global collaboration.

Organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in partnership with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), the two-day international forum—held for the first time in conjunction with the World Investment Conference (WIC)—marks a major milestone for Sharjah in shaping the global conversation around sustainable investment and economic development. Under the theme “Transforming Our World: Investing for a Resilient and Sustainable Future,” the gathering brought together more than 10,000 participants from 142 countries, featuring 130 speakers, over 160 sessions, and 120 bilateral meetings.