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Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah Ruler sows seeds at massive wheat farm in Mleiha

Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi disseminated the seeds, marking the launch of the first phase of wheat cultivation, which covers an area of 400 hectares and is scheduled to be harvested in four months….reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, affirmed that the ongoing food security projects in Sharjah aim to provide food needs and raise production rates to cover the needs of Sharjah’s cities and regions.

Sheikh Sultan launched the first phase of the wheat farm in the Mleiha, on Wednesday, pointing out the importance of these projects in light of the changes the world is witnessing, which may affect the availability of grains in addition to providing many jobs and other services.

He disseminated the seeds, marking the launch of the first phase of wheat cultivation, which covers an area of 400 hectares and is scheduled to be harvested in four months.

The Sharjah Ruler explained that food security projects include supporting the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors, developing farms and supporting farmers and fishermen, and setting regulations and controls that limit misuse in food production.

He called on farmers to cooperate with Sharjah government in developing and maintaining their farms and establishing specialised farms, stressing that he will provide the necessary support for electricity and water services at reduced prices, in addition to providing technical and agricultural consultations to ensure the production of crops that are compatible with health standards and are free of harmful chemicals.

Dr. Sheikh Sultan pointed out that the quantities of wheat imports in the country amount to 1.7 million metric tonnes, and the amount of the emirate of Sharjah is 330 thousand metric tonnes, indicating that the wheat farm in Mleiha will contribute, after completing its stages and developing its crops, to reduce the percentage of wheat imports from abroad, pointing out that he referred to the value of agricultural land in terms of its location and suitable clay material.

The Sharjah Ruler discussed the main goals and concerns that stem from the various development projects in Sharjah, which achieves stability to the citizens and residents ensuring a decent life for them.

He pressed the button to launch the dissemination and irrigation operations, as the irrigation process relies on artificial intelligence by transmitting weather and soil status to the main centre for agricultural operations to regulate the rate of water consumption.

Sheikh Sultan was briefed about the project in terms of technical specifications and mechanisms used in irrigation and agriculture, in addition to the types of wheat seeds that will be planted, stressing that all the essential necessities for the success of these agricultural projects will be provided.

The project will be completed in three phases, the first phase will be on an area of 400 hectares, the second phase will be on an area of 880 hectares in 2024, and the third phase will reach its completion on an area of 1400 hectares in 2025.

The farm’s infrastructure has been completed, which includes irrigation lines equivalent to 13 linear metres and electrical works equal to 10,000 linear metres.

ALSO READ: UAE vows strong alliance with OIC

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Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah performing arts academy announces new admission

Admissions for the academy are now open for the 2023 academic year, with SPAA’s admissions process being as unique as the institution itself…reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA), a world-leading performing arts education and training institution, has announced the launch of admissions for the new academic year, alongside a schedule of live auditions and interviews, open days, workshops, masterclasses, facility tours, networking events and productions set to inspire prospective students.

Opening in 2019 to provide world-class professional conservatoire style training alongside formal education in performing and production arts for a new generation of exceptionally talented students, SPAA is the leading performing arts academy of its kind in the region offering quality undergraduate degree and diploma programmes in acting, musical theatre, production arts and dance.

Embodying the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah to elevate the performing arts industry in the UAE and beyond, the academy is dedicated to providing students with a first-class opportunity to study, practice and take part in developing professional performing arts in the region, ensuring the cultural potential of the region is successfully realised.

SPAA trains, educates and produces graduates with a competitive edge in an international market, arming students and graduates with the necessary skills to develop a lasting and prosperous career within the professional performing arts industry.  The Academy offers the opportunity for candidates, aspiring performers, dancers, actors, designers, technicians and stage managers to study full-time Bachelor degrees in Acting, Production Arts and Musical Theatre, in addition to the Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance, with programmes led by highly experienced professionals, with students undertaking a robust schedule of intensive, practice-based training.

Admissions for the academy are now open for the 2023 academic year, with SPAA’s admissions process being as unique as the institution itself.  Students applying for acceptance onto one of SPAA’s undergraduate programmes, will enjoy a stimulating and engaging audition or interview process.  The academy offers a number of opportunities for budding talent to attend auditions and open days, as well as network with academic leaders, teachers and current students.   

Auditions for the highly sought after programmes in Acting, Production Arts and Musical Theatre and the acclaimed Trinity Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance will begin 1 October 2022 and run until 1 April 2023, with open days and live auditions and interviews taking place 15 October 2022 and again early in November.

Professor Peter Barlow Executive Director, SPAA, said, “Sharjah Performing Arts Academy provides students with a world-class opportunity to study, practice and take part in developing professional performing arts in the region. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of talented students as they embark on a journey, which will define their future. We are thrilled to hone the skills of our students within the fields of acting, musical theatre, dance and production arts and look forward to guiding and nurturing them during their artistic journey, whilst providing them with the necessary industry experience and global connections, which will define their future careers. Graduates of the Academy will become enterprising, creative and skilled artists and creatives, and act as guiding lights redefining the future of performing arts.”

The Academy welcomes students from around the world, and is currently home to a cohort of students from more than 40 countries around the world, including UK, USA, UAE, KSA, Chile, India, Singapore, Egypt, Lebanon, and Morocco and beyond.  The academy offers students a culturally rich and diversified experience, allowing them to thrive professionally and intellectually whilst making friends from around the world. During their course, students have the opportunity to undertake work experience, internships as well as professional roles within the Middle East’s creative sector, including Dubai Opera, Art Dubai and Sharjah Art Foundation, to enrich their cultural and artistic experiences.

With the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, full scholarships are available to eligible students upon acceptance into the academy. These scholarships cover tuition and accommodation for the duration of the BA programme.

For more information about Sharjah Performing Arts Academy and the BA Undergraduate degrees, Diplomas and programmes on offer, please visit: www.spaa.ae

ALSO READ-Sharjah Ruler stresses importance of census

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Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah steps into ease traffic woes

The new, centralized control system will help with providing improved traffic flow and shorter travel times to drivers across the majority of the city and increase the safety of citizens. …reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah, the capital city of the Emirate of Sharjah, is actively developing the next level of intelligent traffic management capabilities together with Kapsch TrafficCom. The 1.5 million city Sharjah is the third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The new, centralized control system will help with providing improved traffic flow and shorter travel times to drivers across the majority of the city and increase the safety of citizens. Additionally, a state-of-the-art traffic control center will enable the city with the ability to manage traffic in a comprehensive and coordinated way directly across 48 key junctions all over the city.

The system will also further strengthen the city’s position as a “healthy city”, as improved traffic flow also means fewer emissions and higher quality of living for city residents, while also cutting down fuel costs for commuters.

“We at Kapsch TrafficCom are delighted to support Sharjah City in a project of this magnitude and are thankful for the excellent cooperation with the team in the traffic engineering department of SRTA. The technology will optimize the city’s traffic for the benefit of residents’ quality of life, resulting in less time in the car throughout their journey,” says Fakhar Munir, Country Manager UAE at Kapsch TrafficCom. “It also helps in reducing the carbon emission of the city, which supports His Highness Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah’s commitment towards cutting down carbon emissions. This project reinforces Sharjah’s position as one of the leading cities in the UAE when it comes to traffic management.”

Over a period of 12 months, which started in May 2022, Kapsch TrafficCom will supply and install 48 controllers, cameras and its EcoTrafiXTM software, integrate the system and design a traffic control center for city authorities. Beyond the initial 12 months, the company is also tasked with maintaining the system for three additional years.

The EcoTrafiXTM Expert software that is installed at the central control center receives the traffic data collected by the video cameras and traffic controllers, and through calculations identifies the optimal cycle and split for each intersection based on traffic volume, stop duration, and more.

ALSO READ: UAE continues lead as top global tourist destination

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Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah FDI Office strengthen ties with potential investors

Panel discussion titled ‘Investment Opportunities in Sharjah’ organised during ‘Sharjah Business Day in Hungary’ steps up economic cooperation between the two sides…reports Asian Lite News

The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), an affiliate of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has strengthened ties with potential investors and businesses from across Hungary and members of the Hungarian and Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a bid to expand commercial, industrial and investment cooperation in several high-priority sectors during a networking event hosted in Budapest.

Invest in Sharjah organised the ‘Sharjah Business Day in Hungary’ at the Matild Palace in the Hungarian capital to promote investment opportunities in competitive sectors and to highlight the range of services and facilities offered by various government organisations in the emirate.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, led the high-level delegation at the Budapest meet which hosted a panel discussion held under the theme ‘Investment Opportunities in Sharjah’, to promote trade and economic cooperation between the business communities of Hungary and Sharjah.

The discussion highlighted the ease of doing business in the emirate, focused on Sharjah’s diversified economy, competitive advantages and core strengths in diverse sectors, easy access to global markets, and elaborated on the range of services offered to incentivise long-term foreign investment.

Promising opportunities in high-growth sectors

Delivering the keynote speech at the Budapest meet, H.E. Saud Hamad Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Hungary, highlighted the long-standing history of cooperation between the two nations and emphasised unique high-growth opportunities in Sharjah’s innovative and business-friendly landscape to help Hungarian investors grow and scale up their businesses in the region.

He said: “The UAE is the largest Arab trading partner of Hungary with non-oil trade reaching USD544 million in 2021. The robust relations can be strengthened further through trade and investment in Sharjah’s competitive diversified economy to drive growth in areas of mutual interest.”

In his welcome address, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, the DGR Chairman, emphasised the shared commitment of Sharjah and Hungary to consolidate the bonds of strong bilateral ties and expand economic prospects by harnessing innovation and technology in diverse sectors to achieve sustainable economic growth.

The DGR Chairman said: “Concerted efforts from both sides have led to strong growth in mutual trade and economic investments, and we look forward to developing cooperation and facilitating partnerships in many rapidly growing business sectors such as agriculture and food security, technology and innovation, logistics, tourism and culture, water resource management, energy and renewable energy, and education. Sharjah is a global hub of innovation and creativity, and I invite investors in Hungary to explore the advantages and integrated incentives that stem from the emirate’s stimulating business environment and its status as a vital gateway to the Middle Eastern, Asian, and African markets.”

Thriving global hub for long-term investments

Outlining the tremendous opportunity and potential in Sharjah’s conducive business environment, Mohamed Al Musharrkh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), emphasised the entity’s leading role in consolidating the emirate’s position as a thriving global hub for business, capital, and foreign investments.

He said: “Sharjah has always stood behind responsible investments that support priority sectors and promotes innovation-based and sustainable growth. Sharjah’s investor-friendly climate is further boosted by the presence of six world-class free zones while its thriving innovation ecosystem levels the playing field for promising changemakers.”

Al Musharrkh added: “Invest in Sharjah can connect investors from Hungary to different government entities to identify opportunities to facilitate public-private partnerships. To improve the ease of doing business, the Sharjah Investors Services Centre offers integrated business and licencing services in addition to a range of consultative and advisory services.”

Technology investment opportunities

H.E. Hussein Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, said: “The park is capable and ready to provide all that is required to Hungarian companies who are interested to work and invest in the knowledge sector, which is considered a pillar to in SRTIP vision and mission to support innovation and technology research that supports investment projects.”

Al Mahmoudi also highlighted the Sharjah Open Innovation Lab (SOILAB), the first applied incubator for start-ups and innovative companies to create prototypes, and the third edition of the global accelerators programme ‘Sharjah Global Accelerator for Advanced Industrial Technologies’, that is aimed at attracting emerging companies and global entrepreneurs by providing the necessary support to encourage their start-ups to improve their competitive advantages.

Investors friendly sectors

Elaborating on the host of benefits and suite of integrated business development solutions Sharjah Media City (SHAMS) offers investors, Majid Al Mulla, Director of Operations, said: “With a 2 million square metre area, SHAMS is home to a dynamic, tech-savvy community of businesses involved in everything from media and e-commerce to real estate. We work to encourage game-changing ideas and create the opportunities innovators and creatives need to transform their vision into meaningful, concrete, viable media projects.”

ALSO READ:Seoul Book Fair To Honour Sharjah

Manufacturing sectors

Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director for Business and Communication Sector, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “Sharjah provides a supportive environment for large-scale and innovative manufacturing industries, especially in the advanced technologies sector. Our innovations in sustainability and circular economy have enabled our journey to become the first zero waste to landfill city in the region. Under the UAE’s Operation 300bn, which aims to more than double the contribution of the industrial sector by 2031, Sharjah is poised for further exponential growth.”

 During the visit to Hungary, the Sharjah delegation met with Elek Nagy, President of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI); and Gábor Kiss, former Ambassador and a member of the Presidium of Hungarian-Turkish Committee. They also met with representatives of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (HCCI) including Péter Babák, Head of the International Relations Office, and András Rév, Vice President for International Affairs.

The delegation also met with officials from the Budapest Waterworks; Budapest Metropolitan University; John Von Neumann University; the Hungarian National Bank, and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bács-Kiskun County.

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Arab News Sharjah UAE News

Seoul Book Fair To Honour Sharjah

Sharjah Ruler’s cultural project resonates in South Korea. Sharjah named Guest of Honour at Seoul International Book Fair 2023

South Korea is championing Sharjah’s visionary cultural project, launched and led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as it announces Sharjah as Guest of Honour at the Seoul International Book Fair 2023, the largest book and publishing trade show in South Korea.

In celebrating and honouring the unique cultural vision of the emirate, South Korea builds on the ongoing distinguished status accorded to Sharjah by leading global cities and nations for its unparalleled efforts in forging communication and dialogue with cultures and civilisations around the world.

Launched in 1954 and upgraded to the status of an international fair in 1995, the Seoul International Book Fair is one of the top book fairs in Asia and brings together a diverse gathering of publishers, distributors, and industry experts from across the continent. For South Korea, recognised globally for its advanced infrastructure and leading status in science and technology, the book fair is a platform to highlight its contributions to the publishing industry and promote the openness and multicultural values that are rooted in South Korean culture.

As Guest of Honour, Sharjah will present a vibrant cultural programme featuring seminars and discussions, showcase heritage arts and crafts of the UAE, present traditional Emirati song and shows, and promote Arabic culture through various other art forms. In addition, a lineup of distinguished Emirati authors, publishers and artists will be part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour delegation.

Commenting on the prestigious title, HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “Not a year passes by without Sharjah registering a new milestone in its cultural project, launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, that introduces global cultures to our rich history and shines light on our contributions to humanity through science, philosophy, and arts.”

ALSO READ:Sharjah Ruler receives Culture Minister

He added that the emirate’s cultural project brings pride to every Arab because it nourishes the Arabic cultural movement.

He continued: “The Guest of Honour status conferred on Sharjah by the Seoul International Book Fair is a celebration of the UAE’s accomplishments in reinforcing the role of knowledge as a vital factor in the advancement and prosperity of nations. It is also a celebration of the Arab culture and of every author and publisher who has contributed to expanding our cultural horizons at the local, regional, and international levels.”

Sharjah’s new prestigious title at the 2023 Seoul International Book Fair comes close on the heels of it being feted as Guest of Honour at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair 2022 and its celebration as Market Focus at the 49th edition of the London Book Fair, becoming the first representative of an Arab country to receive this honour.

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-Top News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah Ruler receives Culture Minister

They discussed the cultural partnerships between all cultural departments and the importance of enhancing them to benefit Arab and Islamic cultures…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, received Monday at Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, and the delegation of the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, headed by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Head of the Department.

The meeting discussed the history of the UAE, its various achievements in all cultural, historical, and social aspects, and the importance of documenting these achievements through research and cultural activities.

The meeting also discussed the cultural partnerships between all cultural departments and the importance of enhancing them to benefit Arab and Islamic cultures.

ALSO READ:Sharjah Ruler approves research budget of Dh100 million

Sharjah Ruler accompanied the delegation on tour in the centre, where they were briefed about the prominent valuable holdings of documents, paintings, photos, and documentary films, in addition to the halls of honours and souvenirs received by H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah from various heads of international organisations and universities.

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Arab News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah Ruler approves research budget of Dh100 million

Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), today chaired the meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees…reports Asian Lite News

During the meeting, the Sharjah Ruler and the AUS President were briefed on a number of the university’s achievements in various fields, praising the board for deepening their efforts to accelerate the university’s growth and following up the developing plans with the help of the university’s faculties and students. In addition, His Highness adopted several decisions expediting the university.

The board approved the university’s operating budget for the next academic year, a budget of AED100 million as financial aid for research, and adopted a new policy for spending on scholarships and research. The council also approved promoting several university faculty members and renewing their contracts.

Moreover, the board members expressed their appreciation to Sheikha Naamah bint Majid Al Qasimi and her family for their contribution to the university’s scholarship fund, which will lead to the establishment of the ‘Sheikha Naama bint Majid Al Qasimi Professorial Chair in Interdisciplinary Education’ at AUS.

ALSO READ:UAE, Uzbekistan launch new phase of joint cooperation

Recently, Sharjah ruler opened University of Khorfakkan and affirmed that science and its foundations are the way to achieve progress, a belief that drives Sharjah’s efforts in establishing universities and academic institutions to enhance knowledge acquisition across the emirate.

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Arab News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah opens first waste-to-energy plant in Middle East

Sharjah ruler Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi on Tuesday inaugurated the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant, the first of its kind in the Middle East…reports Asian Lite News

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The plant is the first project of Emirates Waste to Energy, a joint venture established by BEEAH Energy, the renewable energy business of BEEAH Group, and Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies.

Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, gave a presentation on the achievements of Bee’ah, the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant.

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of Bee’ah, delivered a speech in which he thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous support for Bee’ah and its continuous efforts in implementing the emirate’s vision, which contributed to the completion of the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant.

Bee’ah Group has achieved a qualitative achievement in the Emirate of Sharjah by raising the diversion of waste away from landfills at a rate of 76 percent, the highest in the Middle East, with the support of various recycling facilities that receive various types of waste.

“With the waste-to-energy plant entering the actual operation phase, we will be able to completely treat non-recyclable waste, thus raising the rate of waste diversion in the Emirate of Sharjah away from landfills to one hundred percent,” he added.

ALSO READ: UAE’s first waste-to-energy plant ready in Sharjah

The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikhs and attendees watched a presentation on the stages of establishing the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant, its most prominent objectives, facilities and expected operating results.

The Plant, announced in 2018, will divert up to 300,000 tonnes of waste from landfills annually, supporting the achievement of the UAE’s goals for waste diversion and management.

The project will contribute to avoiding the emission of up to 450,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, which supports the country’s efforts to implement the strategic initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The plant will produce 30 megawatts of low-carbon electricity, enough to supply electricity to about 28,000 homes in the UAE, and provide 45 million cubic meters of natural gas each year.

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Arab News Sharjah UAE News

Sharjah Opts For Sustainable Tourism

Sharjah Tourism highlights progress in major tourism projects and future plans for a sustainable tourism industry

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has unveiled the latest developments taking place in the Emirate of Sharjah’s tourism projects and future plans at a press conference it held on day two of Arab Travel Market (ATM) 2022, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

ATM aims to shed light on the future of the global travel and tourism industry, in addition to exploring ways to address existing challenges and capitalise on available opportunities.

Held at the Sharjah Pavilion at ATM 2022, the press conference brought together His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA); H.E. Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, and Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), along with officials from various government entities and representatives of local and international media outlets.

Speaking at the conference, H.E. Al Midfa said: “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to advance the emirate’s position as a prominent family tourism destination on the global tourism map, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority works closely and continuously with its strategic partners in the government and private sectors to implement projects and initiatives that allow the emirate to offer innovative, one-of-a-kind and diverse tourism experiences to visitors from around the world.”

 “Our leadership’s constant support paved the way for Sharjah to make immense progress in recent years in terms of major tourism projects across cities and villages in the emirate, including major infrastructure projects to connect the Heart of Sharjah to the Central and Eastern regions,” H.E. Al Midfa continued. “The emirate’s strategic location is an added value for its tourism sector, playing a key role in the development of the tourism industry and its diversity, and offering an array of experiences to meet all interests and cater to every age group. The emirate boasts world-class tourism capacities, offering an annual agenda full of events, exhibitions, and major festivals – all of which work together to meet the aspirations of visitors from all categories.”

The SCTDA Chairman explained that Sharjah has significantly developed its hotel sector to include more than 100 facilities with over 10,000 rooms and apartments. “These include beach hotels, city-centre hotels, and other facilities with more of an authentic Emirati feel, in addition to hotels in the Central Region in Mleiha and Al Badayer, which offer unique accommodation experiences, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, where guests can immerse themselves in natural landscapes from mountains to sand dunes,” he said.

 “Over the course of the past few years, the emirate made tremendous efforts towards developing the eco-tourism sector to offer exceptional experiences to all visitors. The various destinations offer a range of experiences for adventure lovers, as well as those looking to go camping, visit parks, and do water, desert, or mountain activities, in addition to experiences catering to lovers of heritage, arts, history, and archaeology,” H.E. noted. “The Emirate of Sharjah supports development plans that are designed to ensure the sustainability of its key sectors, including tourism – one of the pillars of the national economy.”

The total number of guests in hotel establishments in the Emirate of Sharjah during the first quarter of 2022 exceeded 350,000, marking a growth rate of 26% compared to the same period last year. The UAE ranked as the first source market for hotel establishment guests in Q1 2022, followed by India, Russia, and Oman, respectively, underlining Sharjah’s appeal to both tourists and visitors from around the UAE.

For her part, EPAA Chairperson H.E. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi shed light on the Sharjah Safari project – the largest safari outside the African continent, which includes 12 different environments representing Africa’s terrain and the animals and birds that live there. “Sharjah Safari places the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE at the forefront of attractive destinations for nature and wildlife tourists, and contributes to promoting various other sectors, from aviation to hospitality,” H.E. said.

 “During its participation at ATM, the EPAA will meet with representatives of tourism and hotel companies to organise visits to Sharjah Safari, in addition to discussing ways to cooperate with the authorities concerned with eco-tourism to set up joint events and programmes that serve the emirate’s vision for both tourism and the environment,” H.E. Al Suwaidi asserted.

Meanwhile, H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “Our participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2022 reiterates Sharjah Airport’s commitment to strengthening communication with its international counterparts from the aviation sector. We are also utilising this opportunity to seek potential partnerships that would result in mutual growth, and further enhance the distinguished position that Sharjah Airport currently enjoys as one of the most prominent airports in the region.”

 “The exhibition will serve as a platform for us to showcase the services and facilities we provide to our partners in the tourism and travel sectors,” H.E. Al Midfa added. “We also look forward to highlighting the services and smart solution features that we have recently launched, in addition to demonstrating the quality of our safety standards and operational efficiency, which has been enhanced to provide customers and travellers with a more comfortable experience. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to enhancing Sharjah’s image and maintaining the emirate’s lead as a distinguished financial and cultural hub for tourism investment in the Middle East.”

ALSO READ: Emirati, Arab literary favourites to converge in Sharjah

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting CEO of Shurooq, lauded the unparalleled efforts of SCTDA and its collaboration with other public entities to continue developing Sharjah’s tourism sector and create new opportunities to elevate its position as a leading hub for experiential travel. He also asserted that SCTDA’s objectives are perfectly aligned with Shurooq’s belief that this complementarity of roles established by different entities entrusted with Sharjah’s sustainable development is a key accelerator of development.

Announcing Shurooq’s two new luxury hospitality projects, namely, Najd Al Meqsar Retreat and The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim, Al Qaseer added: “These projects offer residents and travellers more choices in the ways they wish to explore Sharjah and complement the other eco- and heritage-inspired hospitality projects developed by Shurooq in the emirate. Through these new undertakings, we reiterate our commitment to enhancing Sharjah’s tourist landscape, encouraging diversified investments through local and global partnerships, and developing projects all across Sharjah as part of an inclusive, community-focused development plan, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.”

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is heading the Sharjah Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2022, bringing together 24 entities from the emirate: seven government departments and 17 private entities from tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors. The Authority aims to shed light on its achievements in driving growth and development in the tourism sector in the Emirate of Sharjah in the post-pandemic period, raising awareness of the tourism services and products it provides, in collaboration with its strategic partners, to build a sustainable tourism sector.

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Events Sharjah UAE News

Child prodigies huddle at Sharjah Reading Fest

The 13th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme ‘Create Creativity’, will launch on 11th May through 22nd May, 2022…reports Asian Lite News

The series of inspirational talks will be held at the Kids’ Creative Café in Hall six at Expo Centre Sharjah, where SCRF is gearing up to enlighten young audiences and highlight the unique talents of seven child prodigies in various fields of literary, artistic and scientific creativity.

The Kids’ Creative Café will host 9-year-old Alreem Al Hammadi, a talented Emirati writer, who will inspire and motivate children to read and explore the world around them. Proficient in arts and creativity, Al Hammadi is a multi-award winner, including a recipient of awards instituted by the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism.

Taif Al Dhufairi, a talented story writer from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who started writing and publishing stories when she was 8 years old, will share the secrets of her exceptional talent with SCRF 2022 audiences. In 2019, Al Dhufairi, won the Rashid bin Humaid Award for Culture and Sciences – Children’s Literature category, to become the youngest winner of this award since its inception.

Award-winning sports champion, Farah Mustafa from Egypt, will also be hosted at the Kids’ Creative Café. An avid swimmer and volleyball player, Farah Mustafa has also competed in a series of Mind Sports at the national and international levels, ranking third in a world championship held in Thailand.

16-year-old Ahsan Ramzan from Pakistan, will recount his journey of becoming the second youngest winner of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation’s (IBSF) World Snooker Championship in March 2022. An avid snooker enthusiast for over a decade, Ahsan was among only six juniors fielded by the Pakistan Billiards and Snooker Federation (PBSF) to compete in the event alongside 50 other cueists.

ALSO READ: Kalimat marks World Book Day with four inspiring titles for children

12-year-old Dubai-based Bangladeshi student Ameena Hossain, who has a formidable list of exceptional achievements to her name, earned the first place in a mental math competition held at Amity University, UAE, when she was just seven. She secured the title for a second time in 2019. This year, Ameena secured third and fourth place respectively in the Spelling Bee and Mental Math competitions.

The line-up of gifted young speakers also includes Patrick Njoroge Wachira, a 12-year-old CEO from Kenya, who will highlight the importance of preparing children for a tech-enabled future through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Patrick runs an initiative called the PNW Innovations Programme that offers free STEM education to underprivileged Kenyan children deprived of access to basic computer learning and the internet.

The Kids’ Creative Café will also host Devi Vaishnavi, a student at International Indian School Ajman, who will share her writing journey as a young established author and poet. By age 11, the literary talent from India had already published two books, ‘Vampid: The Vampire Virus’, and ‘The Sky Speaks’, as well as a poem titled ‘The Promise’. During her talk, Devi will also present her creative writing book titled ‘The Voice’.