The Sharjah Digital Office (SDO) has revealed today that its Digital Sharjah platform recorded 128,000 visits to its website and smart app and completed 7,271 transactions since its debut in November last year…reports Asian Lite News
The Digital Sharjah website and smart app was launched as a one-stop digital user interface that seamlessly integrates a portfolio of 41 essential public services provided by different government entities and private sector companies across 7 broad categories. More services will continue to be added in the forthcoming phases.
Recently, SDO has launched the ‘Smile… it’s easy’ campaign to introduce and drive awareness of the portfolio of services under the Digital Sharjah platform and mobile application that aims at advancing the quality of life of citizens and residents through an advanced digital infrastructure.
DS Stats Infographic
SDO has revealed that payments for public parking fees, SEWA bills, and Etisalat bills, were amongst the most used services on the platform.
Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director of SDO, said: “The high volume of usage of the app since its launch reflects the trust placed by users in the Digital Sharjah platform and the high quality of digital services it provides in collaboration with entities in the public and private sectors to support Sharjah’s comprehensive developmental strategy.”
Al Qasimi added: “The data usage generated through the Digital Sharjah platform and smart app provides unique insights into the needs of the community. Getting integrated information through data analytics is essential to continuously advance the digital services and enhance user experience, and to make the platform a comprehensive gateway for digital services in the emirate.”
The Digital Sharjah app is rated 4.7/5 on App Store – Apple and registered 12,600 downloads. The app was downloaded 9,440 times on Google Play and received a 4.4/5 rating.
Khorfakkan to debut on international streaming platforms
The film documents the epic resistance of the people of Khorfakkan against colonial invasion and will stream on Amazon, Google Play, Apple Store, and Sky Store…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has partnered with a major international film distributor to stream ‘Khorfakkan’, a film based on the historical book, Khorfakkan’s Resistance Against the Portuguese Invasion of September 1507, authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on major streaming platforms worldwide. The SBA production will be screened on Microsoft, Amazon, Google Play, Apple Store, Sky Store, and Chile to international audiences outside the Middle East region.
The two-hour movie highlights the epic resistance put up by Khorfakkan’s residents during a colonial invasion over 500 years ago. The cast includes distinguished Emirati and Arab actors and an international team specialising in producing historical films. The film amassed significant viewership in local and Arab theatres since its debut in 2020 and was translated to English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Khorfakkan to debut on international streaming platforms
Through the partnership, SBA is looking towards showcasing its productions on international platforms to spotlight the emirate’s film industry that produces high-quality blockbusters, including Khorfakkan, which is the outcome of precise documentation techniques including scientific, historical research followed by the Sharjah Ruler while authoring the book, and outstanding audiovisual effects using the latest technologies.
A model for the Arab Cinema sector
HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of SBA, emphasised that the lavish production should be a model for Emirati and Arab cinema industries. The historical drama is based on studies of documented history by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and the detailed attention to the authenticity of the historical period when the courageous people of the coastal city successfully resisted the invasion has been a significant contributing factor to the success of the movie.
He added: “Screening the movie on international platforms reflects the vision of the Sharjah Ruler in portraying the authentic image of Arab culture and history, and its contribution towards the creative industries. SBA aims to utilise the latest technologies in its productions and showcase its portfolio of distinguished TV and film creations to the rest of the world, especially those that highlight the rich Emirati history and culture.”
The SBA production highlights the heroic defence of Khorfakkan’s people during the invasion in 1507 led by naval commander General Afonso de Albuquerque. The film was directed by Maurice Sweeney and British Ben Mole, and the cast includes Syrian actor Rasheed Assaf, Emirati actors Ahmed Al Jasmi, Mohammed Al Ameri, and Dr. Habib Ghloum; Syrian Qais Shaikh Najeeb; and other prominent actors.
SCCI, European Women Association sign MoU to boost trade relations
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the European Women Association (EWA)…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the European Women Association (EWA), with the aim of strengthening trade relations, developing mutual cooperation, and promoting and encouraging investment opportunities available on both sides.
This came on the sidelines of a visit of a delegation from the EWA to the SCCI headquarters to learn about the advantages of investment in Sharjah and the promising opportunities available in its various economic sectors and vital areas being a leading economic and business center in the region.
The MoU was signed by HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the SCCI, and Yulia Stark, President of the European Women’s Association, in the presence of Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the SCCI, Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector, and Fatima Khalifa Al Mokarrab, Director of International Relations Department, SCCI, in addition to EWA delegation of 45 businesswomen from various commercial and industrial sectors, as well as a number of officials from the Chamber.
Under the MoU, the two sides will encourage the exchange of trade delegations and discussions in the fields of export and economy and support follow-up visits for this purpose.
SCCI, European Women Association sign MoU to boost trade relations
The agreement also provides for the exchange of commercial data and statistics, activation of joint research activities, participation in economic events, exhibitions and conferences of each side.
They also agreed on the importance of coordination to establish and expand a commercial network that facilitates the exchange of business opportunities available in the two countries and between members of the two chambers.
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais welcomed the signing of the MoU, stressing that it will play a key role in highlighting the importance of the Emirate of Sharjah to emerging European companies looking to enter the Middle East markets and encourage them to establish businesses in the emirate.
He underlined that the Emirate of Sharjah provides incentives, facilities, and an inspiring and regionally pioneering economic environment that is considered one of the fastest developing, growing, and open to various world markets.
“The SCCI has adopted its operational plan, which includes a set of objectives, foremost of which is providing full support to the entrepreneurship sector and providing more facilities for it. In addition, several programs have been launched in support of this category, such as the Small and Medium Enterprises Center (Tijarah 101), which aims to motivate youth to engage in business and economy and create a positive work environment to promote sustainable development in society,” noted Al Owais.
Yulia Stark expressed her pleasure with the signing of the MOU, which falls within the EWA’s keenness to expand the network of its partners to provide the best facilities and incentives for its members from the entrepreneurs.
She said that the Emirate of Sharjah is a perfect hub for entrepreneurship at the regional level, commending the SCCI’s efforts and role in supporting SME enterprises in the emirate, developing the entrepreneurship sector, and creating an incubating environment for entrepreneurs, by training, financing, and qualifying them, as well as enhancing the effectiveness of their institutions in the economic movement and their contribution to the emirate’s domestic product.
The committee reviewed the different roles and efforts of the Department to provide adequate housing for every citizen…reports Asian Lite News
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Municipalities, Security Affairs and Public Utilities of the Consultative Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, reviewed the housing plans for the citizens of Sharjah, in light of the continuous work undertaken by the Department of Housing in the Government of Sharjah.
During its visit to the Department of Housing at its headquarters in Sharjah, the committee reviewed the different roles and efforts of the Department to provide adequate housing for every citizen.
The committee received Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Member of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah and Head of the Department of Housing, accompanied by Laila Khalfan, Director of Requests Department, Abdullah Al Ansari, Director of Government Communication Department, and a number of officials.
The visit comes in the context of discussing the housing department’s policy during the next session, which is scheduled to be held on the twentieth of January.
At the beginning of the meeting, Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Head of the Department, welcomed the members of the Council from the Public Utilities Committee, stressing the Department’s endeavour to enhance harmony with the Council, which represents the community of Sharjah, in order to achieve the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to be citizen’s voice.
Al Tunaiji indicated that the Department of Housing is pleased to receive and cooperate permanently and constructively with the committee to achieve the public interest, expressing his appreciation for the role of the Council and its keenness to allocate a public session during its third regular session of the tenth legislative term to discuss housing policies in the Emirate of Sharjah.
While Obaid Awad Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Public Utilities Committee, indicated the committee’s keenness, within the Council’s work, to give importance to the issue of housing, as it represents one of the main pillars of the stability of the Emirati family and coincides with the keenness of the Ruler of Sharjah, to provide an adequate houses for every family, which enhances family cohesion, in addition to the fact that housing is one of the priorities of the Sharjah government in achieving the prosperity and stability of citizens and a decent life for them.
Sharjah Ruler approves Dh34 billion budget for 2022
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved AED34.4 billion for the 2022 general budget for the Emirate of Sharjah…reports Asian Lite News
This is in line with the emirate’s strategic vision regarding promoting economic and social development, enhancing financial sustainability, and stimulating the overall economy.
The general budget contributes to both services and development and is based on the process of strengthening the emirate’s financial pillars to advance economic, cultural, scientific and tourism leadership and enhance capabilities to meet various economic challenges. The budget has adopted various strategic goals and indicators, including promoting investment in infrastructure and other economic activities to achieve a competitive advantage, and providing various forms of social support to address the needs of citizens.
Sharjah Ruler approves Dh34 billion budget for 2022
The budget aims to use the best means to stimulate the economy, encourage development, and ensure financial sustainability, as well as to support the growing interest in human resources and to enhance the role of citizens.
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, said, “The Sharjah government’s budget for the year 2022 follows the directives and comes with the blessing of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, to complete the emirate’s march in achieving the highest levels of excellence, success and sustainable development in all sectors and fields. It is set to help the emirate continue to build on what has already been achieved, according to His Highness’s insightful vision.”
He added, “The new year’s budget, which exceeds AED34 billion, and which has increased in quantity and quality over the previous year, calls on each of us to take responsibility and to contribute to the advancement of Sharjah in a fitting manner to ensure a better future for all. Under the wise leadership of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, who offers his limitless support and of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, it is our duty to develop all areas and services and to implement projects according to the best standards to maintain social cohesion and achieve prosperity for all.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Central Finance Department in Sharjah, indicated that the emirate’s new general budget adopts many strategic and financial goals and priorities, which reflects the directives and vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, as well as that of the Executive Council. It also supports the strategic vision of the Central Finance Department, which works to achieve higher levels of financial sustainability, to efficiently manage government resources, to support government agencies in terms of service provision, to strengthen strategic partnerships with the private sector, and to provide incentives that ensure the continued advancement, growth and development of the emirate.
His Excellency Waleed Al Sayegh, Director General of the Central Finance Department, stressed that while the world is witnessing instability because of the negative effects of the pandemic, Sharjah has created an ideal balance between development and services, resulting in the continued implementation of capital projects and initiatives. Both Khorfakkan and Kalba, as well as the rest of the emirate’s regions, witnessed an urban renaissance with social, tourist and cultural dimensions.
Expenses
The Director General indicated that the general budget has increased by (2%) compared to the 2021 budget, and that the government will continue to support capital projects to ensure continuity in meeting the spending needs on these projects in 2022. The capital projects budget constitutes (30%) of the general budget.
Salaries and wages constitute (25%) of the budget, an increase of (4%), while operating expenses make up (25%) for the year 2022, an increase of (3%) compared to the budget of 2021. The budget for support and aid accounts for approximately (11%) of the general budget, (3%) more than in 2021, while the balance of loan repayments and interest constitute (7%) of the total, which is an increase of (18%). This will enhance the government’s solvency and ability to meet all its obligations.
In addition, to enable the government to achieve its strategic and operational goals and initiatives, the Department of Finance wants to enhance the government’s financial stability and sustainability by increasing the level of spending by (2%), thus improving government agencies’ ability to meet development requirements.
The process of classifying the budget according to economic sector is one of the most important tools reflecting the government’s strategic direction. The infrastructure sector ranked first with (44%) of the total general budget for 2022, which is an increase of (4%). This reflects the government’s interest in developing the emirate’s infrastructure, which is the backbone of the development and sustainability process, and which attracts foreign and local investments across all vital sectors.
The economic development sector ranked second with an allocation of (27%) of the total general budget for 2022, followed by the social development sector, with (21%). The increase of (3%) will help provide the best services, support and assistance to citizens and residents in the emirate. The government administration, security and safety sector constitutes (8%) of the total general budget for 2022, an increase of (8%) compared to 2021.
With government revenues being the main source of financing for the general budget, the government has paid special attention to the development of these revenues, particularly in terms of improving collection efficiency and developing smart tools and methods to assist in this regard.
Government revenues is expected to see an increase of (49%) for the year 2022, compared to the general revenue budget for the year 2021, with operating revenues constituting (53%) of the total revenue budget for the year 2022, an increase of (8%) compared to the operating revenues for 2021. Capital revenues is expected to represent (35%) for the year 2022, showing a significant increase over 2021. Tax revenues will represent approximately (6%), an increase of roughly (20%) compared to last year, while customs revenues will constitute (3%). Oil and gas revenues are expected to be around (3%), a noticeable increase compared to oil and gas revenues for 2021.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council inaugurates the first edition of the Sharjah Events Festival…reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, has emphasised that the annual calendar of events organised by various Sharjah government and private entities and institutions are varied and diverse and meets the interests and demands of all segments of the community while also supporting the socio-cultural development journey of the emirate.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan’s statement came during the inauguration of the first edition of the Sharjah Events Festival, organised by Sharjah Events – an initiative of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), at Al Majaz Amphitheatre under the slogan ’#SeeSharjah’.
His Highness pointed out that the increased visitor numbers across the range of activities in the emirate are a reflection of its success and the diversity of its sectors, including culture, arts, sports, and entertainment, amongst others. These events, organised in partnership with the public and private sectors, also support Sharjah’s vision to cater to the needs of all members of the family and community.
At the inauguration, HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi launched the official calendar of events for 2022, which comprises the detailed list of activities organised by all Sharjah government and private entities in the upcoming year across various sectors, including culture, economy, science, heritage, sports, arts, and entertainment
Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurates Sharjah Events Festival
In her opening address, HE Alia Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, said: “Sharjah Events was launched with the aim of highlighting the events and activities in the emirate on a comprehensive platform, in partnership with public and private entities in Sharjah.”
She added: “The Sharjah Events Festival is one of the initiatives under Sharjah Events that brings together more than 25 public and private entities in a spirit of unity to celebrate the achievements of the emirate in a family-friendly, fun-filled atmosphere and to usher in the new year with a rich and diverse agenda of events that will appeal to audiences of all ages.”
At the opening of the festival, His Highness Sheikh Sultan watched an immersive music video titled ‘Shining Sharjah’. The ceremony was marked by a dazzling display of fireworks, and live arts and entertainment shows.
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured the various government entities participating at the inaugural edition of the festival. These entities included Sharjah Districts and Villages Affairs Department, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Education Council, Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, Sharjah Sports Council, and Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
Other participating entities honoured at the event included Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, Supreme Council for Family Affairs, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Sharjah Old Cars Club, Sharjah Social Services Department, Sharjah Centre for Learning Disabilities, Sharjah Book Authority, Knowledge Without Borders, Sharjah Girls Guides, University of Sharjah, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, Sharjah Academy for Police Sciences, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Cooperative Society, and FUNN – Media Arts for Youth and Children.
Prior to the opening ceremony, His Highness toured the festival grounds where he was briefed on the diverse attractions and activities designed for children and adults. His Highness also visited the booths of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Social Services Department, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Police, Environment and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Shurooq, and Sharjah Private Education Authority, amongst others.
More than 25 public and private entities in Sharjah are participating in the festival, showcasing a microcosm of events that reflect the year-round activities they host annually in the emirate.
Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi inaugurates Sharjah Events Festival
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
The exhibition features a fascinating showcase of 98 of the rarest books from the private library of renowned German historians, Richard and Elizabeth Ettinghausen…reports Asian Lite News
HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated today (Wednesday) the ‘Chapters of Islamic Art: Ettinghausen’s Private Collection of Rare Books’ at the House of Wisdom, Sharjah.
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
The exhibition features a fascinating collection of 98 of the rarest and oldest books from the private library of Dr. Richard Ettinghausen and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Ettinghausen – two of the world’s leading historians and scholars from Germany who specialised in Islamic history and art.
The exhibition’s 98 publications are a part of Ettinghausen’s entire private collection of 12,000 books, which was gifted by the Sharjah Ruler to House of Wisdom earlier in August. This includes valuable publications on the region’s art and architecture, many of which are more than 200 years old, and other titles spanning archaeology, travel, history, geography, religion, literature, poetry, palaeography, and more. These books are written in 10 languages including Arabic, English, German, Persian, Japanese, Urdu, French, Spanish, Turkish, Russian, and Italian.
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi toured the exhibition, whose offerings of books and artefacts are classified into six zones: Books published or edited by Dr. Ettinghausen; Books on archaeology, travel, history and geography; Books on religion and Islamic art and architecture; Oversized books on various subjects; Books on literature and poetry, manuscripts and Illuminations, palaeography and petroglyphs; and finally, Islamic ceramics, metalworks, textiles, carpets and rugs.
HH Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi also viewed the remaining books from the collection displayed in House of Wisdom’s ‘Wisdom Vault’ – a high-security space that is temperature-, humidity- and light-controlled to create a conducive environment for the preservation and safe keeping of old manuscripts and high-value books.
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
During the tour, His Highness was briefed on House of Wisdom’s plans to make the entire collection accessible online to students, readers, researchers, scholars and historians worldwide. This follows the iconic social hub’s vision to go beyond the limits of place to benefit people wherever they are, and seeks to fulfil the Sharjah Ruler’s vision to make valuable knowledge in sciences, culture history and other fields accessible to all.
Starting with the 98 books that are part of this exhibition, the House of Wisdom team will continue working to include the remaining 11,902 books to their library’s rich digital repository.
The exhibition was unveiled in the presence of Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA); Sheikh Salem Khalid Al Qassimi ,UAE’s Permanent Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); HE Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO; Abdullah Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Culture (SDC); Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and Marwa Al Aqroubi, Director of House of Wisdom.
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
Ruler of Sharjah inaugurates ‘Chapters of Islamic Art’ exhibition at House of Wisdom
Sharjah Expo Centre receives high-level diplomatic delegation from Kyrgyzstan
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, has received a high-level diplomatic delegation from Kyrgyzstan led by Timurbek Erkinov…reports Asian Lite News
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, has received a high-level diplomatic delegation from Kyrgyzstan led by Timurbek Erkinov, Adviser to the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, and accompanied by Timur Abdul Jalil, Consul-General of the Kyrgyz Republic in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation, consolidate the presence of Kyrgyz companies in the exhibitions hosted by the centre throughout the year, as well as to enhance the participation of the Sharjah business community in exhibitions held in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Sharjah Expo Centre receives high-level diplomatic delegation from Kyrgyzstan
While welcoming the visiting delegation, Al Midfa lauded the strength of the relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Kyrgyz Republic, which saw growing momentum during the past few years in the economic and trade fields.
“The meeting is an important opportunity to enhance cooperation between economic activities, explore more investment opportunities in the markets of the two countries, and forge permanent partnerships through the exhibitions and conferences sector,” he added.
Al Midfa underlined that there are broad prospects for cooperation between the two countries, whether in organising joint events or in providing services and benefits to investors and exhibition visitors from both sides.
Timurbek Erkinov expressed his country’s interest in strengthening its economic relations with the Emirate of Sharjah and the desire to take advantage of the exhibitions and conferences sector and the Expo Centre’s pioneering experience in this field to support the business community and attract foreign investments from abroad.
Erkinov expressed his deep admiration for the experience of the UAE and Expo Centre Sharjah in the exhibition industry, and how it has developed over the past years.
He invited the Expo Centre to participate in the activities of the National Day of the Kyrgyz Republic, which will take place at the Expo 2020 Dubai on 13th December.
Timur Abdul Jalil hailed the outstanding organisational and technical practices of the Expo Centre Sharjah, which enable it to organize a large number of specialized international exhibitions. (WAM)
He stressed the importance of the exhibitions and conferences sector in enhancing partnership opportunities between the Emirati and Kyrgyz business communities and helping explore more investment opportunities available in many promising economic sectors on both sides.
Sharjah Police wins first prize in PMFHD award for voluntary work
The ceremony was hosted by the Arab League in Egypt, on 5th December, coinciding with International Volunteer Day…reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah Police claimed the first prize in the Prince Mohammed Bin Fahd Foundation for Humanitarian Development (PMFHD)’s Insignia for Voluntary Charity Work, for its “Sanad” initiative, launched by the administration of the Punishment and Correctional Department, targeting the families of the inmates, to improve their lives with sustainable development.
This ceremony was hosted by the Arab League in Egypt, on 5th December, coinciding with International Volunteer Day.
Sharjah Police wins first prize in PMFHD award for voluntary work
Governmental and private institutions, organisations, and NGOs around the world participated in the ceremony. The award was judged by the United Nations Volunteers Programme and the United Nations Foundation, to highlight pioneering practices in voluntary work that meet human needs.
Brigadier Ahmed Shehail, Director of the Punishment and Correctional Department, extended his gratitude to Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, for his support in the field of voluntary and community work, which translates the directions of the UAE’s wise leadership.
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stressed the importance of strengthening economic relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Republic of India…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) stressed the importance of strengthening economic relations between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Republic of India, by highlighting the available investment opportunities and the facilities and incentives offered by both sides in various vital sectors.
This came during the Sharjah-India business forum organized by the SCCI on the sidelines of the visit of a delegation from Global Network India, an International Trade Consulting Firm.
SCCI organises Sharjah-India business forum
The forum was attended by Abdulaziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business Sector, SCCI, Dr. Jagat Shah, President of the Global Network India, and 16 Indian companies specializing in the sectors of trade in building materials, electronics, food products, agriculture, health, education, and chemical manufacturing.
Pointing to the importance of the forum in meeting the evolving needs of foreign investments coming from India to the Sharjah markets, Abdulaziz Shattaf said that the UAE and India have a long history of commercial, social and cultural relations.
He pointed out that UAE has invested $10 billion in India in the last five years, stressing the SCCI’s eagerness to strengthen this partnership and achieve the two countries’ directions that the value of mutual trade reaches about $100 billion over the next five years.
This can be achieved by paying more attention to new vital sectors such as Jewelry, gold industry, medical equipment, information technology, textiles, building materials, etc, noted Shattaf.
“The number of Indian companies investing in the Emirate of Sharjah has reached about 22,242 companies, most of which are specializing in the sectors of education, trade and health. The Emirati investment in India focuses on the sectors of manufacturing, ceramics, navigation, sea and air freight, oil and gas, and tourism. The number of Emirati delegations to India in 2020 and 2021 amounted to about 232 visits, in addition to about 1,106 flights between the UAE and India per week, as well as 33 agreements concluded between the UAE and India for cooperation in various and vital sectors,” Shattaf said in conclusion.
For his part, Dr. Jagat Shah described the business environment in Sharjah as distinct and innovative, enjoying global capabilities and great competitive advantages, underlining that the Emirate of Sharjah is an ideal location for establishing companies for diversity and ease of shipment to and from it.
Shah expressed the keenness of the Global Network India to organize many meetings during the next year and to enhance cooperation with the Sharjah Chamber to support the prosperity of trade exchange and open future prospects for economic partnership during the coming stages.
In turn, the representative of the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone said that SAIF Zone’s participation in such meetings aims to introduce its unique advantages and privileges to international companies and institutions.
He pointed out that the SAIZ Zone is home to over 7,500 companies, pointing to the incentives provided to investors and companies, such as 100% foreign ownership of businesses, 100 % repatriation of capital and profits, and 100 percent corporate or personal income tax exemptions, 100% import and export tax exemptions.
