As Portugal continues to strengthen its economic ties with the Middle East, an important new initiative is bringing fresh momentum to this dynamic relationship. The Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF ZONE), in collaboration with the Portuguese Business Council – Sharjah, is organizing a high-level business delegation to Portugal in July 2025. Two in-person sessions will be held in Porto on July 7 and Lisbon on July 9, aimed at presenting to Portuguese companies the wide-ranging investment and partnership opportunities available in the United Arab Emirates, specifically within the SAIF ZONE.

This mission is not just a business event; it’s a reflection of Portugal’s enduring commercial legacy with the Arab world and a relationship built on centuries of maritime trade, cultural exchange, and mutual interest. Today, this historical bond finds new life through initiatives that bridge continents and markets, with Portugal positioned as a strategic European gateway for companies looking to expand into the Gulf region.

At the heart of the mission is SAIF ZONE becoming one of the UAE’s most advanced and investor-friendly free zones, located next to Sharjah International Airport. It offers a compelling platform for international business: 100% foreign ownership, zero income and corporate tax, full repatriation of capital, streamlined company setup, and direct access to state-of-the-art infrastructure. These are just a few of the advantages that make SAIF ZONE a highly attractive destination for Portuguese SMEs and large corporations alike.

During the sessions in Porto and Lisbon, Portuguese entrepreneurs will have the chance to gain first-hand insights into the legal, fiscal, and logistical benefits of operating within SAIF ZONE. The agenda includes presentations on real-world business cases, information on strategic sectors for investment, and direct B2B networking opportunities with zone representatives and potential partners from the region.

For Portuguese businesses seeking internationalization, especially toward high-growth markets, the UAE offers a powerful platform, not only as a local market but as a hub to access the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Africa, and Asia. Sharjah, with its diversified economy, cultural openness, and competitive costs, is a prime entry point.

This initiative represents far more than a business forum; it is an open invitation to Portuguese companies to think globally and act strategically. By engaging with SAIF ZONE and its network, companies can unlock new markets, scale innovation, and position themselves at the crossroads of global trade.

Now is the time for Portugal’s business community to reconnect with a region that shares not only commercial interest but also a long-standing cultural affinity. The future of this relationship is not only promising, but also already unfolding.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes