The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry marked the National Day of the Portuguese Republic with a celebration that drew businesspeople and company representatives from both countries. The Chamber seized this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to nurturing the commercial relationship with Portugal and to foster fresh collaboration on both sides.

Speaking to  “Sharjah 24,” Portugal's Ambassador to the UAE, Fernando Figueroa, seized the occasion to reflect on what he clearly regards as one of his country's more meaningful bilateral relationships. Speaking to “Sharjah 24”, he first pointed to culture—to the civilisational affinity between Portugal and Sharjah that he said gives the relationship its particular texture and warmth. He then turned to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose personal investment in cultural and intellectual exchange he described as a defining feature of everything the two sides have built together.

"Relations between Portugal and Sharjah are a model of cooperation — one rooted in mutual respect and genuine closeness," he said. Sharjah's role in sustaining cultural dialogue, he added, is something Portugal values highly.

A Relationship with real momentum

There was nothing ceremonial about the ambassador's assessment of where things stand. He said he wanted a relationship that was moving in the right direction and for a reason. "Portugal knows Sharjah, and Sharjah knows Portugal," he said plainly. "We have to make the very best of what we have."

Part of his confidence stems from His Highness's own engagement with Portugal. The ruler visits regularly, knows the country well, and has built real familiarity with its institutions. That, Figueroa suggested, is not a small thing. "We feel we have the support of the Sharjah authorities behind us, and we intend to keep going."

Numbers reflect the depth of the relation

The commercial picture he painted was an upbeat one. Around 1,200 Portuguese companies currently export to the Emirates, with roughly 50 operating directly within the country. Over the past two to three years, export volumes have grown by 25 per cent year on year—steady, significant growth that he said reflects genuine appetite on both sides. Portugal has also been bringing delegations of companies to the region's major trade fairs, a deliberate effort to deepen its presence and visibility across the Emirates.

More than a trade relationship

For all the encouraging figures, Figueroa was clear that commerce alone does not capture what Portugal and Sharjah mean to each other. The cultural ties, he said, are just as strong. He pointed to Portugal's recent participation as guest of honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair—an invitation that came directly from His Highness—as the kind of moment that says something real about the nature of the relationship.

"This is strong, intense, and historic," he said. "And we are absolutely committed to preserving it and making it grow."