SFD Launches AI-Powered 'Shj3' Virtual Assistant
'Shj3' platform marks a major leap in the digital transformation of Sharjah's financial systems, aiming to provide secure, efficient, and user-friendly support and payment services for individuals and businesses through multiple 'Tahseel' channels—saving both time and effort for all users.
The launch ceremony was held at the SFD's headquarters in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Finance Department, Huda Al Yassi, Director of the Financial Systems Department, along with SFD heads, specialists, and a number of staff members.
His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi emphasised that the launch of 'Shj3' reflects the SFD's future-forward vision to build an intelligent financial environment powered by cutting-edge AI technologies.
'This initiative simplifies financial processes, reduces transaction time, and enhances transparency in government services. It reinforces Sharjah's position as a leading city in adopting smart, digital solutions and opens new horizons for improving the user journey while achieving seamless integration between financial systems and smart platforms to boost operational efficiency and service quality.'
"Shj3": A name inspired by Sharjah's strategic identity
His Excellency Sheikh Rashid further explained that the platform's name, 'Shj3', was carefully chosen to reflect Sharjah's digital identity: 'Shj' stands for Sharjah, and the number '3' symbolises the emirate's strategic economic and geographic dimensions. Sharjah hosts three major seaports and covers approximately 3.3% of the UAE's total area, underscoring its role as a key economic hub in the region. The name reinforces the Department's commitment to aligning smart services with institutional identity and real-world relevance.
A transformative step in financial services
Huda Al Yassi, Director of the Financial Systems Department, noted: 'The 'Shj3' platform represents a transformative step in the delivery of financial services. It offers a fully digital experience built on artificial intelligence and operational flexibility, tailored to meet the expectations of a wide range of users. This project reflects our strategic focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and employing technology to support sustainable development. Smart transformation is no longer optional—it is essential to enhancing performance and positioning Sharjah as a leader in financial innovation across the region.'
Smart services for individuals and businesses
'Shj3' offers a broad spectrum of digital services that cater to individuals and businesses. For individuals, the platform enables account creation, refund requests, e-wallet top-ups, and transaction payments. For corporate users, services include 'Tahseel' card requests, contact detail updates, account creation, and streamlined payments—delivered through an intuitive and responsive user interface.
Tailored services for the freight and logistics sector
The platform also addresses the specific needs of the trucking and logistics sector, offering tailored services such as truck card requests, postpaid transaction options, driver access requests, wallet top-ups, refund management, and real-time transaction tracking. These services empower the sector with greater control over financial transactions and operational flexibility, all through a secure digital environment.
24/7 technical support
'Shj3' ensures uninterrupted technical assistance and advisory services through its virtual assistant. Users benefit from around-the-clock support for resolving technical issues, answering queries, and ensuring a smooth, reliable digital experience beyond financial transactions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Zawya
Director-General of Federal Tax Authority lauds 3 wins at Sharjah Public Finance Award
Sharjah: Following the 3rd edition of the Sharjah Public Finance Award, H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), said that winning three Arab Region awards in both institutional and individual categories is another important achievement – adding to the Authority's track record of accomplishments under its innovation strategy. The FTA's innovation strategy was established with the aim of achieving global leadership in tax revenue collection, establishing a culture of voluntary compliance to support financial sustainability, developing innovative solutions to continuously improve the services provided to customers, and promoting an institutional environment that supports and encourages creativity and innovation. The three accolades awarded to the FTA included one institutional and two individual awards. The FTA won in the category of 'Institution Distinguished in Financial Innovation,' with two FTA employees picking up individual awards for 'Outstanding Arab Tax Manager' and 'Outstanding Arab Procurement and Contracts Manager'. During a ceremony, held recently at the Sharjah Cultural Palace Theatre, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department, congratulated and presented H.E. Khalid Ali Al Bustani with the FTA's institution award, in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of SFD and Secretary-General of the Award, along with a number of senior officials from government and private entities in Arab countries, local departments, and representatives of the financial sector from across the UAE. The individual awardees included Saida Kaddoumi Osman, Tax Policy Consultant at the FTA, who took first place for the 'Outstanding Arab Tax Manager' award. This category awards outstanding individuals working in Arab government entities responsible for managing tax affairs, and is dedicated to mid-tier tax administration leaders. Sulaiman Abdullah, Director of the Administrative Affairs Department at the FTA, was the other individual award winner, coming first in the 'Outstanding Arab Procurement and Contracts Manager' award category. This award recognises individuals with outstanding performance in the public finance departments of Arab government entities, specifically mid-tier tax administration leaders who are responsible for procurement, tendering and contract management processes that are carried out with a high level of excellence and transparency. Following today's announcement, the FTA Director-General said: 'We are proud to win these prestigious awards, especially given the strong competition from many well-established entities with great expertise in public finance – from across the Arab world. 'Through continuous efforts to develop and update our technology infrastructure and human resources, the FTA has shown itself a clear leader across multiple award categories. This reflects our continuous efforts to implement development plans that maintain the highest standards and enhance both leadership and deliver excellence in the tax sector – both regionally and internationally.' His Excellency added, "This milestone is further testament to the FTA's advanced organisational maturity – despite being a relatively new institution. By adopting the concept of innovation as a core pillar for the sustainable growth and efficiency of the UAE's tax system, the FTA demonstrates its commitment to excellence and its growing role as a global leader in the field of tax administration. The Director-General also praised the wider team at the FTA for their ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, ensuring that the Authority maintains its position as a leading global tax authority that supports financial sustainability in accordance with the highest standards of governance and transparency." The Sharjah Public Finance Award 'Institution Distinguished in Financial Innovation Award' category is presented to a government entity that has developed innovative solutions to enhance financial operations or address challenges encountered by the financial sector. It was noted that the digital system implemented for the refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) to tourists was one of the primary submissions under consideration for this category. The FTA successfully overcame a significant challenge by transitioning from conventional, paper-based procedures for tourist VAT refunds, which were time-consuming and labour-intensive. The FTA's solution was to launch the world's first integrated digital VAT refund system for tourists, which has overcome many procedural and processing obstacles, thereby delivering an exceptional experience for tourists, while supporting the digital transformation and sustainability goals of the UAE government. The VAT refund system also reinforces the UAE's leadership in innovation and smart government services. Launched in 2016, the Sharjah Award in Public Finance, is the first Arab award specialising in government financial excellence. It was initiated by the Sharjah Finance Department in cooperation with the Arab Administrative Development Organisation of the League of Arab States. The of this was to help consolidate a regional culture of excellence, developing administrative ideologies and creating a collective identity of efficiency and excellence among different government entities. The award also aims to encourage the optimal use of financial resources, the implementation of the most effective financial and administrative systems, and the development of government budgets to achieve sustainable development. About FTA The Federal Tax Authority was established by Federal Decree-Law No. (13) of 2016 to help diversify the national economy and increase non-oil revenues in the UAE through the management and collection of federal taxes based on international best practices and standards, as well as to provide all means of support to enable taxpayers to comply with the tax laws and procedures. Since its inception in 2017, the FTA has been committed to cooperate with the competent authorities to establish a comprehensive and balanced system to make the UAE one of the first countries in the world to implement a fully electronic tax system that encourages voluntary compliance, with simple procedures based on the highest standards of transparency and accuracy – beginning from registration, to the submission of tax returns, to the payment of due taxes through the Authority's website:
Sharjah 24
26-05-2025
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Saud honours Sharjah Public Finance Award winners
The event witnessed the presence of ministers, undersecretaries, directors general of the winning Arab government entities, senior officials from local departments, representatives from the UAE's financial sector, participants from various Arab countries, and the award's valued partners and sponsors. The ceremony opened with the UAE national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran. Attendees then viewed an introductory video showcasing the award's objectives, developmental milestones, and its growing regional impact across the Arab world. Financial excellence: A development imperative In his opening address, His Excellency Salem Youssef Al Qaseer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated: 'What we are witnessing today is not merely a recognition ceremony, but a reflection of the Arab region's growing institutional maturity. Financial excellence is no longer a luxury—it is a developmental necessity and a tool for shaping the future. Today, we celebrate exceptional achievements and visionary Arab professionals who are setting a new standard in public finance—anchored in efficiency, transparency, accountability, and continuous innovation.' He further noted that the third edition of the award saw robust participation from 11 Arab countries—including Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, Tunisia, Kuwait, Morocco, Yemen, Mauritania, and Oman—as well as UAE federal and local entities from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. Their initiatives reflected genuine efforts to enhance public financial performance and adopt governance and sustainability best practices. Al Qaseer emphasized that the true value of the award lies not only in winning but in the institutional transformation it fosters—encouraging entities to review internal systems, enhance financial tools, and improve spending efficiency. Sharjah's vision for regional financial governance His Excellency Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Secretary-General of the Award and Director of the Sharjah Finance Department, affirmed during his speech: 'Since its inception, the award has carried a noble message: to promote excellence and instill a culture of innovation in public financial management across the Arab world, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.' He added that the award's general secretariat has embraced this strategic vision by developing a comprehensive operational framework—starting with submission and screening, through to evaluation in partnership with the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO)—based on strict transparency and objectivity criteria. He highlighted a major development in the third edition: the introduction of six new categories, bringing the total to 22 categories (11 institutional and 11 individual), reflecting the growing scope of the award and its alignment with the evolving needs of public financial institutions and professionals. A unified Arab vision for financial excellence Speaking on behalf of the Arab Administrative Development Organization, His Excellency Dr Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani, Director General of ARADO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, described the award as a powerful model of unified Arab intent to strengthen public financial governance. 'This strategic partnership with the award reinforces our joint mission to equip Arab governments with tools of excellence and sustainable development, aligned with global best practices and regional contexts,' he said. Dr Al Qahtani noted the award's role in fostering positive competition, embedding a culture of quality, and encouraging innovation in financial planning and resource management. He commended the third edition's submissions for their analytical depth, geographic diversity, and pioneering spirit. Honouring the winners His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi honoured a wide array of institutional and individual winners during the ceremony. Among the Institutional Awards, the "Outstanding Public Finance Entity" award was presented to Al Ain Municipality (UAE) and Greater Amman Municipality (Jordan). Dubai Police (UAE) received the award for "Outstanding Financial Systems & Applications." The "Outstanding Financial Project Management" award went to the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Saudi Arabia) and the Directorate of Financial Affairs, Ministry of Education (Iraq). The Federal Tax Authority (UAE) was recognised for "Innovation in Public Finance," while the General Financial Control Authority, Ministry of Finance (Tunisia), received the award for "Financial Control & Risk Management." Dubai Department of Finance (UAE) and the Ministry of Finance (Kuwait) were honoured for "Financial Service Delivery." The "Procurement & Contracts Management" award was given to Ras Al Khaimah Police (UAE). The Ministry of Finance (UAE) won for "Cash & Sovereign Funds Management," and the National Social Insurance Authority (Egypt) was awarded for "Social Security Fund Management." The "Financial Sustainability" award went to the New and Renewable Energy Development Authority (Egypt). In the Individual Awards, the "Outstanding Arab Financial Sector Leader" award was presented to Mohammed bin Abdul Latif Al Huzami (Saudi Arabia), Anwar Abdel Jabbar (Palestine), and Jalal Hamimo (Morocco). The "Outstanding Arab CFO" award went to Nouf Al-Fuhaidi (Qatar), Amina Al-Shamsi (UAE), and Amina Al-Enzan (Qatar). The "Outstanding Financial Expert" award was granted to Noufel Al-Nasri (Morocco), Moaz Al-Saliti (Tunisia), and Haitham Al-Aqrabawi (UAE). Recognised as "Outstanding Financial Researchers" were Mohammed Adnan Zaid (Palestine), Al-Hassan Kotb Abdel Rahman (Egypt), and Mohammed Abragh (Morocco). In the category of "Outstanding Budget Director," winners included Hassan Bosna (Saudi Arabia), Salem Al-Abdulrazzaq (Kuwait), and Zuhair Rahmouni (Tunisia). Saida Qaddoumi (UAE) received the award for "Outstanding Tax Director." The "Outstanding Accounts Manager" award went to Nermine Mohamed (Palestine), Dr. Heba Sabir (Egypt), and Dr. Hanan Abu El-Maati (Egypt). Honoured as "Outstanding Financial Systems Managers" were Ahmed Al-Jawadeh (Jordan), Amina bin Lutah (UAE), and Hazem Riyad (Palestine). The "Outstanding Procurement & Contracts Manager" award was given to Sulaiman Abdullah (UAE), Mohamed Hosni Mustafa (Palestine), and Mona Al-Maadawi (Egypt). Amina Al-Mandous (UAE), Hussein Al-Abdoli (Dubai), and Alaa Al-Khatib (Jordan) received the award for "Outstanding Section Head / Mid-level Leader." The "Outstanding Financial Auditor" award was presented to Nazem Qeiza (Tunisia), Sabira Nasib (Egypt), and Yazan Al-Shubailat (Jordan). Finally, the "Outstanding Financial Accountant" award went to Areej Tayseer Taim (Jordan), Mohamed Yousry Khalifa (Egypt), and Amina Al-Balushi (Dubai). A regional platform for financial governance excellence Launched in 2018, the Sharjah Public Finance Award is a pioneering Arab initiative that aims to foster a culture of excellence in public sector financial management. It seeks to create a unified Arab identity in financial governance—rooted in transparency, efficiency, and innovation. As a leading Arab award in its field, it champions the adoption of high-performance standards in public finance, promotes best practices, and supports institutional transformation across the Arab world through a rigorous, transparent, and impartial evaluation framework.
Sharjah 24
23-04-2025
- Sharjah 24
Huda Al Yasi: SFD launches 'Shj3' Virtual Assistant
A leap forward in AI-driven customer service According to Al Yasi, the introduction of 'Shj3' represents a major advancement in using artificial intelligence to enhance customer service in Sharjah. The virtual assistant is designed to provide 24/7 support, helping users complete government transactions and respond to inquiries efficiently. Name inspired by Sharjah's strategic identity Al Yasi explained to 'Sharjah 24' that the name 'Shj3' reflects Sharjah's geographic and demographic significance, underlining the emirate's leading role within the UAE. The name symbolizes Sharjah's three major seaports and its strategic contribution to the national economy. Smart features enhance user experience She added that the virtual assistant comes equipped with several advanced features, including the ability to recognize local dialects and continuously learn from recurring inquiries. These capabilities are designed to make services more accessible and improve the overall user experience, ensuring smoother and faster responses.
