Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi leads SBA's strategic vision at fourth board meeting
Opening the meeting, Sheikha Bodour reaffirmed the Authority's dedication to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, aiming to elevate the emirate into a global centre for culture and the publishing sector. She commended the progress achieved through strategic initiatives that have solidified Sharjah's standing on the international publishing map.
Sheikha Bodour remarked, 'the work we accomplish at Sharjah Book Authority is about reinforcing Sharjah's cultural foundations, building meaningful international collaboration, and always adapting to emerging challenges. The initiatives we pursue forge lasting connections through storytelling, enhancing the publishing landscape regionally and globally. Everything we do brings us closer to a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive future through literature.'
Strategic priorities for the next phase
Attendees deliberated on top strategic priorities for the upcoming period, focusing prominently on digital transformation, workforce development, enhancing customer experiences, and promoting sustainability and innovation. Operational efficiency also featured high, with discussions centered on streamlining processes, optimising resource utilisation, and accelerating outcomes.
The board reviewed the potential of new and emerging technologies to enhance the Authority's efficiency, spotlighting initiatives such as the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) project and the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) framework, encompassing 75 strategic metrics. These tools aim to bolster institutional growth, elevate customer satisfaction, diversify revenue streams, reduce costs, and foster enduring connections with global audiences.
Strengthening the publishing and distribution sector
During the meeting's review of recent achievements, key activities over recent months were highlighted, including the successful organisation of the fourth annual Sharjah International Booksellers Conference, preparations for the third annual Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC), and the Sharjah Children's Book Illustration Exhibition - part of the Sharjah Children's reading festival. Planning for Sharjah's contributions as Guest of Honour at Morocco's Rabat International Book Fair, and participation in major global book fairs was also discussed.
The meeting further explored SBA's initiatives for professional development, including the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) Scale Track and a series of specialised training courses designed to advance the capabilities of publishers and distributors. Outcomes from prior brainstorming workshops were also assessed.
Addressing challenges and ensuring readiness
Board members addressed anticipated challenges, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancement, escalating customer expectations, and talent acquisition. They emphasised the importance of institutional agility, balancing innovation with governance to sustain performance and preparedness.
Furthermore, the board examined strategies to align efforts with the Authority's broader institutional initiatives, advancing towards the SBA's 2030 vision. Discussions encompassed mechanisms for proposing new initiatives, the annual work plan, evaluation methodologies, youth empowerment strategies, and expanding collaboration with research institutions and specialised councils.
Concluding the meeting, Sheikha Bodour commended the dedication of board members and support teams, acknowledging their pivotal role in advancing the SBA's mission. She urged sustained momentum to build upon past achievements, establishing a governance and innovation model that exemplifies Sharjah's aspirations and enhances its cultural footprint globally and regionally.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hi Dubai
2 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Maritime Authority Launches New Licensing Service for Visitors Operating Pleasure Vessels
Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) has introduced a new licensing service that allows international visitors to operate pleasure marine vessels in the emirate, in a move designed to boost tourism and enhance the recreational marine experience. The service applies to visitors holding licenses from member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including GCC countries, Europe, the United States, and other internationally recognized authorities. It provides a streamlined electronic process for foreign license holders to obtain a local license issued by the DMA. The initiative coincides with the release of an updated manual regulating the licensing of marine crews in Dubai. Issued under Administrative Resolution No. (5) of 2024, the manual sets out conditions and requirements for operating and working on marine vessels, covering professional qualifications, technical standards, medical fitness, and application procedures. Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the DMA, said: 'We believe in providing a flexible maritime environment that meets the aspirations of international visitors and offers them the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional marine experience in Dubai's waters. The release of this manual reflects the Authority's commitment to strengthening maritime safety, ensuring the efficiency and qualification of marine crews, and unifying standards in line with local legislation and international best practices.' The Authority confirmed that it will recognize all valid licenses issued by IMO member states, subject to verification and compliance with required standards. Sheikh Saeed added that the initiative enhances Dubai's position as a global maritime hub, offering visitors safe and well-regulated opportunities for leisure, tourism, and sporting activities while contributing to the sustainable growth of the sector. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Egypt's environment minister approves new measures to curb pollution
Egypt's Acting Environment Minister and Local Development Minister, Manal Awad, chaired on Tuesday the third meeting of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority's board since its recent reformation, approving a set of new measures designed to strengthen the country's waste management system, the ministry announced in a statement. Presiding over her first session since assuming the environment portfolio, Awad stressed the board's role in supporting national environmental policy and advancing Egypt's integrated waste management agenda. The meeting was attended by Yasser Abdullah, head of the Waste Management Authority, along with representatives from relevant ministries and technical experts. During the session, the board approved regulatory amendments governing licences and permits issued under Waste Law No. 202 of 2020, including new mechanisms for appeals. It also endorsed the introduction of independent licences for companies handling construction and demolition waste, which will be linked to a digital monitoring system to ensure proper disposal at designated sites. Awad instructed coordination with the Housing Ministry and the Industrial Development Authority to allocate areas in new urban communities and industrial zones specifically for such waste. In another step, the council approved reducing licence fees for rice straw collection in order to encourage contractors to continue collecting the crop residue and prevent open-air burning. The decision also included integrating data with the agriculture and planning ministries to improve monitoring and management. Members were additionally briefed on the 'Port Said Initiative,' a pilot project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to reduce waste generation, with a particular focus on plastics. The council recommended replicating the initiative across other governorates as part of broader efforts to cut pollution and improve environmental sustainability. © 2025 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Shurooq's Sharjah Collection invests Dh300 million in 7 luxury eco-retreats
In response to the global shift towards wellness tourism and slow, meaningful travel, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested over Dh300 million in recent years to develop the 'Sharjah Collection' — a portfolio of seven luxury eco-retreats designed to offer restorative experiences rooted in nature, heritage, and sustainability. Together, these destinations offer 154 high-end accommodation units across the emirate's most breathtaking landscapes, from coastal mangroves and desert dunes to mountain valleys and heritage villages. This investment directly taps into the booming global demand for wellness-focused travel. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is projected to exceed $1 trillion in 2025, while the 'slow travel' movement — growing at approximately 10 per cent annually — is redefining how travellers engage with destinations, placing value on time, tranquillity, and cultural depth. Condé Nast Traveller has also named slow travel one of the defining travel trends of 2025. Sharjah is rapidly emerging as a regional hub for conscious tourism. Data from the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) reported an 11 per cent year-on-year growth in guest numbers for 2024, with international occupancy continuing to rise in Q1 2025 — highlighting the emirate's increasing appeal among experience-led, wellness-oriented travellers. Curated journeys across history, ecology, and luxury Among the highlights is Al Faya Retreat, set in the heart of Mleiha's desert. This destination repurposes two 1960s buildings — once a clinic and grocery store adjacent to the UAE's first fuel station — into a boutique retreat of five rooms with panoramic desert views. Guests enjoy contemporary dining and curated desert trails. In Kalba, Kingfisher Retreat is located within a coastal mangrove reserve managed in close collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), offering 40 sea-facing luxury tents in a nature-first setting that promotes conservation through low-impact design and sustainable materials. Within Mleiha National Park (MNP), Moon Retreat is celebrated as a leading glamping destination, offering 10 geodesic domes and six premium tents. Activities include stargazing, yoga, horse riding, and guided desert explorations through MNP's dedicated team. Al Badayer Retreat, located amid Sharjah's iconic red dunes, blends traditional caravanserai-style aesthetics with modern luxury, offering 46 units that deliver dune adventures, camel rides, and desert tranquillity. Najd Al Meqsar, in Khorfakkan's Wadi Wishi, features seven luxury heritage units built within restored homes over 100 years old, overlooking ancient mountains and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 BCE. Developed in collaboration with 'Mubadara,' the retreat includes access to a 300-year-old fort and scenic hiking trails leading to Al Rafisah Dam. In the nearby historic core of Khorfakkan, Al Rayaheen Retreat comprises 19 restored heritage homes redesigned in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage. Among them is the home of the Al Mushtaghil family, now transformed into a central guest facility with a traditional restaurant, palm-lined courtyards, and community spaces that blend historic preservation with modern comfort. Nomad: A new frontier for off-grid luxury Launching in Q4 2025, Nomad introduces a new eco-retreat concept to Sharjah's east coast. Situated in Kalba's mountainous valleys near the Kalba Nature Reserve, the retreat will feature 20 bespoke, solar-powered luxury trailers — designed and manufactured locally. In addition to promoting community enterprise, the off-grid design provides full immersion into nature while safeguarding local ecosystems. A no-wifi, lights-off approach enhances digital disconnection and night-sky visibility, encouraging mindfulness and environmental awareness. To preserve Kalba's biodiversity, Shurooq has implemented a suite of environmental protection measures, including impact mitigation protocols for rainfall, terrain, and wildlife movement — reinforcing its vision for sustainable development. A portfolio rooted in meaning and future resilience Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, said: 'Our hospitality projects are built on a vision that goes beyond traditional tourism, they serve as living bridges between the visitor and the place — preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form. From the start, we have been intentional in designing each destination within the Sharjah Collection to reflect the unique environmental, geographical, and cultural character of its location, offering visitors an experience that is both authentic and immersive.' The Sharjah Collection, operated and developed by Shurooq, stands as a cornerstone of the Authority's Dh850 million+ hospitality portfolio and reflects the emirate's broader vision for sustainable development. The collection embodies the principles of slow travel and wellness, while showcasing Sharjah's natural beauty and timeless heritage. The impact of these projects extends beyond financial returns; they provide employment opportunities, strengthen the local community's connection to its surroundings, and contribute to environmental protection through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operational processes. As global preferences continue to favour immersive, responsible, and restorative experiences, Shurooq's visionary investment in these distinctive retreats firmly establishes Sharjah as a leader in the future of luxury tourism.
