Latest news with #AlOwais
Gulf Today
13-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Chamber wraps up trade mission to India
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), represented by the Sharjah Exports Development Centre (SEDC), concluded its trade mission to India, with a series of business meetings and discussions involving key officials from economic entities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the Business Forum organised by the Sharjah Chamber in Ahmedabad, the second stop of the mission. The forum explored key opportunities for both sides to strengthen economic partnerships and deepen industrial and investment collaboration between Emirati and Indian private sector stakeholders. The forum was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI, and Jamal Mohamed Sultan Binhuwaidin, SCCI Board Member, along with several Chamber staff. The forum also saw participation of business leaders, entrepreneurs and private sector representatives from both Sharjah and Ahmedabad, which is recognised as a major industrial hub in India. The forum's agenda included focused B2B meetings and detailed presentations highlighting key investment opportunities across diverse economic sectors in both Sharjah and Ahmedabad. Special emphasis was placed on Sharjah's business-friendly environment, including its world-class infrastructure and investor incentives. The Sharjah Chamber showcased its suite of support services aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to scale their operations and expand their global market reach. In his keynote speech, Al Owais said that the Sharjah–India Business Forum in Ahmedabad is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the rapidly growing economic and trade relations between the two countries. He noted that India's exports to the UAE totalled around US$37.1 billion in 2024. India also ranked as the top destination for the UAE's non-oil exports, accounting for 13.5% of total exports and recording a record growth of 75.2% compared to 2023. 'Through this mission, we aim to convert this positive momentum into fruitful partnerships between the business communities of the UAE and India in general, and between Sharjah and Ahmedabad in particular, thereby enhancing economic and investment collaboration to support joint growth,' Al Owais added. He highlighted Sharjah's position as a premier investment destination for Indian enterprises, with more than 20,000 Indian companies now headquartered in the emirate, demonstrating increasing investor confidence in Sharjah's business climate. He further underlined the strategic significance of Ahmedabad as one of India's most vibrant industrial and economic powerhouses, noting that its business and industrial stakeholders stand to benefit from Sharjah's advanced industrial base, which hosts more than 35% of the UAE's total manufacturing facilities. Concluding the second leg of their trade mission to India, the Sharjah Chamber delegation carried out on-site visits to several economic institutions in Ahmedabad, where they gained insights into their business activities and service offerings. These visits featured discussions on potential areas of cooperation, industrial integration, exchange of expertise, and the adoption of best practices, to establish investment partnerships that serve the interests of both sides. WAM
India Gazette
13-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Sharjah Chamber wraps up trade mission to India
SHARJAH, 13th July 2025 (WAM) -- The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), represented by the Sharjah Exports Development Centre (SEDC), concluded its trade mission to India, with a series of business meetings and discussions involving key officials from economic entities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. These meetings took place on the sidelines of the Business Forum organised by the Sharjah Chamber in Ahmedabad, the second stop of the mission. The forum explored key opportunities for both sides to strengthen economic partnerships and deepen industrial and investment collaboration between Emirati and Indian private sector stakeholders. The forum was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice Chairman of SCCI, and Jamal Mohamed Sultan Binhuwaidin, SCCI Board Member, along with several Chamber staff. The forum also saw participation of business leaders, entrepreneurs and private sector representatives from both Sharjah and Ahmedabad, which is recognised as a major industrial hub in India. The forum's agenda included focused B2B meetings and detailed presentations highlighting key investment opportunities across diverse economic sectors in both Sharjah and Ahmedabad. Special emphasis was placed on Sharjah's business-friendly environment, including its world-class infrastructure and investor incentives. The Sharjah Chamber showcased its suite of support services aimed at enabling entrepreneurs to scale their operations and expand their global market reach. In his keynote speech, Al Owais said that the Sharjah-India Business Forum in Ahmedabad is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the rapidly growing economic and trade relations between the two countries. He noted that India's exports to the UAE totalled around US$37.1 billion in 2024. India also ranked as the top destination for the UAE's non-oil exports, accounting for 13.5% of total exports and recording a record growth of 75.2% compared to 2023. "Through this mission, we aim to convert this positive momentum into fruitful partnerships between the business communities of the UAE and India in general, and between Sharjah and Ahmedabad in particular, thereby enhancing economic and investment collaboration to support joint growth," Al Owais added. He highlighted Sharjah's position as a premier investment destination for Indian enterprises, with more than 20,000 Indian companies now headquartered in the emirate, demonstrating increasing investor confidence in Sharjah's business climate. He further underlined the strategic significance of Ahmedabad as one of India's most vibrant industrial and economic powerhouses, noting that its business and industrial stakeholders stand to benefit from Sharjah's advanced industrial base, which hosts more than 35% of the UAE's total manufacturing facilities. Concluding the second leg of their trade mission to India, the Sharjah Chamber delegation carried out on-site visits to several economic institutions in Ahmedabad, where they gained insights into their business activities and service offerings. These visits featured discussions on potential areas of cooperation, industrial integration, exchange of expertise, and the adoption of best practices, to establish investment partnerships that serve the interests of both sides.
Sharjah 24
26-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Abdullah bin Salem honors Sharjah Excellence Award 2024
During the ceremony, His Highness honored the winners from different categories, which included local businesses, organizations from the Gulf region, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the economy. His Highness also recognized the strategic partners, sponsors, judges, and the team behind the award for their hard work and dedication in making the event a success. This year, 17 businesses and entrepreneurs received awards for their outstanding achievements. In the category for the Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award, the winners included notable companies like Saudi Electricity Company, Agility Global, Qatar Islamic Bank, and others. The Sharjah Gulf Localization Award was given to Fair Value from Saudi Arabia. For the Sharjah Small and Medium Enterprises Award, both Montessori Children's Garden Nursery and Gracia Group were recognized. The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Award was presented to Dr. Sunny Kurian and Hamad Ali Sulaiman Al Shamsi, while Hamid Hassan Al Mazmi won the award specifically for individuals with disabilities. In the Sharjah Social Responsibility Award category, the winners included the University of Sharjah, the Sharjah Housing Department, and Sharjah Airport. Additionally, Emirates Refining Company was honored with the award for the best facility that follows security standards. The ceremony kicked off with the UAE national anthem and some verses from the Holy Quran. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, who is the Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gave a speech. He emphasized that these awards are part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness is committed to supporting initiatives that help build a sustainable economy and encourage a culture of quality and creativity in the workplace. Al Owais shared his heartfelt thanks to His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. He appreciated their generous support for the Sharjah Excellence Award, which has helped it become a major force in promoting outstanding business practices and quality management. He highlighted that this year's award had a remarkable turnout, with over 132 entries—a 34% increase from last year. This shows that more organizations are recognizing the importance of quality and innovation in their work. At the ends of his speech, Al Owais congratulated the winners of this year's award and expressed his gratitude to the strategic partners who have helped ensure its ongoing success. He emphasized that the Sharjah Excellence Award continues to aid all partners and organizations, both locally and internationally, in adopting the best practices for business excellence. His aim is to foster an environment that enhances investment opportunities for businesses in the UAE and the Gulf region, ultimately improving their overall performance.
Sharjah 24
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Tétouan celebrates launch of 6th Moroccan Poets Festival
The festival, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah in collaboration with Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, will run for three days and features the participation of more than 40 Moroccan poets, intellectuals, and artists. The opening ceremony took place at Teatro Español in the heart of Tétouan, with the attendance of His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the department; Abdelrazzaq Mansouri, Governor of Tétouan; and Zhour Umahouche, Regional Director of Culture, representing Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd. Also present were a large audience of writers, academics, university students, and poetry enthusiasts. The event was hosted by Mokhles Essaghir, poet and Director of the House of Poetry in Tétouan, who welcomed the guests and highlighted that the Houses of Poetry have become a cornerstone in the Arab cultural scene thanks to the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah. He emphasised that the festival brings together some of the most prominent poetic voices in Morocco, and over the years has seen participation from hundreds of poets. In his remarks, Al Owais underscored poetry's essential role in expressing identity and cultural values, stating: "A new edition of the Tétouan Moroccan Poets Festival is upon us, and we are filled with joy and renewed energy. This special cultural event reaffirms the pioneering role of poetry in expressing rich cultural identity and values. The House of Poetry in Tétouan has devoted its efforts to gathering Moroccan poets, both established and emerging, giving them a platform to share their creativity and enrich this beloved country with the fragrance of poetry and art." Speaking on the activities of the House of Poetry in Tétouan, Al Owais added: "Tétouan continues to serve as a beacon of creativity and a meeting point for writers and poets. This annual literary gathering is the culmination of a season filled with poetic readings, critical discussions, and the publication of new poetry collections—an initiative that enhances the status of poetry and literature and encourages further creative expression. This ongoing partnership between Sharjah's Department of Culture and Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication is a reflection of the strong brotherly ties between the UAE and Morocco, under the wise leadership of both nations." Al Owais also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah to the festival's participants, saying: "I am honuored to extend to you the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and his wishes for your success and fulfillment." Representing Minister Bensaïd, Zhour Umahouche delivered a speech in which she praised the Sharjah initiative of establishing Houses of Poetry, saying: "I greatly value the initiative of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in founding Houses of Poetry across the Arab world. This has led to a qualitative shift in the Arab cultural scene. I also extend heartfelt thanks to our brothers in the Department of Culture in Sharjah for their ongoing pan-Arab efforts." She continued: "On behalf of the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, I warmly welcome you to a new edition of the Moroccan Poets Festival, hosted by the House of Poetry in Tétouan—an institution that exemplifies the close collaboration between our Ministry and the Department of Culture in Sharjah." Quoting Minister Bensaïd, she added: "The House of Poetry was established in this city, which has long been a cradle of poetic and cultural modernity in Morocco and the Arab world since the early 20th century. It is a city open to Arab and diaspora poetic experiences and in dialogue with European achievements across the Mediterranean. Tétouan stands today as a capital of Arabic poetry and a beacon of literary modernity. We recognize the leading role the House of Poetry plays in preserving the cultural and poetic spirit of this ancient city—recognised as a World Heritage Site—and we salute its residents for embracing the festival since its inception." Umahouche noted that this year's edition features a diverse lineup of poetry and artistic events, with poets representing various regions and poetic traditions of Morocco, including Arabic, Amazigh, Hassani, and other living languages. "This rich diversity is rooted in Tétouan's history and cultural identity, shaped by its Amazigh, Arab, and Andalusian heritage, its deep African ties, and its Mediterranean outlook." Tributes In line with its tradition of honouring Moroccan creators, the current edition of the festival paid tribute to poet Salah El Wadie and literary critic Houria El Khamlichi. Born in 1952, El Wadie is considered one of the leading voices in contemporary Arabic poetry. His works include The Wounds of a Bare Chest and There Is Still Something Worth Noticing in the Heart . El Khamlichi is a prominent Moroccan writer, critic, and academic known for her contributions to Arabic literary thought. Both honourees expressed deep gratitude to Sharjah and the House of Poetry in Tétouan, viewing the recognition as a testament to the value of the written word and a sustained support for Moroccan and Arab cultural life. Certificates and commemorative plaques were presented by Al Owais, Al Qaseer, Umahouche, and Mansouri. Poetry Readings The opening event featured readings by three poets: Salah El Wadie, Khadija Al-Masoudi, and Othman Al-Haichou.. Debut Poetry Collection Award The House of Poetry in Tétouan announced the winners of the sixth edition of its Debut Poetry Collection Award for Young Poets – Tétouan . This prize reflects the House's dedication to discovering and supporting emerging poetic talent by publishing the winning collections. This year's winners were: Ali Badoun (First Prize) for Crawling on the Thorns of Dreams , Mohamed Al-Fattouh (Second Prize) for I Am a Secret That Came from Silence , and Mohamed Aghzait (Third Prize) for Scattered Prayers. The winners received certificates of recognition from Al Owais, Al Qaseer, and Umahouche. Arabic Language Pioneers Contest In a new initiative aimed at fostering a love for the Arabic language among children, the House of Poetry in Tétouan launched a regional competition titled Arabic Language Pioneers Contest . The goal is to nurture young people's expressive skills—both spoken and written—through poetry recitation, expressive reading, and short story writing. This effort seeks to strengthen the presence of Arabic in the consciousness of the younger generation and instill an appreciation for its beauty and creativity. More than ten young girls from various Moroccan cities won in the inaugural edition, and they were honoured with certificates amidst warm public applause. Musical Performance The event concluded with a live musical performance by Moroccan singer Nabila Maan, who presented a set of traditional and popular songs that were enthusiastically received by the audience. Teatro Español It's worth noting that Teatro Español was built in 1914. Located in Tétouan's old city, near the Royal Palace and the Archaeological Museum, the historic venue and its surroundings have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sharjah 24
06-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SCCI, Estonian Ambassador discuss cooperation
He pointed to the promising opportunities for boosting trade and investment across key sectors, particularly advanced technology and sustainable agriculture, which align with the developmental priorities of both sides. These remarks were made during an official meeting, at the SCCI headquarters, between Al Owais and Maria Belovas, Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the UAE, accompanied by her delegation. The meeting was attended by Raghda Hamad Omran Taryam, Board Member of SCCI, and Dr. Fatima Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at SCCI, along with several officials from both sides. During the meeting, Al Owais highlighted the promising opportunities for robust bilateral cooperation and sustainable partnership between Sharjah and Estonia in the agriculture and technology sectors. He pointed out the mutual interest shared by the investment environments in both countries to advance digital transformation, foster innovation through advanced technologies, and support strategic goals in food security via the adoption of smart and sustainable agricultural solutions. Al Owais praised the role of the UAE-Estonia Business Council in strengthening bilateral economic ties and facilitating a key platform for business networking and the promotion of trade and investment collaboration. He also extended an official invitation the Estonian Ambassador to attend the opening ceremony of the upcoming edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, a flagship event organized and hosted by Expo Centre Sharjah on May 28. For her part, Maria Belovas formally invited the Sharjah Chamber to organize an official trade mission to Estonia. The initiative aims to provide Sharjah business community's representatives with an opportunity to explore Estonia's investment landscape and business environment, and to identify potential opportunities in key sectors such as digital technology, cybersecurity, startups, and others.
