Latest News from Sharjah 24


TAG 91.1
2 hours ago
- Business
- TAG 91.1
'UAE Future 50' spotlights high-potential Emirati startups
The UAE has unveiled a major initiative spotlighting 50 promising Emirati startups shaping the future economy. 'UAE Future 50' was launched in Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. It has been jointly developed by the Government Development and the Future Office along with the Ministry of Economy, The initiative highlights 50 Emirati-led startups operating in 15 future-focused sectors such as fintech, healthtech, space, cybersecurity, renewable energy and smart mobility. The goal is to accelerate innovation, diversify the national economy, and support a new generation of entrepreneurs driving progress across key industries. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the UAE's commitment to creating a supportive environment for startups and innovators, aligning with the country's We the UAE 2031 vision. He praised Emirati entrepreneurs for their role in building a globally competitive economy and called for more young people to embrace entrepreneurship. 'UAE Future 50' builds on the success of the earlier Future 100 initiative, continuing efforts to recognise high-impact ventures and celebrate national talent. Hamdan bin Mohammed witnesses launch of the 'UAE Future 50' initiative. The initiative features 50 promising startups launched by Emirati entrepreneurs across 15 future-focused economic sectors that boost the diversification and resilience of the national economy. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 28, 2025


Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
"Little Writers" translates Sharjah Children's vision
The event took place on Wednesday, May 21, at the Kalba Literary Council, with the participation of more than 60 children from the Eastern Region. The initiative featured an inspiring panel discussion presented by the children who won the "Voices of Future Generations" competition across the Middle East: Saud Al Kaabi, Noura Al Mushtaghel, and Maktoum Al Mazrouei. They presented their winning stories, which addressed environmental and development issues related to sustainability goals, affirming children's ability to express their visions for a more balanced and just future. This distinguished participation is the result of the specialised training they received at Sharjah Children, which aims to develop their critical thinking and creative writing skills, empowering them to use expression tools to make a real difference in their communities. "Storyteller" workshop The event included a "Storyteller" workshop, in which Halima Al Kaabi presented her story "Safa and the Angry Sea," which focused on environmental awareness, the dangers of marine pollution, and the individual's role in protecting beaches and marine life through an innovative story that conveys a powerful message and social responsibility. Experts from the "Voices of Future Generations" competition team also participated in presenting a "Creative Writing" workshop, which addressed storytelling techniques and how to connect stories to the Sustainable Development Goals by developing meaningful characters and constructing plots that touch on reality and inspire change. The workshop provided the children with a unique opportunity to acquire artistic tools and enhance their self-expression skills in an impactful manner. In the same context, members of the Kalba Children's Centre presented the play "Flower Village," which addressed environmental themes in a dramatic style, promoting positive values and urging the preservation of nature, within an engaging and interactive setting. 'Little Writers" The "Little Writers" initiative reflected Sharjah Children's vision of empowering children to express their thoughts and opinions with awareness and confidence, and providing them with the tools that make writing an effective means of positive change. It also provided them with a stimulating educational environment, enabling them to interact with young and expert writers and strengthening their confidence that their ideas deserve to be told and heard. It's worth noting that the initiative was organised in cooperation with the Emirates Literature Foundation and the Kalba Literary Council, affiliated with the Department of Culture, as part of Sharjah Children's efforts to raise a balanced generation that possesses awareness and imagination, and is capable of positively interacting with the issues of the present and the future.


Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah CP approves Sharjah Digital Integration Prog
Visit to Sharjah Digital Department This statement came during Sharjah Crown Prince's visit on Wednesday, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, to the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD). The purpose of the visit was to assess the department's readiness to lead the digital future of the Emirate of Sharjah. Appreciation for efforts Sharjah Crown Prince praised the efforts made by the working teams and specialists to empower the digital sector within the Sharjah Government. During his visit, Sharjah Crown Prince approved the Sharjah Digital Integration Programme and its executive plan, which constitutes the foundation for building an interconnected digital system that enhances governmental efficiency and enriches the customer experience. Digital Integration Programme The programme includes a set of success factors that reflect reality and create the desired impact, primarily centered around the digital transformation strategy for the Emirate of Sharjah. This strategy is encapsulated in the vision of "Human-Centric Digital Creativity." It comprises over 50 digital initiatives that represent a qualitative leap in the emirate's digital future, as well as a digital cooperation charter, which is fundamental for integration between government entities and the SDD. Collaborative Development Methodology The program was prepared following a participatory and integrated development methodology, in collaboration with more than 250 representatives from government entities, the public, and the private sector. It aims to redefine digital work away from traditional models, targeting practical outcomes and clear roles, in harmony with the state's directions while placing the uniqueness of the Emirate of Sharjah at the heart of its vision. Accompanying delegation During his visit, the Crown Prince of Sharjah was accompanied by Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Asmaa Rashid bin Tali'a, Secretary-General of Sharjah Executive Council; Engineer Lamya Obaid Al Hosan Al Shamsi, SDD Director; and Ahmed Hamad Al Suwaidi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah.


Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Municipality teams crack down on illegal water sales
Continuous monitoring for public health His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al-Tunji, Director General of Sharjah Municipality, confirmed that the municipality continuously works around the clock to monitor negative behaviors and practices that adversely affect individual and community health. Legal and administrative actions are taken against anyone attempting to deceive the public or cause harm, whether physical or moral, by engaging in activities that violate laws, regulations, customs, and traditions, while trying to earn money unlawfully. Inspection operations lead to discovery Al Tuniji explained that the operation was part of inspection rounds across various areas, where vehicles were spotted carrying and loading large amounts of packaged water from a residence. The relevant teams coordinated and raided the site, apprehending the individual inside. During the inspection, large quantities of boxes and plastic containers prepared for filling were seized, equipped with labels claiming the water was Zamzam, filled under unsanitary conditions, promoted via social media, and sold to the public. Investigation and legal action The Director General highlighted that during monitoring and inspection, financial invoices from a licensed company, R.T. for Mineral Water Trading, were found. The individual operating the activity was exploiting the company to deceive people by selling tank water as Zamzam and issuing invoices in the name of the licensed company. Consequently, the municipality contacted the Department of Economic Development, which promptly closed the establishment. Coordination was also made with the Sharjah Police General Command to refer the individual for investigation and take the necessary legal actions. Encouraging public caution His Excellency Obaid Saeed Al-Tuniji pointed out that the inspection teams provided the necessary personnel, equipment, and vehicles to confiscate the seized goods completely and handle them according to the established procedures, as well as to close the residence. The Sharjah Municipality urges the public not to engage with any unlicensed food establishments and to avoid purchasing products through social media platforms unless they verify their source and licensing from the relevant authorities in the emirate. For any observations or reports, the public can contact the call center at 993.


Sharjah 24
3 hours ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Majid Al Junaid: Remarkable step to enhance self-sufficiency
Sharjah Cooperative has greatly expanded its range of UAE-made products across its branches as part of its commitment to support national production. Sales of local goods have grown by over 80% since the start of the year compared to the same period last year. The Sharjah Cooperative Society now offers over 1,000 national products, including a wide variety of food and non-food items such as bread, milk, flour, dairy, rice, oils, beverages, detergents, and household supplies. Strong demand for local goods These products have received a positive response due to prominent display space and high quality, allowing them to compete with global brands. This growing popularity strengthens the country's sustainable food security efforts. Majid Al Junaid, CEO of the Sharjah Cooperative Society (SCS) stated that consumer interest in local goods highlights the importance of boosting domestic production and supporting local farms, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Al Junaid highlighted the MoU signed with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and its affiliate 'IKTIFA', aimed at improving coordination, logistics, and information sharing to enhance supply chain efficiency and support local production. Distribution of 'IKTIFA' and local brands Sharjah Cooperative Society now offers 'IKTIFA', Arabic bread and other locally produced items, like Mleiha dairy products and Saba Sanabel flour, ensuring high-quality options for customers in cooperation with national producers. Backed over 100 local farms. Over recent years, the cooperative has supported more than 100 productive farms across the UAE by marketing their goods through its Sharjah branches, boosting the sales of agricultural products. A broad campaign was recently launched to promote local products, including wide discounts and clear 'Made in UAE' labelling aimed at raising consumer awareness and improving competitiveness. Ongoing initiatives Sharjah Cooperative Society continues to support UAE-made goods through visible display areas, priority in order fulfilment, dedicated promotion staff, and easier monthly payment terms for suppliers. Al Junaid affirmed that this expansion is a strategic move to boost self-sufficiency and national food security. He highlighted Sharjah's commitment to sustainable food practices in line with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051, driven by circular economy principles and technological integration.