Latest news with #Sharjah
Zawya
an hour ago
- Business
- Zawya
SPC Free Zone announces streamlined summer business setup offer
In a move to attract global publishing and creative entrepreneurs, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has unveiled a limited-time summer promotion till the end of July, offering accelerated business setup with significant cost benefits. Announced this month, the initiative combines speed, simplicity, and strategic value for companies targeting the UAE and regional markets as it builds upon Sharjah's global reputation as a strategic hub for knowledge-based industries. The core offer packages a business licence and one investor visa, and a key advantage is the dramatically accelerated processing time; upon approval, the business licence is issued instantly, while the residency visa is processed within an impressive five working days. Businesses benefit from access to over 2,000 permissible activities covering the entire publishing value chain, including book and digital publishing, printing, packaging, translation, content creation, distribution, graphic design, and media services. The offer also includes the flexibility of the Flexi-Desk package, allowing companies to sponsor an unlimited number of additional visas for employees as they grow. Founders retain 100 percent foreign ownership and enjoy full repatriation of capital and profits. Through a collaborative network, SPC Free Zone also facilitates seamless financial integration by providing clients direct access to a network of over 10 UAE and international banking partners. This established network simplifies the often complex process of opening corporate bank accounts, offering businesses a range of tailored financial solutions and removing a major operational hurdle for new market entrants. Additional support features encompass complimentary company name availability checks and a commitment to rapid callback support, typically within 60 seconds when requested, facilitating a smooth setup journey. Commenting on the promotion, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City, said, 'Sharjah's vision has always been to empower the written word and those who bring it to the world. This summer initiative reflects our commitment to removing barriers for global publishing and creative talent. By offering speed, simplicity, and significant value, we aim to attract innovative businesses seeking a strategic base to serve regional and international markets.' The summer promotion is available for a limited period. Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in leveraging this accelerated setup opportunity are encouraged to initiate the process by submitting their details through the online form available on the SPC Free Zone website.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Arada Central Business District awarded WiredScore Platinum
Certification achieved for Arada CBD Phase 1, featuring eight smart office blocks set for completion in Q1 2027 UAE's first office portfolio-wide WiredScore agreement signed at Arada ceremony Phase 2 certification underway, reinforcing the developer's commitment to delivering reliable, resilient and high-performing digital infrastructure Sharjah, United Arab Emirates: Arada has announced that it has secured WiredScore Platinum certification for the first phase of Arada Central Business District (CBD), Sharjah's new commercial hub set for completion in Q1 2027 within the AED 35 billion Aljada megaproject. WiredScore Platinum is the highest designation from WiredScore; the global benchmark for digital connectivity and smart building standards. This makes Arada CBD the first development in Sharjah to receive this certification, guaranteeing world-class digital infrastructure for future tenants of the commercial district in Aljada. Earlier this year, Arada awarded a construction contract worth AED604 million for Phase 1 of Arada CBD, covering the development of eight smart office buildings and associated infrastructure. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: 'WiredScore Platinum is a prestigious certification that affirms our commitment to resilient digital infrastructure tailored to modern business needs. With this milestone, Arada CBD positions itself as a national benchmark for smart, connected commercial environments. Tenants will benefit from advanced infrastructure and a strategic location, near the airport, planned passenger rail station and University City, while enjoying access to Aljada's vibrant lifestyle and residential offerings.' This milestone was celebrated during a ceremony at Aljada attended by senior executives from both Arada and WiredScore. The event included the formal handover of the WiredScore Platinum plaque and the signing of a portfolio-wide agreement, which commits Arada to pursue WiredScore and SmartScore certification for 37 office buildings within Arada CBD, marking the UAE's first office-focused WiredScore portfolio collaboration. William Newton, CEO of WiredScore, said: 'Achieving WiredScore Platinum for Arada CBD is a significant milestone not only for Sharjah, but for the region more broadly. Arada's ambition to create a digitally connected business hub at this scale sets a new benchmark for what future-ready office developments should look like. We're proud to be supporting a developer that truly understands how vital resilient, high-performing digital infrastructure is for businesses today and in the future.' John Hilliard, Director, Middle East of WiredScore, said: 'As the demand for certified smart and connected buildings continues to rise, Arada's commitment to best-in-class digital infrastructure places Sharjah firmly on the map as a forward-looking commercial destination. This certification signals to tenants that Arada CBD will deliver the digital reliability, speed and resilience that businesses demand, and is highly adaptable to their future requirements.' Certification work for Phase 2 of Arada CBD is already underway, reinforcing the developer's intent to apply consistent standards of digital connectivity across the entire district. Scheduled for completion in Q1 2027, the first phase of Arada CBD will provide 812,000 square feet of Grade A leasable office space, 1,666 parking bays, 76,000 square feet of landscaped green space, and 26,500 square feet of retail and F&B outlets. These components are designed to create a premium business environment enhanced by integrated lifestyle and wellness amenities. The full Arada CBD master plan will include 38 smart office buildings across 4.3 million square feet, anchored by a central green spine. The district will incorporate smart-city technologies for lighting, waste and traffic management and support a circular economy model. Aljada is a 24 million square foot mega development featuring over 25,000 homes, retail, entertainment, sports, education, and wellness facilities. With seamless access within minutes to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah International Airport, and the upcoming Etihad Rail station, Aljada is reshaping Sharjah's urban landscape. About Arada Launched in 2017 and headquartered in the UAE, Arada was created to build spaces people connect with for healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Arada's scope of operation covers property development, retail, education, healthcare, fitness, wellness and hospitality. The master developer has so far launched nine record-breaking communities in the UAE and has expanded into the Australian market, opening an office in Sydney in 2024. Arada also operates a portfolio of complementary brands and experiences, which includes large-scale gyms, F&B and retail assets, social initiatives and visitor destinations. About WiredScore WiredScore is the organization behind the WiredScore and SmartScore certifications: the internationally recognised digital connectivity and smart building rating systems for real estate, helping landlords design and promote buildings with powerful digital connectivity and smart capabilities. WiredScore launched in 2013 in partnership with Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York, International demand for the digital connectivity rating system has since seen the company expand operations across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific, where it works with over 1,000 clients across the real estate industry. Since then, over 1 billion square feet (93 million square metres) of commercial and residential space has been committed to WiredScore certification, impacting 9 million people across more than 40 countries.
Zawya
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
14th International Government Communication Forum to kick off on 10 September under the theme 'Communication for Quality of Life'
Tariq Saeed Allay: Quality of life is a collective responsibility requiring smart and impactful communication tools Sharjah, Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB) will host the 14th edition of the International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) on 10-11 September at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Communication for Quality of Life.' This annual event serves as a global intellectual platform to discuss the future of government communication and highlight its critical roles in addressing global challenges. It will bring together distinguished leaders, experts, and officials from around the world. The upcoming edition will focus on five main pillars, exploring food security, education, public health, environmental transformation, and the green economy as essential foundations for enhancing quality of life. His Excellency Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the SGMB, emphasised the forum's commitment to selecting topics based on a comprehensive developmental vision that places people at the centre of communication policies. He noted that 'quality of life is a collective responsibility that demands smart, effective communication tools to raise awareness and support decision-making.' He added that the forum, which has become one of the most important international platforms for discussing communication issues, seeks in its latest edition to exchange ideas and proposals that lead to practical programmes that direct collective action toward inclusive and equitable development goals. This aligns with Sharjah's ongoing efforts to embed quality of life within its government communication initiatives as the main driver of achievement and success. Allay also pointed out that the forum continues, in its 14th edition, to attract leading thinkers, researchers, and practitioners from various parts of the world. He highlighted that the diversity of expertise, specialisations, and perspectives creates a rich dialogue and gives the forum both its human and professional dimensions. The upcoming edition will explore the role of government communication in driving positive change by enhancing awareness of sustainable food practices, encouraging innovation in agriculture, and supporting communities in confronting environmental and social crises. It will also examine the impact of education as a long-term communication tool that builds generations capable of understanding and adapting to change, equipping them with skills to develop realistic solutions to the challenges impacting their food security, health, and environment. IGCF 2025 will highlight how media and government messages shape individual behaviours, motivating people and institutions to adopt more conscious and responsible lifestyles. It will also discuss opportunities within the green economy to create new jobs and promote environmental justice, alongside the role of communication in building partnerships that strengthen trust between governments and societies.
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone announces streamlined summer business setup offer
Sharjah, In a move to attract global publishing and creative entrepreneurs, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has unveiled a limited-time summer promotion till the end July offering accelerated business setup with significant cost benefits. Announced this month, the initiative combines speed, simplicity, and strategic value for companies targeting the UAE and regional markets as it builds upon Sharjah's global reputation in being a strategic hub for knowledge-based industries. Unlimited opportunity and full turn-key services The core offer packages a business license and one investor visa for a total discounted cost of AED 12,500, and a key advantage is the dramatically accelerated processing time; upon approval, the business license is issued instantly, while the residency visa is processed within an impressive five working days. Businesses benefit from access to over 2,000 permissible activities covering the entire publishing value chain, including book and digital publishing, printing, packaging, translation, content creation, distribution, graphic design, and media services. The offer also includes the flexibility of the Flexi-Desk package, allowing companies to sponsor an unlimited number of additional visas for employees as they grow. Founders retain 100% foreign ownership and enjoy full repatriation of capital and profits. Through a collaborative network, SPC Free Zone also facilitates seamless financial integration by providing clients direct access to a network of over 10 leading UAE and international banking partners. This established network simplifies the often complex process of opening corporate bank accounts, offering businesses a range of tailored financial solutions and removing a major operational hurdle for new market entrants. Additional support features encompass complimentary company name availability checks and a commitment to rapid callback support; typically within 60 seconds when requested; facilitating a smooth setup journey. A tailored ecosystem Beyond the immediate promotion, SPC Free Zone provides a uniquely tailored ecosystem. Established in 2017 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, it holds the distinction of being the world's first free zone dedicated exclusively to the publishing, printing, and allied creative industries. Notably, SPC Free Zone pioneered the world's first AI-generated business license, reflecting its commitment to digital innovation, and all licenses issued carry MOFA (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) certification, ensuring global document recognition and legal compliance for international operations. This initiative is a cornerstone of Sharjah's strategy to cement its position as a global cultural and knowledge hub, further bolstered by its UNESCO World Book Capital designation in 2019. The zone offers businesses a supportive, collaborative environment operating within a tax-exempt and customs-duty-free framework, specifically designed for publishers, printers, authors, translators, designers, and technology providers. Commenting on the promotion, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City said, 'Sharjah's vision has always been to empower the written word and those who bring it to the world. This summer initiative reflects our commitment to removing barriers for global publishing and creative talent. By offering speed, simplicity, and significant value, we aim to attract innovative businesses seeking a strategic base to serve regional and international markets.' The summer promotion is available for a limited period. Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in leveraging this accelerated setup opportunity are encouraged to initiate the process by submitting their details through the online form available on the SPC Free Zone website at
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
AUS and ADPIC sign MoU empowering students to tackle real-world infrastructure challenges
Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah (AUS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), a government entity responsible for overseeing the quality, safety and sustainable delivery of projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The agreement, signed in mid-June by Dr. Mohamed El-Tarhuni, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost at AUS, and H.E. Engineer Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, sets the stage for future collaboration in research, student development and capital project planning. As part of the MOU, which was signed during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS), the partners outline several broad areas of cooperation between AUS and ADPIC, including joint research, internship opportunities, student career events, and the integration of capital project management topics into selected academic courses at AUS. This collaboration directly supports ADPIC's long-term roadmap to advance infrastructure innovation and develop a skilled national workforce. AUS and ADPIC officials also agreed on a draft framework for the future exchange of information and the development of project-specific agreements. 'We are delighted to be partnering with ADPIC on this important initiative,' said Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS. 'This partnership creates exciting new avenues for our students to engage with real-world infrastructure challenges, while highlighting AUS' ongoing strong commitment to supporting the UAE's strategic development goals through our academic and research expertise.' His Excellency Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, said: "This MoU with AUS is a strategic imperative for Abu Dhabi's future. Our infrastructure ambitions demand a pipeline of highly skilled, innovative talent, and this partnership directly cultivates that by creating an integrated ecosystem where cutting-edge research meets practical application. By bridging academia with real-world capital projects, we are building physical assets while investing in intellectual capital that will drive the next generation of urban development across the UAE'. As the entity tasked with overseeing and coordinating all capital projects in the Emirate, ADPIC plays a pivotal role in shaping Abu Dhabi's infrastructure priorities, opening up a wealth of opportunities for AUS students across disciplines, from engineering and architecture to business and public policy. The MOU, which will remain in effect for two years, also promotes the inclusion of ADPIC expertise in student seminars and workshops and the exploration of future employment and training opportunities for AUS graduates. The agreement represents a significant step forward for both institutions, facilitating the integration of academic and research expertise with national development priorities. In doing so, it reinforces the vital role of higher education in shaping the future of the UAE's infrastructure landscape. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
