Latest news with #KhalidJasimAlMidfa
Sharjah 24
5 days ago
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah's summer of marine sports and youth empowerment
The 30-day event, held across various cities in Sharjah, saw the participation of more than 400 youth, aiming to develop their skills in a safe and enjoyable environment, amidst a competitive and interactive atmosphere. A marine journey through Sharjah's cities The activities began at Al Heera Beach in Sharjah, where they lasted for two weeks and included kayaking challenges, windsurfing, beach games, swimming competitions, and learning how to design marine boats. The programme then moved to Al Hefaiyah Lake in Kalba, where training courses were organised in paddlesailing, kayaking, and sailing, along with educational workshops to enhance marine skills and recreational activities. In Dibba Al Hisn, the club focused on training programmes in the indoor pool, such as rescue and swimming techniques, basic rowing, and sailing principles, under the supervision of specialised trainers. Conclusion of activities in Khorfakkan The programme will conclude in Khorfakkan from August 3 to 21, 2025, offering a variety of activities such as kayaking, rowing, and recreational marine activities. This is a step towards expanding youth participation from across the emirate. The programme is part of Sharjah's efforts to promote marine sports as part of a healthy lifestyle filled with challenges and achievements. Success and excellence His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, expressed the great success achieved by the summer programme "Sharjah Summer - Our Holiday is Different," which witnessed remarkable turnout from young people and their parents across the emirate. Al Midfa said that through this initiative, we seek to instill a love of marine sports in young people and provide an ideal platform for discovering and developing new talents under the supervision of specialised trainers. Al Midfa added that cooperation with local and federal authorities was a key factor in the success of this programme, as safe and stimulating environment was provided for young people to learn new skills and boost their self-confidence. Al Midfa continued that such events are not merely recreational activities; they are part of a strategy to build an aware and empowered generation in the marine field, capable of representing the UAE in international forums. The Chairman of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club confirmed that the club will continue to develop such programmes in the coming period, expanding their scope to include new age groups and increasing the number of certified trainers to ensure the quality of training. He concluded his statement by saying that the club thanks all the partners and participants who contributed to the success of this programme, and more purposeful initiatives that enrich the sports movement in the Emirate of Sharjah will follow.
Skift
04-07-2025
- Business
- Skift
Unified GCC Tourist Visa Nears Launch, Aims to Boost Regional Stays
It's been two years since the unified GCC visa was first mentioned, a new travel permit which ministers hope will promote cross-country travel as seen in Europe. The long-anticipated unified GCC visa is finally nearing rollout, two years after it was first approved. The new visa will allow travelers to move freely among any Gulf Cooperation Council country — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — under a single permit. GCC Secretary General Jassem Al-Budaiwi said the visa would be launched 'soon' following a meeting with the bloc's interior ministries this week. The initiative was first floated in May 2023 during a conference in Dubai, where ministers from across the Gulf signaled their intent to replicate the European tourism model and encourage seamless, cross-country travel. Official approval came in October 2024. Tourism Benefits Since its announcement, tourism leaders across the region have repeatedly pointed to the visa's potential to transform visitor flows. At a Dubai tradeshow in May 2024, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE's Minister of Economy, said the visa would unlock 'grand packages' lasting up to a month. 'The unified tourist visa will allow travelers to visit all six countries,' he said. 'Through the GCC grand tours we are aiming to finish, tourists will spend more than 30 days in the region.' Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Chairman Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, speaking at the same event, added: 'One of the main aims is to extend the length of stay. In leisure, people can travel up to four weeks. We want them to combine their holidays across the GCC.' Raki Phillips, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, also welcomed the plans at the Skift Global Forum East 2023. 'This new Schengen-style visa is huge for [GCC] tourism and Ras Al Khaimah will see a huge benefit,' he said. Phillips stressed the need for a unified mindset: 'There is nothing more important than a collaborative approach. We should compete collaboratively. In this part of the world, we want to be collaborative. That could mean visa processing, hotels, and airlines.' At its core, the new visa aims to reduce barriers and make travel across the Gulf simpler and more appealing. 'We have to take away the burden of travel,' Phillips said. 'We want to find those friction points and eliminate them. Travel must be more accessible.' A Unified Gulf In October 2023, Al Marri told UAE state news that the visa is part of a wider strategy between now and the end of the decade. "This initiative is an integral part of the GCC 2030 tourism strategy, designed to elevate the tourism sector's contribution to the GDP through increased inter-GCC travel and elevated hotel occupancy rates, transforming the GCC into a pre-eminent global destination for both regional and international tourists." He stated that the GCC joint tourism strategy "2023-2030" targets an annual increase of 7% in inbound trips to GCC countries, with a target of reaching 128.7 million visitors by 2030.
Sharjah 24
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 kicks off
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the promotion features the participation of more than 1,000 retail outlets, major shopping centers, hotels, and tourist destinations. It is launched in collaboration with SCCI's Shopping Malls Sector Business Group and in coordination with several relevant government entities in the Emirate. A wealth of surprises for shoppers and residents This year's edition of Sharjah Summer Promotions promises a wealth of surprises for shoppers and residents, underscoring the Emirate's growing appeal as a premier global family-friendly summer destination for residents and international visitors alike. The 60-day campaign offers an exciting lineup of over 75 events, exclusive promotions, and massive discounts of up to 75 percent on a variety of products from top local and international brands. It also features raffles and exceptional prizes worth up to AED 3 million. This year, Sharjah Summer Promotions is introducing 'Shamsa', a newly launched mascot character designed to enhance the campaign's appeal to families and children and bring more joy, excitement, and positive energy to Sharjah's vibrant summer season. A wide array of entertainment and promotional activities This year's promotions include a wide array of entertainment and promotional activities across more than 19 summer destinations. Retail outlets and central markets are offering exclusive deals, backed by a robust entertainment schedule and six major raffle draws, starting July 10 and continuing through July 20, 31, August 10, 21, and concluding with the final draw on September 1. The prize pool features gold bars, high-value shopping vouchers, luxury gifts, and instant rewards from participating malls. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stated: "Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 represents a significant strategic milestone in strengthening Sharjah's position as a comprehensive tourism and commercial destination. Organising this event reflects our ambitious vision to support the retail and tourism sectors by offering an exceptional experience that blends shopping, entertainment, and culture, meeting the aspirations of families and visitors from various age groups and cultural backgrounds." He added, "We believe that these initiatives are not merely seasonal events but are part of a long-term strategy aimed at solidifying Sharjah's status as a leading destination for tourism and commerce while enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors. Through close collaboration with our partners from government and private entities, we strive to make Sharjah Summer Promotions a platform that combines innovation and creativity, contributing to the Emirate's sustainable economic and social vision." For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, noted that Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 reflect the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to supporting economic activity and boosting the retail and tourism sectors in the Emirate. The campaign delivers a holistic community experience that blends shopping with entertainment in innovative formats aligned with the evolving preferences of families and diverse visitor segments. He added that the scale and vibrancy of this year's edition mark a key milestone in advancing Sharjah's seasonal events and underscore the Chamber's commitment to enhancing quality of life and reinforcing the Emirate's position as a premier shopping destination. A diverse portfolio of seasonal events and summer offerings Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 offer a diverse portfolio of seasonal events and summer offerings, ranging from entertainment programmes and educational workshops to summer camps. The schedule also includes weekly children's workshops and recreational events, in addition to marine activities hosted in the city of Khorfakkan. These are organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, and commercial shopping centers. The programme also encompasses various hotel deals, with over 35 hotel packages provided by 23 hotel establishments. These packages include discounted rates on accommodation, dining, and beverages. Moreover, guests can enjoy complimentary tickets to popular tourist destinations in Sharjah, along with free credit for use at various hotel facilities. The Organising Committee of 'Sharjah Summer Promotions' introduces this year a smart application allowing users to participate in electronic raffle draws. It has also launched a digital platform through the official website, providing real-time access to top offers, daily events, discount campaigns, hotel packages, and direct booking links with participating partners. Both the application and the website facilitate automatic entry into exclusive prize draws for shoppers and hotel guests upon each registered purchase or booking made via official campaign channels, further enhancing user engagement and incentivising spending throughout the two-month promotional period.
Khaleej Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dh3 million in prizes: Sharjah Summer Promotions begins; win gold bars, luxury gifts
The 2025 edition of Sharjah Summer Promotions kicked off on Tuesday, featuring raffles and prizes worth up to Dh3 million. Running until September 1 across all cities and areas of the emirate, the 60-day campaign offers a lineup of over 75 events, exclusive promotions, and discounts of up to 75 per cent on a variety of products from top local and international brands. This year's promotions include a wide array of entertainment and promotional activities across more than 19 summer destinations. Retail outlets and central markets are offering exclusive deals, backed by a robust entertainment schedule and six major raffle draws, starting July 10 and continuing through July 20, 31, August 10, 21, and concluding with the final draw on September 1. The prize pool features gold bars, shopping vouchers, luxury gifts, and instant rewards from participating malls. The programme also encompasses various hotel deals, with over 35 hotel packages provided by 23 hotel establishments. These packages include discounted rates on accommodation, dining, and beverages. Moreover, guests can enjoy complimentary tickets to popular tourist destinations in Sharjah, along with free credit for use at various hotel facilities. New mascot This year, Sharjah Summer Promotions is introducing 'Shamsa', a newly launched mascot character to enhance the campaign's appeal to families and children. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said the event will support the retail and tourism sectors. He added, "We believe that these initiatives are not merely seasonal events but are part of a long-term strategy aimed at solidifying Sharjah's status as a leading destination for tourism and commerce while enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors. Through close collaboration with our partners from government and private entities, we strive to make Sharjah Summer Promotions a platform that combines innovation and creativity, contributing to the emirate's sustainable economic and social vision." The Organising Committee of 'Sharjah Summer Promotions' introduced this year a smart application allowing users to participate in electronic raffle draws. It has also launched a digital platform through the official website providing real-time access to top offers, daily events, discount campaigns, hotel packages, and direct booking links with participating partners. Both the application and the website facilitate automatic entry into exclusive prize draws for shoppers and hotel guests upon each registered purchase or booking made via official campaign channels.
Sharjah 24
23-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
New mascot 'Shamsa' adds a playful spirit to summer campaign
Campaign details and duration The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in collaboration with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), announced that Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 will run from July 1 to September 1, with participation from over 1,000 retail outlets across the emirate. Strategic vision and economic goals During the launch event, officials emphasised the campaign's role in enhancing Sharjah's reputation as a shopping and tourism hub. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, stated that the initiative supports Sharjah's strategic goal to become a top retail and tourism destination. He highlighted that retail sales in the UAE are projected to exceed AED 417.6 billion by 2026, and this campaign is designed to help local businesses benefit from this growth. Unified collaboration across sectors This year's campaign reflects a strategic partnership between government and private sectors. Joint efforts aim to integrate retail promotions, hospitality offers, and entertainment activities under one platform, creating a vibrant and cohesive summer programme. Discounts, prizes, and promotions Consumers can enjoy discounts of up to 75% on a wide range of products and brands. Shoppers and hotel guests will also be eligible for raffle draws, with prizes including shopping vouchers, gold bars, and premium giveaways. Over 35 hotel packages from 23 hotel establishments offer special rates and additional benefits like free tourist attraction tickets and hotel credits. Press conference highlights The official announcement was made at the Sharjah Chamber headquarters on June 23, 2025. Key attendees included Abdallah Sultan Al Owais (SCCI), Khalid Jasim Al Midfa (SCTDA), Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer (Shurooq), Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi (SCCI Director-General). Other representatives from public and private partner entities also participated. Digital access and smart engagement To enhance user experience, a smart mobile application and an integrated digital platform have been launched. Users can view offers, book hotel stays, and enter electronic raffle draws directly via the website or app. Diverse programming across the emirate The event will feature over 75 summer offerings in partnership with various entities such as Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Art Foundation, and Sharjah International Marine Sports Club. Programming includes educational workshops, summer camps, and marine activities in Khorfakkan, as well as weekly children's events. Tourism and cultural development support Khalid Jasim Al Midfa emphasised that the campaign is more than a seasonal event — it is part of Sharjah's broader strategic vision to attract local and international visitors year-round. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer added that the campaign reflects Shurooq's goal of positioning Sharjah as a top-tier summer destination built on diversity, sustainability, and service excellence. Driving economic impact through retail and tourism According to Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, promotional campaigns like this are vital to Sharjah's economy. By combining retail, tourism, hospitality, and culture, the campaign contributes significantly to the emirate's GDP and supports business growth.
