Latest news with #SharjahRamadanMajlis2025
Al Etihad
12-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Ramadan Majlis discusses ways to develop economy
9 Mar 2025 21:49 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025 convened on Thursday in Mleiha, focusing on Sharjah's industrial future and its impact on regional and local economic growth, especially regarding the theme 'Sharjah: Shaping the Future, Empowering Growth", the event convened in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; and Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in her welcoming address, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasised the importance of the Majlis in bringing government entities and stakeholders together within Sharjah's 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.'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 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 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 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, who leads the committee, said: 'Sharjah's economy is doing incredibly well and is evolving at an impressive pace, with our GDP now over Dh145 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 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 Dh826.4 million in 2024 alone. Recent investments, including three new pharmaceutical factories worth Dh308.7 million; a Dh50 million investment from global glass manufacturer PureGlass; and Dh40 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.'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 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 ed-tech, 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 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.
Arab News
10-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Sharjah's economy to soar 7.5% in 2025, boosting its sector hub status
JEDDAH: Sharjah's economy is projected to grow by up to 7.5 percent in 2025, strengthening its position as a hub for diverse sectors, according to a senior UAE official. Executive Chairman of the Department of Government Relations Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan bin Khalid Al-Qasimi highlighted that the expected expansion will be driven by progressive policies, increased economic integration, and rising foreign investment in strategic industries. Al-Qasimi underlined the importance of ongoing dialogue with the private sector to strengthen core industries such as manufacturing, trade, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. 'We will be hosting a number of quite frank discussions with the private sector about what the government should be doing better to protect the core industries – manufacturing, trading, agriculture and the environment — that we have,' Al-Qasimi said during the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025. The event, which was held under the theme 'Sharjah: Shaping the Future, Empowering Growth,' was attended by senior officials, including Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al-Qasimi, president of the American University of Sharjah; and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, minister of state for foreign trade. During the gathering, Al-Qasimi said that Sharjah's economy is evolving at an impressive pace, with the gross domestic product now over 145 billion dirhams ($39.47 billion), and growth of 6.5 percent registered in 2023 — surpassing the global average by 3.5 percentage points. 'We are 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,' he said. Al-Qasimi forecasted that continued integration, smarter policymaking, and collaboration with the private sector would contribute to growth ranging between 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent in the coming years. He added that the automotive industry and vehicle parts trading accounted for 24 percent of the emirate's economy, with agriculture at 19 percent, at manufacturing on 17 percent — the same level the broader food ecosystem. Al-Qasimi also pointed to the potential growth in the real estate sector in 2025, citing major developers like Alef Group and Arada, which are making significant investments in the emirate. To foster this growth, Al-Qasimi stressed the importance of identifying supply chain interdependencies and collaborating closely with the private sector. 'We need to identify the adjacencies and interdependencies in supply chains to understand from the private sector what we need to do to move forward,' he said. Foreign Trade Minister Al-Zeyoudi pointed to Sharjah's attractiveness to businesses, bolstered by initiatives like 'Invest in Sharjah,' the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, or Shurooq, and Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. 'Companies are moving here, and we aim to showcase the incentives, markets, and benefits available through the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements,' he said during the same event. Juma Al-Kait, assistant undersecretary for foreign trade at the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the significance of foreign trade, a cornerstone of the UAE's economic strategy. He noted that the UAE's foreign trade grew by 14.6 percent in 2024, hitting 3 trillion dirhams, outpacing the global rate, which recorded 2 percent. 'If we look at Sharjah's foreign trade, it grew 8.1 percent in 2024 compared to last year. There is a huge potential for the private sector to benefit or to utilize important agreements.' Al-Kait said. Sharjah is a key destination for manufacturing, services, and finance, with nearly 96 percent of its economy non-oil-based. Home to six specialized free zones, the emirate offers flexible investment opportunities and advanced infrastructure.
Khaleej Times
10-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: New adventure park with zipline, hiking, biking trails to open soon in Sharjah
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing various hospitality projects and attractions, including an exciting new adventure park in Khorfakkan. The park will have a zipline, adrenaline-pumping swings as well as hiking trails, its chief executive said. 'We are developing Al Jabel Adventures in Khorfakkan, which has become a popular destination for hiking and scuba diving etc. We'll have zip line, swings Stobel gun rides, hiking and biking trails. It's an exciting project that we hope to deliver towards the end of this year,' Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, told K haleej Times in an interview. Shurooq's portfolio spans various sectors, including hospitality, tourism, art, culture, and real estate. The authority has already developed several popular projects in Sharjah, such as Moon Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Najad Al Meqsar, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, Mleiha National Park, and Al Noor Island among others. Currently, Shurooq operates five hotels within its portfolio, with plans to expand further.'We're currently focusing on hospitality. Between the end of this year and next, we have three more hotels opening as we continue to grow our hospitality portfolio, focusing on niche developments. We are not looking at the number of rooms, but the quality and the experience that we offer,' Al Qaseer said on the sidelines of Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025 held in Mleiha. 'We have one hotel that will be connected to the Sharjah Safari – the largest safari in the world outside Africa. We're putting a 35-key hotel, another 45-key hotel in Khorfakkan on the mountain… Shurooq is not in the business of selling rooms, we are in the business of selling experiences," Al Qaseer added. Al Qaseer also highlighted Shurooq's efforts to transform Mleiha into a prominent tourist and cultural destination. With its rich history and archaeology dating back 200,000 years. 'Mleiha National Park consists of around 34 square kilometres with history talking about the Neolithic, Paleolithic Age, Iron Age and all the way to the pre-Islamic Age, with the museum being the heart of the Park where visitors can see all the archaeological findings. Then we have sunset lounges and other activities,' the Shurooq chief said at the Majlis." He also highlighted that Mleiha is fast emerging as a tourist and F&B destination. As more people visit the site, more cafes, shops, and restaurants pop up around Mleiha, engaging the local communities.
Sharjah 24
09-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Ramadan Majlis discusses ways to develop economy
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) ," inaugurated the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025, featuring senior officials, decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and economic experts. Sara Al Nuaimi mentioned that the Majlis, held in Mleiha, Sharjah, addressed various topics related to innovation in serving the industrial sector to benefit the emirate's economy, with discussions led by a group of officials and experts. Al Nuaimi highlighted that several Memoranda of Understanding were signed with strategic partners during the Majlis. The event was organised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority "Shurooq," the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center "Sheraa," the Sharjah Foreign Direct Investment Office "Invest in Sharjah," and the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park.
Gulf Today
09-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Innovation, sustainability key to Sharjah's future, says Bodour
Graced by the presence of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of American University of Sharjah; Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; and Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025 convened in Mleiha, focusing on Sharjah's industrial future and its impact on regional and local economic growth, especially regarding manufacturing. 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.' 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. 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 centre (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. 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 Dhs 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 Dhs 826.4 million in 2024 alone. Recent investments, including three new pharmaceutical factories worth Dhs 308.7 million; a Dhs 50 million investment from global glass manufacturer PureGlass; and Dhs 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.'
