Latest news with #BodourAlQasimi
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah to host 29th World Investment Conference in partnership with WAIPA and UAE Ministry of Investment
Taking place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah and held under a joint agenda with Sharjah Investment Forum 2025 Bodour Al Qasimi: Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment. Mohamed Alsuwaidi: This collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth. Mohamed Al Musharrkh: Convening global investment institutions in Sharjah unlocks diverse pathways for local and regional business communities James Zhan: The conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners The forum is the one of the most prominent events in the international business community Organised in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) To feature high-level sessions, ministerial meetings, and discussions between ambassadors and investment officials Sharjah: In a significant step that underscores the UAE's prominence on the global investment map, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and the UAE Ministry of Investment, has announced the 29th edition of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Marking its debut in Sharjah, the event will be conducted under a shared agenda with the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), which will take place from October 22 to 24 at Expo Centre Sharjah. This international collaboration was officially formalised through a 'Host Agreement' in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment, and Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference (WIC). Signatories to the agreement included H.E. Mohammad AbdulRahman Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment; H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA. Commenting on the strategic significance of the event, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: 'Hosting the 29th edition of WIC in Sharjah reflects international confidence in the emirate's status as a leading destination for responsible and sustainable investment and underscores its readiness to convene global discussions focused on directing capital towards tangible development goals.' 'In Sharjah, we believe that the future of investment depends on striking a balance between economic growth and social development. For this reason, we are committed to ensuring that the international platforms we host provide opportunities to build partnerships that facilitate knowledge exchange, promote innovation, and deliver meaningful impact for both communities and markets,' she added. A milestone marking WAIPA's 30th anniversary The decision to host the 29th edition of the WIC in Sharjah holds particular importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of WAIPA. This milestone adds a commemorative element to the event, recognising three decades of advancing global investment and underscoring the critical role of investment promotion agencies in shaping both regional and international economic landscapes. His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE Minister of Investment said: 'The World Investment Conference taking place in Sharjah reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to shaping the global investment agenda. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, this collaboration highlights our shared ambition to deepen cross-border partnerships and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth.' Commenting on the collaboration, H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh highlighted that hosting global investment institutions in Sharjah will unlock a wide range of opportunities for local and regional business communities, facilitating greater access to expansive networks of cross-border partnerships. He stressed that the collaboration underscores Invest in Sharjah's ongoing commitment to equipping investors with the tools necessary for sustainable growth, while fostering a flexible and scalable development environment that adapts to evolving market dynamics and responds to both current opportunities and future challenges. In this context, Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said 'Investment promotion agencies are the architects of global economic connectivity — they bridge nations, ideas and capital to generate lasting impact. As WAIPA marks its 30th anniversary, we are proud to bring the World Investment Conference to Sharjah,'. 'This conference is not just a celebration of WAIPA's legacy, but a platform for meaningful collaboration between the public and private sectors, where investors are matched with opportunities. Sharjah's hosting of WIC 2025 reflects its growing leadership in global investment discourse and its commitment to shaping the next era of responsible, resilient investment.' he added. Dr. James Zhan, Chairman of the Executive Board of the World Investment Conference emphasized that the Conference is set to take place at the right time, in the right location, and with the right partners. He highlighted Sharjah as a unique and strategic destination for foreign direct investment. As a regional leader in attracting FDI, the UAE continues to strengthen its position among the world's top 15 investment destinations. The World Investment Conference arrives at a pivotal moment. In the face of global economic uncertainty and market volatility, the Conference aims to address pressing challenges while exploring new opportunities. It will serve as a vital global forum—bringing together the international investment community to shape a forward-looking strategy. It will chart a new path for promoting sustainable investment and shared prosperity in the new era of global economy. Sharjah's status on the global investment stage By hosting this prestigious global forum in tandem with SIF 2025, Sharjah reaffirms its status as a strategic regional hub for high-quality, sustainable investment. It also reflects the advancement of a dynamic environment that fosters innovation, expansion, and cross-border partnerships within the UAE's markets. The emirate provides a forward-looking business environment that fosters innovation, cross-border collaboration, and growth; and has emerged as a model for competitive business ecosystems, underpinned by advanced infrastructure, progressive regulatory frameworks, and an economic vision grounded in diversity and sustainability. About Sharjah Investment Forum: Since 2015, Invest in Sharjah has organised the Sharjah Investment Forum, establishing it as a leading regional platform for tracking global investment trends, identifying opportunities within the sustainable economy, and aligning with the direction of international capital and markets. Over the years, the forum has attracted prominent decision-makers, experts, and global investors, facilitating strategic discussions that support the development priorities of Sharjah, the UAE, and the wider region. Its integration of WIC reflects a strategic approach to enhancing its impact, widening the scope of discussions, and fostering meaningful partnerships across sectors and borders. About World Investment Conference: Since its inception in 1995, WIC has been the flagship event of WAIPA, serving as a premier platform for dialogue on global investment trends. It brings together decision-makers, senior government officials, and international investors from over 100 countries to examine key economic developments that affect FDI flows and explore new avenues for global cooperation and economic integration. The agenda includes high-level plenary sessions, ministerial roundtables, ambassador-investor discussions, and networking activities that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. Video link:
Sharjah 24
25-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Faya Palaeolandscape advances in its nom. on UNESCO List
Formally nominated in 2024 under the 'Cultural Landscape' category, the Faya Palaeolandscape is now under evaluation by UNESCO World Heritage Center. The property is being recognised not only for its archaeological depth, but for its potential to reshape our global understanding of how early humans lived in arid environments, moved and evolved across Southeast Arabia. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi spearheads global outreach for Faya's UNESCO nomination Spearheading global outreach for Faya's ongoing World Heritage nomination is Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi,who serves as the official ambassador of the nomination file. Her role reflects a collective national effort to elevate the property's international status, reinforcing the UAE's leadership in heritage preservation, cultural diplomacy and scientific advancement. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi commented, 'Faya offers one of the oldest and most complete records of early human presence in Arabia, dating back over 210,000 years - a living archive that deepens our understanding of who we are, where we came from, and how we have learned to survive.' 'The Faya Palaeolandscape's nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status highlights the importance of preserving these ancient sites, not only for their historical value but for their potential to educate future generations. As ambassador, I see this nomination as an opportunity to elevate Faya as a shared inheritance for all people around the world', she added, affirming the significance of this nomination in shaping global heritage discourse. Why Faya matters: A closer look at the landscape While much of the region has been viewed as a mere transit point for early human migration, interdisciplinary scientific research and archaeological discoveries conducted by the Sharjah Archaeological Authority (SAA) in collaboration with the University of Tübingen in prehistory studies and Oxford Brookes University for paleoenvironmental studies, confirmed that the Faya property served as a destination for early human settlement during climatically favourable periods. The convergence of essential resources—water from springs and wadis, stone raw materials like flint for tool-making, and shelter within the jebels—made sustained occupation possible. Over the past 30years, scientists have excavated the Faya site, uncovering 18 distinct layers of earth, each representing a different period of human occupation, and providing unprecedented insights into early human migration and adaptation. These game-changing discoveries offer a fresh understanding of human migration from Faya, which holds the most detailed record of ancient human life in Arabia. From these facets of discovery, which have fully revealed the site's potential to offer a rare and completely intact record of human survival in the face of environmental adversity, Faya's potential Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) has been established. His Excellency Eisa Yousif, Director of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority (SAA), emphasised: 'The preservation of Faya is deeply anchored in Sharjah's Cultural Heritage Law No. 4 of 2020, which ensures its protection for future generations. Over 30 years of meticulous research and collaboration led by our national mission and experts with international experts have revealed 18 distinct archaeological layers from the Stone Age, bringing to light an intricate history of human evolution, adaptation and survival right here in Sharjah'. 'As we advance Faya's UNESCO World Heritage nomination, it is important to emphasise that our collaborative efforts have made this a global project; one that connects the past with the present more strongly, adding to the rich global corpus of archaeological discoveries. This property, therefore, holds immense value for the world - not just Sharjah and the UAE', he added. The future of Faya The UAE has developed a comprehensive management plan for the Faya Palaeolandscape, which will guide its conservation, research, and visitor engagement from 2024 to 2030. This plan aligns with UNESCO's World Heritage standards, ensuring that the site is preserved while also allowing for continued exploration and education.
CairoScene
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Bodour Al Qasimi Becomes First Emirati Woman to Win BolognaRagazzi
The Emirati author received the BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction for her children's book 'House of Wisdom'. Apr 04, 2025 Emirati publisher, author, and advocate for women's empowerment, Bodour Al Qasimi, has made history as the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive the prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction. Al Qasimi was honoured for her children's book 'House of Wisdom' during a ceremony held in the historic Farnese Chapel at Palazzo d'Accursio in Bologna. The BolognaRagazzi Awards are among the most sought-after awards in children's publishing, recognising excellence in graphic design, innovation and engagement with young readers. In remarks following the award, Al Qasimi emphasized the symbolic importance of the recognition, noting that it reflects a growing momentum toward greater inclusivity within children's publishing. At a time of increasing geopolitical division, she underscored literature's unique capacity to foster understanding and unity across cultural divides. 'House of Wisdom', she said, serves as a reminder that stories can be a powerful force for connection and mutual progress. The book took historical inspiration from the renowned House of Wisdom in Baghdad, a powerful emblem of cross-cultural collaboration and intellectual freedom. Its destruction in 1258, she remarked, remains a poignant reminder of how easily the pursuit of knowledge can be lost and must be safeguarded in today's world. Its visual narrative is brought to life by illustrator Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose richly detailed artwork enhances the emotional depth of the story. 'House of Wisdom' has been celebrated for its capacity to inspire critical thinking, scientific curiosity, and empathy among young readers. It marks a significant step forward in the international recognition of Middle Eastern voices in children's literature.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Bodour Al Qasimi Becomes 1st Woman from the Gulf to Win BolognaRagazzi Award
Emirati publisher, author, and women's advocate Bodour Al Qasimi has made history by becoming the first woman from an Arab Gulf state to receive a prestigious BolognaRagazzi Award for Fiction, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported on Thursday. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi received the prize for her groundbreaking children's book 'House of Wisdom' at a ceremony in the impressive Farnese Chapel, at Palazzo d'Accursio, in Bologna, WAM said. Reflecting on the honor, Sheikha Bodour said, 'For me, this award signals a shift towards a more inclusive children's publishing sector. Amid heightened global tensions, stories like 'House of Wisdom' carry a message that books can occasion unity, progress, and a deeper understanding between cultures. It's a timely statement about literature's power to build bridges and keep the bigger human picture in view.' 'The House of Wisdom was a library that symbolized how knowledge and collaboration across cultures can build sturdy bridges. Its loss in 1258 is a tragic allegory for the fragility of intellectual freedom – a lesson of undiminished relevance today,' she added. Feted for its engaging approach to encouraging critical thought, scientific curiosity, and compassion, the success of 'House of Wisdom' marks progress in international recognition of the value of Middle Eastern children's literature. The book is illustrated by Majid Zakeri Younesi, whose evocative art provides a breathtaking complement to the story.
Sharjah 24
09-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah's Ramadan Majlis to discuss sustainable growth in UAE
Under the theme 'Sharjah: Shaping the Future, Empowering Growth,' this year's Majlis was organised by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park). This high-profile gathering brought together an impressive array of senior government officials from the UAE's Ministry of Economy (MoE), Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Sharjah's Economic Integration Committee; as well as leaders and experts from diverse sectors including investment, tourism, manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurship. The Majlis also included the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Invest in Sharjah and SRTI Park, Sheraa and Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), and between Invest in Sharjah and Alef Group aimed at enhancing innovation and the entrepreneurship ecosystem as well as opportunities in the emirate's property sector respectively. In her welcoming address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of the Majlis in bringing government entities and stakeholders together within Sharjah's ecosystem. She said: 'Sharjah's future depends on our ability to thoughtfully integrate innovation with sustainability, ensuring our heritage informs our progress, rather than limits it. The Ramadan Majlis symbolises this commitment, serving as a dynamic space for dialogue where we collectively explore pathways to inclusive growth. Each partnership formed and each idea shared moves us closer to a future that honours our values, supports entrepreneurs, and creates lasting economic resilience for generations to come.' Analysing industrial development strategies The main focus of the Ramadan Majlis was on devising strategies to enhance the manufacturing sector by examining opportunities and challenges through an open discussion with leading figures. These efforts, while spotlighting exemplary models and success stories, reinforce Sharjah's expanding influence within the regional and global industrial arena, and the emirate currently accounts for 35% of the UAE's total industrial output, underscoring its status in driving national industrial growth and competitiveness. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade discussed the significant economic status the UAE has achieved globally, highlighting the country's comprehensive network of partnerships, agreements, and cooperation protocols across various sectors, stating, 'The CEPA agreements are opening new doors for manufacturers in Sharjah, making trade an even more significant driver of our economy. As we connect our markets to emerging economies in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, for example, we are greatly expanding our reach and actively shaping a strong global trade system. We're already witnessing a surge of global interest in Sharjah, as it continues to attract businesses from around the world, and by leveraging these agreements, our manufacturers can tap into new markets, diversify their export portfolio, and position themselves at the forefront of global trade.' On behalf of Sharjah's Economic Integration Committee, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, who leads the committee, said: 'Sharjah's economy is doing incredibly well and is evolving at an impressive pace, with our GDP now over AED 145 billion, surpassing the global average by 3.5%. We're immensely proud of the businesses that have found their home in Sharjah, especially those in the private sector, that have been the backbone of our economy for over a decade, and there is a reason why global giants such as Halliburton and Amazon have shown their confidence by investing in our emirate. Our primary mission is to ensure greater integration and involvement within the government, recognising that we can't view business in isolation.' Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, outlined the authority's efforts in integrating sustainability into tourism and hospitality projects, promoting economic growth and environmental conservation, saying: 'At Shurooq, we champion Sharjah's sustainability goals, believing they are central to our emirate's future. Our cultural conservation efforts preserve heritage while meeting modern tourism demands, and with tourism playing a significant role in Sharjah's economy and experiencing steady growth in hotel guests, sustainable tourism has proven to be a key driver of economic diversification. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, discussed the emirate's initiatives in attracting industrial investments, providing businesses with a supportive ecosystem and competitive advantages. 'Sharjah's manufacturing journey began in the 1970s and has grown into a thriving ecosystem, with manufacturing now the second-largest contributor to our GDP. Our emirate has 20 industrial areas, 7 free zones, and over 2,900 factories, attracting significant investments within the manufacturing sector, notably AED 826.4 million in 2024 alone. Recent investments, including three new pharmaceutical factories worth AED 308.7 million; a AED 50 million investment from global glass manufacturer PureGlass; and AED 40 million by IPT Energy; as examples, shows Sharjah's appeal as well as our commitment to innovation and growth.' Commenting on the support of entrepreneurs and fostering innovation, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted Sheraa's role in enhancing the startup ecosystem in Sharjah. 'The Ramadan Majlis is a yearly reminder of Sharjah's commitment to shaping the future through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. As we gather again, we celebrate our ecosystem's progress and the entrepreneurs' boundless potential to drive meaningful change. At Sheraa, we remain committed to empowering these changemakers and providing them with the support, resources, and community they need to scale their impact. Together, we continue to build a future where Sharjah is a global hub for talent, opportunity, and sustainable growth.' Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, explained how the park facilitates collaboration between research institutions and the private sector to drive industrial innovation and build a knowledge-based economy. He stated: 'SRTI Park is a platform where collaboration is the foundation of progress. Partnership sits at the core of our mission where we bridge institutions and companies in the private sector by aligning R&D, skills, resources, and vision to empower industrial innovation. By fostering synergies between cutting-edge research and market-driven enterprises, we facilitate scalable solutions that transform ideas into economic value.' MOUs to support business development As part of the Majlis, an MoU was signed between Invest in Sharjah and SRTI Park by Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh and Hussain Al Mahmoudi respectively, and included the launch of the 'Innovate in Sharjah' platform, a centralised digital gateway offering facilities and incentives in artificial intelligence and technology. The platform will enable key stakeholders in research, development, and high-tech manufacturing to access resources, explore infrastructure, and utilise laboratories and research facilities, reinforcing Sharjah's position as a global hub for research, development, and industrial innovation. Additionally, the Majlis witnessed the signing of an MoU between Sheraa and Emarat, represented by Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa; and Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of 'Emarat', in a strategic partnership aimed at facilitating startups' access to funding and investment opportunities. The agreement seeks to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, focusing on key sectors such as edtech, sustainability, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing. A third MoU was also penned between Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh of Invest in Sharjah and Issa Ataya, CEO Alef Group, in support of the emirate's vision for sustainable growth and innovation, further solidifying its role in shaping the emirate's real estate sector. This partnership also aims to highlight opportunities in the emirate's expanding freehold property market. Mleiha: A symbol of heritage and sustainable development The choice of Mleiha for this year's Majlis symbolises the integration of Sharjah's rich heritage with its forward-looking development initiatives. This historic region, boasting archaeological treasures spanning millennia, has evolved into a pillar of economic and investment transformation, now including strategic ventures such as the Sharjah Wheat Farm and the recently launched Dairy Farm, exemplifying the emirate's commitment to food security and sustainable investment.
