Sharjah Chamber to honour Sharjah Excellence Award winners on June 25
The award is organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The board also commended the notable growth in participation for this year's edition of the award.
The announcement was made during the regular meeting of SEA's Board of Trustees, chaired by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Sharjah Excellence Award.
The meeting was attended by H.E. Hamad Ali Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD); H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); H.E. Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI; Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Al Shehhi, SCCI's Board Member; H.E. Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); H.E. Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; H.E. Dr. Salah Taher Al Haj, Deputy Chancellor of the University of Sharjah for Community Affairs; and H.E. Lalu Samuel, Managing Director of Pierlite Middle East Sharjah.
During the meeting, SEA's Board of Trustees approved an extension of the registration deadline for the award's 2025 edition to January 31, 2026. Discussions included key proposals, most notably the potential launch of a new category titled 'Best Service Entity'. The Board also underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange with prominent excellence awards across the UAE.
H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais opened the meeting by welcoming the attendees and praising the efforts and achievements of the Sharjah Excellence Award's team.
He affirmed the Sharjah Chamber's ongoing commitment to enhancing the award's impact as a strategic platform for promoting excellence and innovation across the business sector. This initiative aligns with Sharjah's integrated development strategy, which prioritises quality, innovation, and institutional excellence in building a competitive and sustainable knowledge-based economy.
Al Owais further underlined the award's role as a catalyst for advancing corporate performance standards and actively contributing to the ambitious development path of Sharjah and the UAE.
For her part, Nada Al-Hajri, General Coordinator of the Sharjah Excellence Award, stated that the meeting produced key outcomes that will define the award's upcoming phase. Among them is the decision to extend the registration deadline for the next cycle to January 31, 2026, allowing greater participation from private sector institutions. SEA's Board of Trustees also recommended evaluating the introduction of a new category under the title 'Sharjah Award for Best Service Entity'.
Al-Hajri further noted that the meeting discussed several development proposals aimed at enhancing the award's appeal and expanding its outreach impact, including a suggestion to allow participation from companies operating across all emirates of the UAE.
For further information, please contact:
Ali Elgendy
Misbar Communications
ali@misbar-me.com
Ahmad Aldwairi
Misbar Communications
ahmad.aldwairi@misbar-me.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
a few seconds ago
- Khaleej Times
When UAE deregulated oil prices 10 years ago, sparking 24% hike
Ten years ago, UAE motorists woke up to a day when the government removed subsidies on fuel. It was a weekend — and with the deregulation of oil prices — pump prices were hiked by 24 per cent, aligning with global rates at that time. The new petrol and diesel prices were actually announced by the UAE Ministry of Energy three days earlier, on July 28, 2015. The most commonly used Special 95 petrol saw a 24 per cent increase from Dh1.72 during the subsidised oil price regime to Dh2.14, for a 42 fils hike per litre. Anticipating the increase, several petrol stations were abuzz with activity as drivers queued up to fill up their tanks before the hike came into play. Khaleej Times captured long lines of cars waiting at petrol stations in Dubai and Sharjah. Mixed emotions were also evident at petrol stations that day. As Khaleej Times reported, some motorists supported the move, while others felt they 'were not given enough information about the reasons for the hike.' 'I really think it's fair. The price is based on the fair market. I don't see any problem with this at all,' said one Dubai resident that day. While another one retorted, 'Of course, this petrol price hike is going to be a big problem for me. That extra cost adds up each time.' UAE motorists were used to enjoying cheap oil prices and some drivers who spoke to Khaleej Times expressed surprise at the rate of the increase. 'That seems like a lot. This will surely have repercussions,' noted a Pakistani expat who also anticipated an increase in taxi fares. Another Dubai driver said he believed the hike in petrol prices would primarily affect the large SUVs that are ubiquitous on the streets of the UAE. 'For me and my smaller car, this is okay,' noted the Indian expat who added: 'The problem here is that Dubai is a place where many, many people drive big cars. They will be the people who will end up having to pay much more.' Azhar Zia ur-Rehman, a long-time resident of the UAE, meanwhile, urged residents to not overreact to the announcement. 'Let us look at it logically instead of emotionally,' he said. 'The two major expenses for a family here are accommodation and education. If the government can bring these down, no one will mind paying the increased price for petrol.' Some residents also told Khaleej Times that a 24 per cent hike in fuel price 'is okay long as salaries rise faster than before.' On the brighter side, the price of diesel drastically went down that day — from Dh2.90 to Dh2.05 per litre. Traders reacted positively to the revised rate. On another note, Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, said residents should treat the oil price deregulation as an opportunity to reflect on the link between fuel consumption and driving behaviour in the UAE. He said higher fuel prices usually lead to increased efforts from motorists to display a more economical behaviour. 'This usually results in a less fuel-demanding driving style, carpooling, avoiding of unnecessary trips, and a shift to use of public transportation,' he added. Simply put, fewer cars on the road means less congestion and less stress. 'It is fair to assume improved driving behaviour will not only impact our wallets, it could have a positive impact on road safety too,' Edelmann noted. Since the UAE deregulated petrol prices in 2015 and aligned them with global rates, the rates are revised at the end of every month. Fuel prices for August 2025 were announced on July 31. Super 98 petrol is Dh2.69 per litre, as compared to Dh2.70 last month. Special 95 petrol is Dh2.57 per litre, a neglible .05 fil increase to July's rate of Dh2.58. Diesel saw a slight increase at Dh2.78 per litre, compared to last month's Dh2.63, but still comfortably below the Dh2.90 per litre price 10 years ago, when oil prices were heavily subsidised.
Khaleej Times
a few seconds ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Some shoppers charged higher at checkout; RAK authority issues warning
Some shoppers in Ras Al Khaimah have reported being charged higher prices at the cashier than what was displayed on store shelves, prompting the Department of Economic Development to issue warnings and take action against offending retailers. 'For example, a product displayed for Dh10 might scan at Dh11.50. Once a consumer submits the complaint, we investigate and contact the store. In some cases, we issue fines according to the law,' Nasra Mohamed Almerri, an officer in the Commercial Control and Consumer Protection division, told Khaleej Times. These complaints highlight the importance of the department's consumer awareness campaigns, which aim to ensure shoppers know their rights. Almerri encouraged residents to check prices carefully, keep receipts especially for products under warranty, and verify that items are within their expiration dates. As part of its efforts to raise consumer awareness, the Department of Economic Development launched the 'Happy Shopper' campaign to promote responsible shopping habits in Ras Al Khaimah. The initiative ran over two weeks and involved students from local summer activity centres, including those affiliated with the Ras Al Khaimah Youth Centre and the Ras Al Khaimah Cultural Centre. The campaign took place across two locations, Karama Market and Al Khaleej Market in Ras Al Khaimah, where students participated in activities aimed at educating shoppers about their rights, the importance of checking prices, and keeping receipts. Check product prices Children were educated on the importance of checking product prices to ensure they match the cashier and keeping receipts to protect their rights in case of returns or exchanges. During the campaign, students observed shoppers at checkout counters and guided them to verify prices before and after payment. Stores rewarded vigilant shoppers who double-checked their purchases with small gifts. Fahad Ahmed, an 11-year-old participant, said he learned to check product expiration dates, understand quality indicators, and always take a receipt. 'I now know that the date and quality of the product are important. I also learned to take the receipt so that no one can trick me, and I can return the item if needed,' he said. Fahad also gained hands-on experience comparing prices and assessing product value during his visit to the drinks and snacks sections. The campaign was organised in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Police General Command, represented by the Community Protection Department, and the Environment Protection and Development Authority, highlighting a collaborative effort to foster safer and more responsible consumer behavior. Environmental awareness Fatima Taleb, from the Environment Protection and Development Authority's Awareness Department, explained that shoppers are encouraged to also check expiry dates, keep their receipts, and use reusable bags instead of single-use plastic. 'Our role is to monitor whether shoppers bring their multi-use bags and avoid buying single-use plastic products, in line with the emirate's vision to become completely free of plastic,' she said. The DED carries out inspections and runs awareness initiatives, both in-store and online, to inform the public. Al Marri emphasised the importance of consumers feeling secure when shopping, encouraging them to reach out if they encounter any problems with products, receipts, or pricing. She also noted that while some consumers stick to essential purchases, many are influenced by promotional offers to buy more than they need. The economic department hopes its campaigns will not only protect shoppers from overcharging but also encourage smarter, more intentional spending.
The National
14 minutes ago
- The National
Federal Reserve holds US interest rates despite Trump pressure, but divisions emerge
A divided Federal Reserve held US interest rates steady on Wednesday, despite an increasing pressure campaign by President Donald Trump to lower borrowing costs. The Fed's target range remained set at 4.25 to 4.50 per cent following the central bank's decision to extend its rate-cut pause for a fifth consecutive month. The UAE Central Bank, which follows Fed decisions because of the dollar peg, also maintained its base rate for the overnight deposit facility at 4.4 per cent following the US central bank's announcement. It also decided to maintain the interest rate applicable to borrowing short-term liquidity from the CBUAE at 50 basis points above the base rate for all standing credit facilities. Fed governors Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman – both appointed by Mr Trump – dissented, arguing the central bank should have lowered the federal funds target rate by 25 basis points. It was the first time in more than two decades that two Fed governors had dissented on a policy decision. Governor Adriana Kugler was absent and did not vote. The dissents reflect a growing division inside the central bank over interest rates as pressure builds on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who has faced repeated attacks from Mr Trump to lower rates. The latest developments also come amid growing speculation over who will lead the central bank once Mr Powell's term expires next year. Trump pressure Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Trump seized on a better-than-expected GDP report to demand lower interest rates. '2Q GDP JUST OUT: 3%, WAY BETTER THAN EXPECTED! 'Too Late' MUST NOW LOWER THE RATE. No inflation! Let people buy, and refinance, their homes,' he wrote on the Truth Social media platform. Mr Trump has suggested the Fed lower interest rates by three percentage points to help reduce borrowing costs on the US national debt as well as shore up the housing market. 'We don't consider the fiscal needs. No advanced-economy central bank does that, and it wouldn't be good for if we did do that,' Mr Powell said at a news conference. Mr Trump escalated his pressure campaign by touring the Fed's headquarters last week, criticising Mr Powell for the costs associated with the project. The two men publicly bickered at the renovation site, but Mr Powell offered a more conciliatory tone on Wednesday. 'I was quite pleased to have the President say multiple times that what he really wanted to see was us getting this construction completed as soon as possible. That is our focus,' Mr Powell said. So far, Mr Trump's attacks have done little to persuade Mr Powell to move. The Fed has adopted a wait-and-see approach towards cutting rates this year, owing to uncertainty over the economic effects of Mr Trump's tariff policies. 'Higher tariffs have begun to show more clearly the prices of some goods, but their overall effects on economic activity and inflation are being unseen,' Mr Powell said. And even Fed members who have called for rate cuts have suggested doing so at a far more moderate pace than what Mr Trump wants. Fed division Driving the dissent among the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee was which side of the central bank's dual mandate to prioritise: price stability or maximum employment. Mr Waller and Ms Bowman both signalled in the weeks leading up to the latest meeting that they believed it was appropriate to cut interest rates this month before the labour market weakens further. Recent data showed the labour market as being in stasis, with both hiring and quitting rates near historic lows, even as the unemployment rate remains stable at 4.1 per cent. However, Mr Powell said the Fed was further away from its price stability mandate than its maximum employment mandate. Economists generally argue that tariffs will lead to higher inflation and recent data showed that businesses are beginning to pass costs of some everyday items, such as household appliances, to consumers. But Mr Powell said it was unlikely that this would lead to persistent inflation. 'A pretty reasonable base case is that this will be a one-time price increase, and in the end, we'll make sure that that's the case,' he said. 'We're just trying to do that efficiently.' Fed officials have previously suggested there could come a point when their two mandates could clash. Cutting rates too soon could reverse course on the downwards trend inflation seen since its 2022 peak, while holding rates for too long could lead to unnecessary damage in the housing market. Fed officials were expected to receive more information this week, including inflation and unemployment data from June on Thursday and Friday, respectively. Powell non-committal on cut Mr Powell offered a more hawkish perspective on policy decisions, firmly siding with the central bank's price stability mandate. 'When we have risks to both goals, and one of them is farther away from goal than the other, and that's inflation, that means policy should be tight, because tight policy is what brings inflation down,' he said. Mr Powell did not give any indication which way the Fed was leaning ahead of its September meeting. 'He doesn't want to have to backtrack … if he gets too stimulative too quickly, and so it's a very well telegraphed, orchestrated slow process so that once he does start to ease, it doesn't need to be reversed,' said Arnim Holzer, Global Macro Strategist at Easterly EAB. Traders pared back expectations of the Fed resuming its interest rate cuts in September from roughly 63 per cent yesterday to about 54 per cent on Wednesday, according to CME Group data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 171 points – or 0.38 per cent – while the S&P 500 also closed lower, dropping 0.12 per cent. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.15 per cent. 'It was a slightly bearish result,' Mr Holzer said. Fed officials are due to receive two rounds of unemployment and inflation data before they meet next month. Meanwhile, officials are also likely to continue tracking how Mr Trump's negotiations with major trading partners evolve. The White House recently announced a 15 per cent tariff on the European Union, while discussions continue with China. Meanwhile, Mr Trump has announced a range of tariffs on Mexico and Canada. 'For the Fed to take their time here makes sense because we don't know the rules of the road unless and until we get the answers on Canada and Mexico,' said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley Wealth.
