Latest news with #KhalidJasimAlMidfa
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Sharjah 24
SIMSC approves guide for licensing marine sports activities
Promoting a culture of marine sports The approval of the guide aligns with the strategies of both the Emirate of Sharjah and the Club to promote marine sports culture and broaden community participation in various water sports, with a strong emphasis on safety standards and organisational efficiency. A milestone for marine sports regulation Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Board of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, stated:'I am pleased to announce the approval of the regulatory guide for licensing marine activities in the Emirate of Sharjah. The approval represents a strategic milestone that reflects our commitment to positioning the emirate as a global hub for marine sports.' Comprehensive framework and safety standards Al Midfa pointed out that the guide was developed in response to the directives of the wise leadership and in accordance with Executive Council Resolution No. (7). It establishes a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework to enhance marine safety standards, unify licensing procedures for activities and events, and protect the marine environment. The guide also reinforces the Club's vision of enabling the community to engage in marine sports in a safe and professional manner, thereby supporting Sharjah's sustainable development goals. Appreciation for partners and continued collaboration Al Midfa extended his thanks to all partners who contributed to the preparation of the guide, affirming the Club's ongoing commitment to working hand in hand with relevant authorities to achieve excellence in this vital sector. Youth development and community engagement Ahmed Issa Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, stated that, in line with the Club's vision to strengthen the emirate's leadership in marine sports and to build a promising generation capable of achieving future success, the Club is committed to implementing the Board's directives through approved programmes. Among these is the launch of summer camps in Sharjah's coastal cities, aimed at developing the skills of young people and raising their awareness of the importance of marine sports. Preparing teams for international competition Additionally, the Club will organise an intensive training camp for its sailing and rowing teams in preparation for upcoming championships in the Kingdom of Morocco. This initiative falls within the club's broader plan to support its teams and ensure their competitive readiness. The Club has also approved the participation of its Formula Team in Categories 1, 2, and 4 — further reinforcing its commitment to strengthening its presence both regionally and internationally.
Tourism Breaking News
05-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Big ticket events to boost tourism industry : San Jeet
Post Views: 99 San Jeet – Director DDP Group moderated an insightful session titled 'Big ticket events :global impact and learnings' at the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2025. The panel included HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa – Chairman – SCTDA, Sebastien Doussin – SVP – Global Travel Services and Destination Management – dnata, Noor Ahmed Hamid – CEO – PATA and Dev Karvat – Founder and CEO – Asego Global Assistance Pvt Ltd. Opening the session, San Jeet shared that the industry has seen a rise in terms of job creation, revenue and contribution to the economy of each destination. The speakers shared that staying constantly updated and aware of ones' surroundings helps one identify what's truly relevant and which tools are best suited to achieve ones' goals when it comes to big ticket events. It's essential to keep up with current events and developments, as they directly influence everyone's choices and direction. In terms of today's technologies, for instance—there are numerous new tools that resonate more with people. Even if we were successful using older systems, those methods may no longer be effective. We must recognize and accept that as the world is evolving rapidly, and we need to adapt by embracing and leveraging these technologies.
Arabian Business
01-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Sharjah welcomed 1.6m hotel guests in 2024; Russia and India top incoming visitors with China rising fast
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced that the emirate welcomed approximately 1.6m hotel guests in 2024, marking an 11 per cent increase compared to 2023. The announcement was at the Sharjah Pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The authority unveiled key tourism statistics for 2024, revealing that Russian guests topped the list with more than 270,000 visitors, reflecting an 18 per cent rise from 2023. Sharjah tourism Indian guests ranked second with more than 170,000, an increase of six per cent. European visitors rose by 16 per cent to more than 100,000, while the number of Chinese guests surged to more than 60,000, registering an exceptional growth of 828 per cent compared to 2023. Among Arab countries, Oman led the list of hotel guests, contributing six per cent of the total, followed by Saudi Arabia at five per cent, Egypt at four per cent, and Syria and Iraq at three per cent each. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the authority's latest developments, including the official launch of Sharjah's new tourism brand campaign. The campaign showcases the emirate's diverse tourism offerings combining heritage, adventure, nature, and modern experiences, in addition to shedding light on major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and others. Commenting on the 2024 tourism results, Al Midfa said the emirate continues to achieve steady growth in the travel and tourism sector, guided by the leadership's strategic vision. He said: 'These positive figures achieved by Sharjah in 2024 reaffirm the emirate's growing status as a distinguished global tourism destination that blends authenticity with modernity. The remarkable 11 per cent growth in hotel guest numbers reflects the strategic efforts undertaken by SCTDA to enhance Sharjah's appeal and develop the tourism sector in line with the emirate's future vision under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. 'We remain committed to further strengthening Sharjah's position as a global hub for sustainable and cultural tourism. We will continue investing in the development of tourism infrastructure and diversifying products and services to meet the needs of visitors from around the world and enrich their experience in the emirate.'
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah hotel guest number jump 11% to 1.6mln in 2024
Sharjah attracted approximately 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase compared to 2023, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has revealed. This growth highlights the continuous development of the tourism sector in Sharjah. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday with the participation of SCTDA alongside more than 25 government and private entities at the "Sharjah Pavilion" during Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which runs from April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The authority revealed key statistics for Sharjah's tourism sector in 2024, noting that Russian guests ranked first with over 270,000 guests, representing an 18% increase compared to 2023. Indians came second with over 170,000 guests, marking a 6% rise compared to 2023. Europeans saw a 16% increase compared to 2023, reaching over 100,000 guests, while Chinese surged to over 60,000 guests, an exceptional increase of 828% compared to 2023. Among Arab countries, Oman topped the list of hotel guests in Sharjah, accounting for 6% of total guests in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5%, Egypt at 4%, and Syria and Iraq at 3% each. New brand campaign Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the latest developments from the authority, including the official launch of Sharjah's new tourism brand campaign 'Visit Sharjah." The campaign focuses on showcasing Sharjah's diverse tourist destinations, blending heritage, adventure, natural beauty, and modern experiences. It emphasises the emirate's ability to offer varied experiences catering to different types of travellers who are seeking adventure, tranquillity, family entertainment, or cultural immersion. The campaign also spotlights major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and other annual highlights that create memorable moments of connection and wonder for visitors. Continuous growth in tourism sector Commenting on the 2024 tourism results, Al Midfa stated that Sharjah continues to witness consistent growth in the tourism and travel sector year after year, driven by the wise vision of its leadership. He said: "These positive figures achieved by Sharjah in 2024 reaffirm the emirate's growing status as a distinguished global tourism destination that blends authenticity with modernity. The remarkable 11% growth in hotel guest numbers reflect the strategic efforts undertaken by SCTDA to enhance Sharjah's appeal and develop the tourism sector in line with the emirate's future vision under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah." He added: "We remain committed to further strengthening Sharjah's position as a global hub for sustainable and cultural tourism. We will continue investing in the development of tourism infrastructure and diversifying products and services to meet the needs of visitors from around the world and enrich their experience in the emirate. Innovation and sustainability are the two fundamental pillars driving growth in the tourism sector, contributing to Sharjah's economic and social development and enhancing its competitiveness on the international stage." Sharjah Pavilion During its participation in ATM 2025, the Sharjah Pavilion offered interactive and virtual experiences employing cutting-edge digital technologies to introduce visitors to the emirate's history, present, and aspirations, as well as its exceptional destinations and iconic landmarks that embody cultural depth, diversity, and natural richness. Visitors enjoyed a variety of virtual experiences that allowed them to explore Sharjah up close. These included virtual safari ride provided by the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). The safari showcased different environments within the destination and the animals and birds inhabiting them. - TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Gulf Today
30-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
SCTDA reveals Sharjah received around 1.6m hotel guests in 2024
The authority shares key statistics for Sharjah's tourism sector in 2024, noting that Russian guests ranked first with over 270,000 guests, representing an 18% increase compared to 2023. Dubai: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced that Sharjah attracted approximately 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, reflecting an 11% increase compared to 2023. This growth highlights the continuous development of the tourism sector in Sharjah. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday with the participation of SCTDA alongside more than 25 government and private entities at the 'Sharjah Pavilion' during Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which runs from April 28 to May 1 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The authority revealed key statistics for Sharjah's tourism sector in 2024, noting that Russian guests ranked first with over 270,000 guests, representing an 18% increase compared to 2023. Indian guests came second with over 170,000 guests, marking a 6% rise compared to 2023. European guests saw a 16% increase compared to 2023, reaching over 100,000 guests, while Chinese guests surged to over 60,000 guests, an exceptional increase of 828% compared to 2023. Among Arab countries, Oman topped the list of hotel guests in Sharjah, accounting for 6% of total guests in 2024, followed by Saudi Arabia at 5%, Egypt at 4%, and Syria and Iraq at 3% each. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the latest developments from the authority, including the official launch of Sharjah's new tourism brand campaign 'Visit Sharjah.' The campaign focuses on showcasing Sharjah's diverse tourist destinations, blending heritage, adventure, natural beauty, and modern experiences. It emphasizes the emirate's ability to offer varied experiences catering to different types of travellers who are seeking adventure, tranquillity, family entertainment, or cultural immersion. The campaign also spotlights major events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and other annual highlights that create memorable moments of connection and wonder for visitors. Commenting on the 2024 tourism results, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa stated that Sharjah continues to witness consistent growth in the tourism and travel sector year after year, driven by the wise vision of its leadership. He said, 'These positive figures achieved by Sharjah in 2024 reaffirm the emirate's growing status as a distinguished global tourism destination that blends authenticity with modernity. The remarkable 11% growth in hotel guest numbers reflect the strategic efforts undertaken by SCTDA to enhance Sharjah's appeal and develop the tourism sector in line with the emirate's future vision under the leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.' He added, 'We remain committed to further strengthening Sharjah's position as a global hub for sustainable and cultural tourism. We will continue investing in the development of tourism infrastructure and diversifying products and services to meet the needs of visitors from around the world and enrich their experience in the emirate. Innovation and sustainability are the two fundamental pillars driving growth in the tourism sector, contributing to Sharjah's economic and social development and enhancing its competitiveness on the international stage.' Sharjah Pavilion: Showcasing the Emirate's Rich Diversity and Natural Beauty During its participation in ATM 2025, the Sharjah Pavilion offered interactive and virtual experiences employing cutting-edge digital technologies to introduce visitors to the emirate's history, present, and aspirations, as well as its exceptional destinations and iconic landmarks that embody cultural depth, diversity, and natural richness. Visitors enjoyed a variety of virtual experiences that allowed them to explore Sharjah up close. These included virtual safari ride provided by the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). The safari showcased different environments within the destination and the animals and birds inhabiting them. In sports-related activities, the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club displayed one of the Formula 1 speedboats from Team Sharjah, along with a virtual kayaking experience that allowed visitors to explore Sharjah through the sport of paddling. For classic car enthusiasts, the Sharjah Classic Cars Club offered visitors the chance to learn about the history of vintage cars in the emirate and explore museum collections through virtual reality. Additionally, the Sharjah Museums Authority provided virtual tours of Sharjah's museums. Meanwhile, as the UAE and Mexico mark 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) and the Mexican Business Council convened the 'Sharjah-Mexico Business Roundtable' at the House of Wisdom to identify strategic growth opportunities in SME financing, logistics, real estate, and automotive manufacturing; and explore the vast investment and commercial prospects Sharjah offers to businesses in Mexico and the wider Latin American and Caribbean markets. Attended by Luis Alfonso de Alba, Ambassador of Mexico to the UAE; Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; Rafael Villalona, President of the Mexican Business Council; and leading investors and entrepreneurs from both countries, the event underscored a shared vision for innovation-driven partnerships. As part of the agenda, a dedicated panel discussion titled 'Why Sharjah? Opportunities Beyond Borders' was held, during which participants examined Sharjah's competitive advantages, sectoral growth opportunities, and regulatory reforms, reaffirming a shared commitment to innovation, sustainable growth, and cross-regional investment. In his keynote address, Luis Alfonso de Alba, highlighted the significance of the roundtable as a precursor to the golden jubilee of bilateral relations. 'Sharjah has played a key role in strengthening the relationship between Mexico and the UAE,' he stated, citing Sharjah's participation as the guest of honour at the 2022 Guadalajara International Book Fair as a cultural milestone. 'This event we are having today signals the great potential to expand commercial ties between Sharjah and Mexico. I am certain this is only the beginning of a fruitful mutual relationship, potential is huge and the time is right.' Mohamed Al Musharrkh, echoed this optimism recalling his visit to the Central-American region, saying, 'I had the honour of being part of the UAE's official delegation to Mexico in 2018-2019, led by the Ministry of Economy, and our mission aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and explore avenues for economic cooperation.' Al Musharrkh also emphasised Sharjah's growing appeal to Mexican businesses, noting that the emirate hosts over 45 Mexican companies and imported goods worth 7 million dirhams from Mexico in 2024. 'Sharjah and Mexico may be miles apart, but our ambitions are aligned. We share a belief in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the power of collaboration to create lasting impact.' Rafael Villalona, started by noting the Council's first anniversary in the coming weeks and outlined the growth of Mexican enterprise in the country, stating, 'UAE-Mexico bilateral trade has doubled in recent years, reaching $2.5 billion in 2023, and revenues from CEMEX in the UAE alone have also risen from $70.1 million to over $180 million, while creating over 700 jobs.'
