Sharjah Ramadan Majlis highlights environmental concerns

Held on Wednesday evening under the theme “Innovate for Impact”, the Majlis was co-organized by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Innovation, Technology and Sharjah Research (SRTIP) and Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah).

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah, and Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, attended the majlis along with a large number of senior government officials, businessmen and changemakers.

Aligned with Sharjah’s dedication to impactful socio-economic progress, this year’s theme underlined the emirate’s commitment to fostering meaningful change in various sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, education, innovation, entrepreneurship and investment. Build the future

Through engaging and insightful discussions, majlis attendees highlighted the multifaceted efforts of Sharjah and the UAE to build the nation’s future with a strong focus on impact.

In her welcome speech, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi noted that the fast-paced world fostered competition, but insisted that “we must act responsibly and with purpose.”

Our ambition goes beyond mere profit or the search for temporary success: we see innovation as a means to build resilience in our community.

– Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi

He added: “It is essential that we remain grounded in the true essence of our efforts and the tangible difference they make in our communities and the world at large. In Sharjah, our approach is characterized by a strong commitment to human development and community well-being. Our ambition goes beyond mere profit or the search for temporary success: we see innovation as a means to generate resilience in our community.”

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said: “Innovation is the key to the future and the main driver that the UAE adopts in various sectors to build a strong, flexible and more competitive national economy.

“Through the directives of our visionary leadership, the UAE is accelerating its economic transformation. Modern legislation fosters a prosperous business environment, aligning with the ‘We are the Emirates 2031’ vision and this ambitious plan positions the UAE as a global leader in the new economy, driven by a strong knowledge-based system driven by technology and innovation”.

Innovation is the key to the future and the main driver that the UAE adopts in various sectors to build a strong, flexible and more competitive national economy.

– Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy

“We have signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Sharjah Investor Services Center (SAEED) which is part of our joint national efforts to simplify procedures, support the business environment and provide everything necessary for companies and Emerging entrepreneurs contribute to improving the economy. grow by relying on innovative and sustainable technologies, and thus be able to generate impact,” added Al Marri.

The MoU aims to optimize trademark registration services for companies and institutions, as well as facilitate transactions with relevant government departments. It also involves the exchange of information through meetings, with special attention to government services and business creation procedures.

Under the MoU, the Ministry of Economy will support SAEED by providing guidance, training and technical assistance to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of trademark processes.

Furthermore, the ministry will encourage investors to use the centre’s services by highlighting its benefits.

The event featured two panel discussions that addressed pressing issues and showcased success stories.

The first panel, “Sharjah: Forging Future Frontiers in Innovation,” showcased the emirate’s pioneering initiatives and strategies to foster innovation and impactful change.

Distinguished panelists included Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq; Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park); Khaled Huraimel, GCEO and vice president of Beeah Group; Mohamed Al Musharrakh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), and moderated by Abeer Al Ameeri, Director of Partnerships at Sheraa.

The session explored how these entities integrate the principles of people, planet and profit into their operations, driving sustainable development and social progress.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said: “This year’s Ramadan Majlis provided a perfect opportunity to announce Sheraa’s next chapter that will unite Sharjah’s ecosystem and I am proud to present our latest strategic initiative. Starting this year, Sheraa will further enhance its focus on four specific key sectors, namely cultural and creative industries; Advanced Manufacturing; Clean Technologies and Sustainable Technologies; as well as Edtech and Digital Learning.

“These sectors, imbued with Sharjah’s inherent strengths, represent an opportunity to leverage existing foundations to help entrepreneurs shape the future. Each sector will be bolstered by a dedicated ecosystem, known as a “Center of Excellence,” providing entrepreneurs with invaluable support from corporate partners, personalized guidance from leading experts, regulatory insights from policymakers, technology resources from global vendors. leaders and financial support from venture capitalists and strategic investors.”

During the Ramadan Majlis, SRTI Park signed an MoU with the International Conference of Pharmacy and Medicine (ICPM) to organize a series of exhibitions, conferences and events related to healthcare.

The MoU aims to achieve the following objectives: support the establishment of a Healthcare Center at SRTI Park; attract startups and mature SMEs in areas such as AI-based diagnostics, medical devices, medical rehabilitation and training; support SMEs and startups joining the SAIA Healthcare Accelerator 2014, establishing value-added connections with the UAE government and industry players; and launch a series of thematic events focused on the health and wellness sector, involving government entities, large international and UAE companies, leading professors from UAE academia, and innovative SMEs and startups.

Mohamed Al Musharrakh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, reinforced the role that innovation and strategic partnerships play in the Emirate’s progress, and the importance of events such as Ramadan Majlis, stating: “Invest in Sharjah remains committed to supporting an innovative ecosystem which has resulted in positive results and impressive growth year after year.

In 2023, Sharjah garnered Dh1.8 billion in FDI inflows, excluding the real estate sector, which alone attracted Dh5.9 billion in FDI. Businesses within our Emirate continue to thrive, attracting more businesses to our shores, as evidenced by approximately 400 factories opening in Sharjah in 2023.

– Mohamed Al Musharrakh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah

“In 2023, Sharjah achieved Dh1.8 billion in FDI inflows, excluding the real estate sector, which attracted only Dh5.9 billion in FDI. Businesses within our Emirate continue to prosper, attracting more businesses to our shores, as evidenced by the approximately 400 factories open in Sharjah in 2023. We are pleased to reveal that 2024 is on track to deliver even greater results, showing substantial growth and a promising trajectory in innovation and sustainability for the rest of the year.”

The second debate, “Majlis Special: Integrating purpose and business for sustainable impact,” delved into current trends, innovations and success stories in impact investing in the region.

Led by Myrna Atalla, CEO of Alfanar Venture Philanthropy and Amna Al Maazmi, Director of the Kalimat Foundation, and moderated by Sonia Weymuller, Founder of VentureSouq, the dialogue offered invaluable insights on the power of purposeful investing and the importance of collaboration for the common good.