COUNTRY REPORT

A woman’s worth Leading the way in female empowerment

BUSINESS PROPERTY CULTURE TRAVEL A hot spot for innovation: how the ’s flourishing property sector The creative use of heritage Why Sharjah’s careful preservation state, universities and private sector is welcoming a raft of developments buildings to house its collection of of its natural assets – beaches, desert, nurture entrepreneurs and start-ups that will usher in a new chapter for contemporary Arab art has won wadis and mangroves – sets the from concept to product P4 real estate in the emirate P10-11 Sharjah international plaudits P17 emirate apart from its neighbours P18

The future is now From glittering new developments to the digital revolution – Sharjah is 21st-century ready 2 Introduction Introduction 3

OMAN The Al Noor (Central) Mosque commands a view A SHEIKHA over the Khalid Lagoon in Giant leaps Sharjah’s commercial centre RAS – one step READY AL-KHAIMAH AL-HISN

UMM at a time TO SCALE AL- QUWAIN The ruler’s wife SHARJAH CITY leads the way THE DIZZY SHARJAH AL FUJAIRAH for the emirate’s SIR ABU NU’AYR ISLAND

women, writes HEIGHTS AL BEDAYER Mitya Underwood RAS Meet the mountain- AL-KHAIMAH climbing mother who f the seven emirates in the is transforming the OMAN UAE, Sharjah has one of the O strongest records when it cultural and physical comes to female empowerment. The Sharjah Art Foundation is landscape of Sharjah. led by an Emirati woman, as is Building a brighter future the Sharjah Family Development Karen Attwood reports Centre. Across the UAE itself, women make up some 70 per cent of university graduates, according hallenging preconceived rom the natural treasures of the flows from the mountains into the salty to the UAE’s US embassy. perceptions of Middle Eastern Khor Kalba mangroves on Sharjah’s coastal plain. Children and tourists But despite the positives, there royalty, Sheikha Bodour bint F east coast to the extraordinary alike have “a rare chance to view and is still some way to go. Sheikha Sultan Al-Qasimi – the ruler’s Wasit wetlands in its inner suburbs, learn about our migratory birds up Jawaher bint Muhammad Al- eldest daughter – is one of the heritage and the environment occupy close in their natural habitat”. Qasimi, the wife of the ruler Cwomen who has helped drive Sharjah’s a pivotal place in the life of an emirate The descriptions evoke another and chairperson of the Supreme transformation over the past decade. that cares about its past while keeping world, far from the bustle of a dynamic Council of Family Afairs, is Both a mother and a keen mountaineer, pace with the times. city coping with the needs of 21st- tackling this head-on with the Sheikha Bodour is a formidable business Under the personal guidance of the century life and commerce. NAMA Women Advancement figure in her own right. She became the ruler, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Sharjah is also committed to An innovative emirate Establishment, set up in 2015. first woman to chair the World Economic Al-Qasimi, conservation has become preserving its historic architecture and The organisation champions Forum’s influential Regional Business a priority giving the emirate an identity Jackson, who has worked for the ruler legislation to eradicate Council for the Middle East and North many see as unique. for 11 years, is an ideal guide. He cites discrimination against women, as Africa, a position she took up in May 2017. “He has single-handedly driven the the neo-classical Islamic style of its well as developing business skills Likewise, she has become a forceful process,” says Peter Jackson, the mosques, the University City and for Sharjah’s female entrepreneurs. campaigner for women’s rights in the region. British architect adviser in the ruler’s government buildings along the in touch with its heritage Reem bin Karam, director of Like her father, Sheikha Bodour is as From top: Sheikha Bodour; an artist’s ofce. “For Sharjah, the result is a city waterfront and the squares and open NAMA, is proud of the work the passionate about improving the cultural and impression of an Eagle Hills development and emirate of this region as opposed spaces that contribute to Sharjah’s organisation has already done, business landscape of the emirate as she is to a spaceship that could be anywhere. special urban character. He sees the saying it has “achieved many its physical terrain. As the chair of both medical anthropology from University This is a 21st-century city rooted firmly ruler’s own hand in its architecture, Business, education, culture… Planning for the future while respecting the milestones in the past few years”. Shurooq, the emirate’s Investment and College London. She is also a cultural and in the Arab world and Islam.” notably the Central Souk and Museum Last December, NAMA hosted Development Authority, and Eagle Hills literary champion, a mother-of-three who At the Sharjah Desert Park, with its of Islamic Civilization. past has placed Sharjah at the centre of the Arab world, says Nigel Kendall the first Women’s Economic Sharjah Development, Sheikha Bodour is made time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Natural History Museum, Islamic The ambitious but sensitively Empowerment Global Summit focused both on the “strategic diversification 2015, and the founder of the publishing Botanical Garden and Arabian Wildlife executed Heart of Sharjah project, the in partnership with UN Women, of the economy” and “developing the house Kalimat Group, the first in the UAE Center, an extended programme of urban reconstruction and restoration of harjah, the third largest of the United Meanwhile, the Sharjah International technological revolution. They follow in which led to around 20 dedicated to the production of quality breeding and conservation sustains the historic core of the city, is due for Arab Emirates (UAE), is blazing Book Fair has grown to become the the footsteps of the country’s two original organisations pledging gender original Arabic children’s titles. (The indigenous species – including completion by 2025, with the restored a trail as a clean-energy pioneer, world’s third largest such event and the trade zones – Hamriyah Free Zone and equality improvements by 2019. ‘If youth is given the “lightning bulb” moment came when she leopards, wolves, hyenas and caracals souk and new Arts Foundation complex seat of learning and cultural Arabic new Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) looks Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Additionally, women from Sharjah found that there were no fun and interesting – that otherwise faced extinction blending the modern and traditional. powerhouse. The first humans are set to expand the emirate’s relationship – which have already attracted significant have benefited from a scheme books in Arabic to read with her daughter.) because of urbanisation and a rapidly “At its best, Sharjah strike a balance Sknown to have arrived in the region more with publishers further. foreign investment. teaching them how to set up and right opportunity, Since then, Sheikha Bodour has played expanding population. between the two,” says Jackson. “It may than 120,000 years ago, so it can lay claim to Inaugurated in October 2017, SPC is Sharjah’s diverse economy, with ports run a successful business. The a major role in several initiatives aimed The Wasit Wetland Centre, says not possess the world’s tallest building, being one of the true cradles of civilisation. the first free zone of its type in the world, on both the Gulf of Oman and the scheme, called Badiri, now has plans the potential for at encouraging Emiratis to take more Jackson, is “an amazing oasis of but that is not its objective. What it may Its storied past has inspired Sheikh Sultan providing a tax-efficient environment for Arabian Gulf, means no single sector to go global, taking UAE-based pleasure in reading. She is the founder tranquillity”, a rehabilitated city-centre lack in quantity, it certainly does not bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of the global publishers, distributors, printers, comprises more than 20 per cent of women on a tour to see successful economic growth and patron of the Emirates Publishers wasteland where subterranean water lack in quality.” COLIN RANDALL emirate since 1972, to oversee an innovative translators and associated businesses at the GDP. This has long helped cushion it from social enterprise schemes. Association, which represents UAE programme of cultural and business centre of the Arab book market – thought to oil-price volatility, and the government Christine Lagarde, the International is limitless’ publishers internationally. In October, development that has run hand in hand be worth more than £700 million ($1 billion) is leading efforts to position the emirate Monetary Fund’s managing director, Sharjah Publishing City opened as the with improved access to education, health per year. Appropriately, Sharjah has been at the centre of initiatives for greener says the UAE’s track record of world’s first free-trade zone for publishing, and information for his people. named World Book Capital 2019 by Unesco. energy generation, water desalination, empowering women is “an example real-estate sector” ensuring new projects an integral part of the royal family’s vision The emirate is welcoming and forward- Its historic city centre – just a 40-minute waste recycling and eco-tourism. to be followed around the world”. reflect Sharjah’s Arab and Islamic identity. for a flourishing literary scene. Unesco thinking, but it also desires to preserve drive from Dubai – is also seeking Unesco The state is also making it easier to NAMA also hosts shows around Shurooq and Eagle Hills recently has selected Sharjah to be World Book its culture and traditions. It takes a world heritage site status. establish new businesses in the emirate the world as part of the Irthi announced plans for three mega-projects Capital in 2019 in recognition of the conservative attitude to dress and alcohol is SPC is just one of four new free zones and encourage start-ups, including the Contemporary Crafts Council. Last worth more than half a billion pounds emirate’s commitment to promoting banned, but it remains a very safe place to that are part of a wider strategy to help formation of Sheraa, the Sharjah year, a pop-up store was set up in (2.7 billion dirham) which Sheikha books, literacy and culture. visit. An increased emphasis on education, Sharjah remain at the forefront of the Entrepreneurship Center in 2016. London’s Fenwick of Bond Street Bodour has said are “a new chapter for Sheikha Bodour says the emirate is culture and heritage has brought numerous In a bid to foster innovation and fresh to showcase top Emirati talent. the emirate’s real-estate sector”. “excited to host the world in Sharjah to accolades, including being named Arab thinking, the government has also “It is important to empower those ALAMY SHUTTERSTOCK, Sheikha Bodour says that her next celebrate all kinds of books and cultures”. Capital of Culture by Unesco in 1998. announced plans to award 10 per cent of all talents locally but it is even more priority is to give a platform to younger The celebrations will be themed: “Read… Awards for past work are welcome, but the digital projects to start-ups and SMEs. The important to help them expand Arabian voices. “The Arab world is one You are in Sharjah’. eyes of Sheikh Sultan remain fixed firmly on American University of Sharjah, regarded their reach by utilising NAMA’s vast of the most youthful areas in the world,” “It is a tremendous honour to have been the future. “Building the future relies on as one of the best research facilities in the network,” says Ms Bin Karam. she says. “The potential for economic given this recognition,” she says, adding that building the human being, whereby the Arab world, has also recently been the growth, if youth is given the right this is a reflection of her father’s “relentless human resources compose the most vital beneficiary of £358 million in state funding. opportunity, is limitless.” efforts that the emirate become a cultural factor in the process of development,” he “We have achieved what we set out to Under her leadership, an initiative to hub of literature in all its forms”. At the heart has said. It is a theme that is reflected in the achieve; a strong modern state, proud help young entrepreneurs gain access to of the cultural initiatives is the “emirate’s world-class cultural initiatives that are now 40 people living in dignity and prosperity who COUNTRY REPORT the market has been launched. “Sharjah longstanding commitment to use knowledge established here, such as the Sharjah have preserved their identity, and with great has recognised that the only way forward sharing and dialogue as a bridge between MINUTES BROUGHT TO YOU BY Biennial, which showcases the best of achievements have brought honour to the to create jobs and stimulate innovation is cultures and civilisations”, she says. contemporary Arab art, but also in real- country,” says Sheikh Sultan. “After a through entrepreneurship,” she says. It is certain that Sheikha Bodour played an estate developments that point to a new The time it takes to drive glorious past, the present bright times Sheikha Bodour was educated at important role in making these connections

way of city living in the 21st century. from Dubai to Sharjah signal a brighter future, God willing.” SMITH. DARREN ILLUSTRATION: MAP AND COVER Cambridge before gaining an MSc in between Sharjah and the rest of the world. The Sharjah Desert Park sustains indigenous species such as the Arabian leopard 4 Business Business 5

AN EQUAL ‘The next From the napkin to the world CHANCE Silicon It doesn’t matter how rudimentary the business plan is to begin with, if the idea is a good one, Sharjah has the institutions in place to bring the start-up to life. Phil Thornton reports OF SUCCESS Valley’ FOR ALL Turning Sharjah s Sharjah repositions itself as a for talent within the UAE with some of the cohort included a platform that allows into a global knowledge-driven economy, it best universities,” she says. construction companies to manage tenders is creating a start-up ecosystem Sheraa itself is based at the American and gather intelligence, and a wealth- Josephine Moulds innovation hub. By that will nurture entrepreneurs University of Sharjah, which gives the management platform for migrants. from concept to product – and accelerator access to a deep talent-pool Ms Midfa’s vision is for Sharjah to build explains how Sharjah, Virginia Matthews Athen, critically, on to sales. of students and graduates. Since it was links to superhubs such as Silicon Valley This driving mission is underpinned by a set up two years ago, 6,000 budding as well as centres in London, Singapore already one of the most “triple helix” approach to bring the pillars of entrepreneurs have accessed its services. and Malaysia. “We want to be a globally private sector, universities and government It has evaluated hundreds of business connected ecosystem that fosters creativity diversified economies together. As one of the seven emirates that ideas and taken 70 of those ideas into its and innovation,” she says. “The types of comprise the UAE, Sharjah is acutely aware incubator and accelerator programmes. start-ups we are looking to build are those that of the Gulf region’s reliance on oil and, in “What Sheraa does really well is help will not only contribute to Sharjah but to the in the region, is some areas, high youth unemployment. people who come in with an idea on the UAE’s economic prosperity by creating jobs.” Fostering a thriving start-up industry back of a napkin and translate that into Meanwhile, shjSEEN runs an incubator planning for the ‘Fourth makes sense on so many levels and there an initial product and get them ready to programme called The (W)hole that helps is now a concerted effort to usher in a new pitch to entrepreneurs,” Ms Midfa says. establish selected start-ups’ operations. Industrial Revolution’ generation of entrepreneurs. “It has been an amazing ride.” The Abdalla Sultan Al-Owais, the Chamber of To that end, bodies such as the Sharjah incubator programme oversees a start-up Commerce and Industry’s chairman, says: Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Sharjah team for six months during which time “The project aims to provide a suitable long the coast from Dubai’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s they develop advanced prototypes, go to environment for small projects, protecting famous beaches, the lesser- Ruwad initiative and its shjSEEN incubator market and generate sales. them, and increasing their chances of known is set up in 2016; the private-sector backed The accelerator programme partners each success in their initial stages of difficulty.” undergoing something of a CE-Creates; plus the Sharjah Tatweer Forum team with a mentor to support early-stage Meanwhile, CE-Creates, an incubator for makeover – and packing no less have all sprung up to act as a collective hub start-ups as they scale their business through start-ups that generate sustainable social Aof a punch. Plans are underway for a new to bring such concepts to fruition. intensive workshops. Sheraa can connect impact, has already launched two businesses. two-mile-long beachfront development According to Najla Al-Midfa, general them to its deep network of governmental “We place a great deal of importance on – with initial phases to be completed in hile it may have gracious manager of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship entities and private-sector organisations for the social purpose behind each business, the third quarter of this year – as well as a palm trees in place of Center, that ambition is a “natural step” potential tie-ups and contracts. Dragon’s Den, Sharjah-style: a budding regardless of the sector it operates in,” says waterfront cycle and jogging path that will WOxford’s dreaming spires, for Sharjah because it is already an To date, 20 start-ups have graduated from businesswoman pitches her idea to the Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, the ultimately stretch from Ajman to Dubai. when it comes to incubating education hub. “It is known as a home the accelerator programme. The most recent Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center business behind CE-Creates. Even before these investments, Sharjah’s world-class research knowledge in tourism industry has helped drive one of the areas such as drones or robotics, most diversified economies in the region, the American University of Sharjah contributing more than 9 per cent of GDP (AUS) is aiming equally high. in 2016. Last year some £288 million of new Inspired by other successful models hotel projects were announced. – such as Stanford University’s Sharjah is also aiming to foster an close proximity to Silicon Valley entrepreneurial spirit that will diversify the and the research clusters found economy further. New economic tax-free close to Oxford and Cambridge – the zones specialising in healthcare, publishing, The Central Souk, above; a textile trader in the souk, below university is harnessing the talents media and research are designed to of its 47,000 students and 2,000 attract more knowledge-based companies, projects worth a total of £526 million ($734 permanent equipment to accommodate PhD researchers as Sharjah positions preparing the emirate for the so-called million), which will include housing, offices, the increasing number of companies and itself as an innovation hub. “Fourth Industrial Revolution”. hotels and entertainment complexes. factories, as well as providing specialised Backed by £363 million of Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal, chief While the wider oil industry still plays areas with modern infrastructure government funding over five executive of the Sharjah Investment and a significant part, Sharjah is preparing for and high-quality service facilities, years, the first phase of the Development Authority (Shurooq), said: a low-carbon future, forming a joint venture connected to a modern road network Sharjah Research Technology and “As Sharjah moves away from a to develop the Middle East’s first waste- leading to all air, land and sea ports in Innovation Park is due to go live hydrocarbon-based economy, we see that to-energy plant. It is hoped that a new the country.” Much of this economic next year. It is one of a number of data is becoming the new currency, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will also activity is carried out by some 55,000 small major R&D initiatives being fields such as medicine and teaching will establish the emirate as a gas-transit route and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), spearheaded by the university’s benefit enormously, as digital, physical and at the centre of the UAE’s energy network. attracted to Sharjah by what one of its commercial arm, AUS Enterprises. biological spheres come together.” It is, however, manufacturing that business leaders described as “an equal “It is possible that the park could Overall, S&P, the ratings agency, expects provides the backbone of the economy, opportunity to succeed”. transform Sharjah into a new Silicon GDP growth in Sharjah to average 2 per contributing about 17 per cent of the Badr Jafar, the chief executive of Valley,” says Hussain Al-Mahmoudi, cent from 2018 to 2021, based in part on emirate’s total GDP. Despite holding a tiny Crescent Enterprises – which operates CEO of AUS Enterprises (AUSE). construction “and the spillover effects amount of the ’ oil across several sectors, including ports, Last year, AUSE won plaudits for of rising investment in Dubai in relation reserves, Sharjah has attracted one third of business aviation, power and engineering, its role in the launch, in India, of the to its World Expo 2020”. the UAE’s industrial activity by developing and healthcare – noted how some of the UAE’s first nanosatellite, Nayif-1, in Property is booming, with transactions crucial infrastructure, including three deep- region’s governments inadvertently collaboration with the Mohammed up by 46 per cent in the first half of 2017. water ports that lie both on the Arabian Gulf compete with private-sector companies. bin Rashid Space Centre. Last year’s announcement of a £4.7 billion to the west and the Gulf of Oman to the east. “Sharjah has always encouraged a level Closer to home, students and ($6.5 billion) mega deal to develop the Abdalla Sultan Al Owais, chairman playing field, with the government being faculty members from AUS recently Aljada urban residential district was swiftly of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce focused on the business of governance won two top awards on concepts followed by plans for the Maryam Island, and Industry, said: “The emirate works and developing a conducive regulatory they want to turn into real-time Kalba Waterfront and Palace to develop the industrial areas with and policy framework.” innovations. The winning “Robotics Mr Jafar, however, warned against for Good” project deployed complacency. “Even as we witness the rapid navigation and a leak-detection proliferation of SMEs and start-ups, in real algorithm to help a pipeline- terms we still fall behind in aspects such inspection robot locate and detect as internationalisation, start-up skills and defects, a breakthrough that will be process innovation in the region.” of huge benefit to the oil industry. There are moves to address these At the heart of the winning challenges. For example, Mr Owais submission in the Drones for highlighted the business incubators set up by Good Award is a “smart” ring, the Sharjah Chamber “to provide a suitable which uses GPS positioning to 2% environment for small projects, increasing fly to drowning victims in an their chances of success in their initial stages emergency and includes waterproof GDP GROWTH of difficulty, transforming the research and cameras to provide live feeds. feasibility studies proposed by participants A total of 20 projects were The amount that Sharjah’s GDP is into projects and products that can be shortlisted for the two awards last expected to grow from 2018 to 2021, marketed, as well as supporting the skills and year, with finalists drawn from 1,017

GETTY according to the ratings agency S&P creativity of the new entrepreneurs”. entries and 165 countries. Business 7 No regular businessman Colin Randall profiles Crescent Enterprises and its one-of-a-kind CEO, Badr Jafar

nyone looking for the industrialist Badr Jafar: from academia to who could be said to personify the fashion to polymath and advocate vibrancy of Sharjah’s business of ‘business with soul’ environment, would find it difficult to see beyond Badr Jafar, Athe 38-year-old CEO of Crescent Enterprises. a firm advocate of “business with soul”, Operating in nine industry sectors across seeing no clash between profit and purpose. more than 20 countries with a 6,000-plus He is an unashamed polymath, but may workforce, the two wings of the group have raised some eyebrows by choosing, of – the sister company of Crescent all fields, fashion after earning a master’s Enterprises is Crescent Petroleum, the degree in engineering and additional oil and gas producer – combine to form studies in astrophysics from Cambridge. what Mr Jafar proudly describes as a His academic grounding prepared him for “homegrown success story”. the prominent role he would later take in Crescent has been based in Sharjah the family’s oil and gas empire. Instead, he for 42 years. Its mission is driven by initially engrossed himself in the world of a determination to develop, innovate style, specialising in the design, production and vary its business reach. Mr Jafar and distribution of neckwear. “I felt there speaks of thriving on diversity as he wasn’t enough fashion around the neck,” says he simply cannot envisage a world he says. “I saw a strategic niche.” where he would “wake up doing the At this year’s World Economic Forum same thing each day”. Thoughts and summit in Davos, he joined the American musician, producer and actor will.i.am to debate a subject that has long been close to his heart, the state of start-ups. He cannot envisage a Among other pursuits, he has collaborated with Quincy Jones, an world where he had to American veteran of music and cinema, in founding the Global Gumbo Group, ‘wake up each day and a cross-cultural music and entertainment company. And, in 2010 at the United do the same thing’ Nations, he launched the Pearl Initiative, an attempt led by the private sector to promote corporate governance, words have turned into action: the accountability and transparency. Somehow, AD group’s activities have extended to sectors he also finds time to champion the ranging from aviation, ports and shipping educational development of Arab youth. to healthcare and private equity. Born and brought up in Sharjah, Mr Jafar His philosophy mirrors that of an has Iraqi roots as the son of Crescent’s emirate that sees its innovative economy creator, Hamid Jafar, and grandson of Dhiya as the most diversified within the Gulf Jafar, who served as Iraq’s development Cooperation Council. It is helped by what minister. Before Cambridge, he spent his he calls the “melting pot of human capital”, later school years at England’s most famous a formidable resource of talent generated public school, Eton College. by the University City of Sharjah, where After his dalliance in fashion, Mr Jafar the government has committed an extra worked with his brother, Majid, in £363 million over five years to establish Crescent Petroleum, established when the American University of Sharjah as the their father bought out the concessions region’s premier research institute. of the US company Buttes Gas and Oil Mr Jafar’s energy and drive was more than 45 year ago. Cresecent Petroleum recognised by the Dubai-based Arabian has grown into one the largest and oldest Business magazine in 2016 when he figured private companies in the emirate. among the top 25 Arab businessmen under The man who cannot spend a day doing the age of 40. The range of his activities the same thing as the day before clearly has is extensive, stretching from high-profile other projects in the pipeline. Where they business to social activism. Mr Jafar is will take him next is anyone’s guess.

‘Minimum efort, maximum eficiency’: a global business hub

ow does Sharjah manage This has already led to The Eagle Hills investment party logistics providers to punch above its weight tangible rewards. Last year, will help Sharjah’s eforts operating in Sharjah. H when capturing foreign foreign direct investment to target four key sectors: All of which is simply direct investment from other (FDI) exceeded £195 million, tourism and leisure, transport building on the emirate’s hungry economies? according to estimates from and logistics, healthcare, success in attracting more The answer, according to Invest in Sharjah, the emirate’s and the environment. than 13,000 companies to Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal, FDI ofce that operates under While tourism is a long- its free-trade zones. CEO of the Sharjah Investment the Shurooq umbrella. standing industry, investment “Sharjah is already perceived and Development Authority This looks to be an even in healthcare is also substantial, as a vibrant, progressive, (Shurooq), is simple: low costs, better year. In January, Eagle and education has always business-friendly community no hidden fees, and a government Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based been a major priority for with enormous potential for that listens to their needs. private real-estate development the emirate, following its growth and investment,” says “As far as Sharjah is company, unveiled a joint philosophy of investing in the Mr Al-Sarkal. “As the emirate’s concerned, Shurooq is 100 per venture with Shurooq worth future through young people. economy has expanded cent committed to not only about £526 million. As both a national and exponentially over recent years, finding appropriate investment And, in December, Moody’s, regional transport and logistics there is global realisation that opportunities, but ensuring the ratings agency, cited hub, Sharjah benefits from Sharjah has not only attempted business is conducted with government initiatives natural advantages: the emirate to attract foreign investment, it minimum efort and maximum encouraging FDI as a reason to is home to three deep-water has made enormous inroads

GETTY Investing in young people efciency,” he says. maintain Sharjah’s A3 rating. ports, with numerous third- worldwide.” Phil Thornton Business 9 The trading coast with the most Why the Hamriyah Free Zone is a magnet for hassle-free international business. By Mark Frary

e live in an increasingly global are also providing different electrical loads, world in which an absence depending on the sector’s requirements, of red tape and a favourable of 50, 100 and 150kW,” says Saud Salim tax environment are essential Al-Mazrouei, director of the HFZA. for companies looking for a In 2017, the Hamriyah zone added a new Wbusiness hub. It is attractions such as these business cluster to its existing “magnificent that have lured some 6,500 businesses seven” of oil and gas, petrochemicals, steel, from 157 countries to set up operations in construction, timber land, maritime and Sharjah’s Hamriyah Free Zone. perfume. Launched at Gulfood 2017, This is no desert mirage. Companies Sharjah Food Park, aimed at food and based in Hamriyah enjoy substantial related industries, will offer a planned benefits that are not available to companies 11 million square metres of warehouses, established outside such tax-free zones. offices and accommodation. They are exempt from import and export In November, Al Islami Foods opened taxes and commercial levies. They can also a new 10,000 square metre factory in the be 100 per cent foreign owned and may park to expand its frozen and speciality food repatriate 100 per cent of capital and profits. product range and carry out franchised meat It is also the only free trade zone in the processing for international brands. Arab & Middle East where companies can obtain India Spices, the largest spice processor in the a business licence in less than one hour, UAE, has also taken a 20,000 square metre according to Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah space within the free zone. bin Sultan Al-Qasimi, chairman of the Others are investing in the food park, Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) too. “The Gum Arabic Gulf Factory is the Yet it is not just a favourable business first Arabic gum unit actually in the Gulf,” environment – it is quite literally a port says Mr Al-Mazrouei. of call, too. This is because the free zone The final part of Hamriyah’s location finds itself located next door to Hamriyah’s appeal is its road infrastructure. A 10-mile 14-metre deep-water port on the Arabian Above: Hamriyah Free Zone is located next to a 14-metre deep-water port. road network opened up during phase two Gulf coast. It is connected via what is Below: the zone is a hub for heavy industry and last year added a food park of the development and another major known as the “Land Bridge” to Port Khalid infrastructure project was completed in July. in the city centre and Sharjah’s major “We just finished the new highway route container port at Khor Fakkan on Sharjah’s that will connect the free zone to Sheikh Gulf of Oman east coast. Khor Fakkan is Mohammed bin Zayed Road,” [UAE’s currently being upgraded to accept the arterial highway] says Mr Al-Mazrouei. world’s biggest container ships. “Instead of going through the city they Sheikh Khaled says that the HFZA can use this highway to connect directly is currently doing even more to make to any emirate in the UAE.” Hamriyah the first choice for businesses looking to take advantage of this location. “We have introduced competitive products and value-added services, simplified business processes, introduced customer-friendly service delivery mechanisms and upgraded our infrastructure and facilities,” he says. Hamriyah looks after its tenants well, no matter what their size. In fDi Magazine’s Global Free Zones of the Year awards 157 in 2017 it was recognised for its work both with large tenants and also SMEs, who COUNTRIES benefit from discounted rents. A new district in the zone offers Number of international destinations warehouses from 200 to 600 square metres behind the 6,500 businesses that have – ideal for small industrial companies. “We set up in the Hamriyah Free Zone

harjah has long been the UAE’s Abdullah bin Sultan Al-Qasimi, the of Commerce, the municipality and industrial heart, with the emirate chairman of the SAIF Zone. customs to cut down processing time,” THIS Shistorically contributing a third of It is now becoming even easier to Mr Al-Mazrouei adds. the UAE’s manufacturing output. Many access the zone’s services. A new hub, including 120 warehouses, of these industrial companies have made Saud Salim Al-Mazrouei, the SAIF is also being created that will appeal BUSINESS the Sharjah Airport International Free Zone’s director, says: “One of the key to tenants who need storage, logistics, Zone (SAIF Zone) their home. incentives we were working on in 2017 trading, packaging, assembly and SAIF was established in 1995 and has was to create an online platform for all manufacturing facilities. attracted more than 7,600 companies. Sharjah’s transportation is improving HUB HAS They include electrical appliance fast. The airport enjoyed a record- manufacturer Kingston Holdings, the ‘A combination of breaking 2017 in terms of aircraft largest investor in the tax-free zone, movements and is due to almost double LIFT OFF and other well-known names such as infrastructure, services passenger capacity to 20 million by Atkins. Dunlop Aircraft Tyres is one of 2027. The SAIF Zone is also well-linked the many aviation-focused companies and incentives make to Sharjah’s growing port infrastructure. that benefit from the zone’s location, One of the main messages to the The Sharjah Airport right next to the emirate’s fast-growing companies at this May’s Foreign Direct international air hub. the zone an investment Investment Expo in London, which “Strategic location, an environment SAIF Zone is attending, will be that International Free that facilitates seamless operations, destination’ integration is key to its success. total ownership, tax and duty “We work hard to make sure that Zone is a buzzing exemptions and full repatriation of the services within the zone.” This gives these clusters are actually active and capital and profits, with a combination access to 250 services for starting or that they contribute added value to trade centre that has of world-class infrastructure, value- running a business. A new upgraded our clients,” says Mr Al-Mazrouei. driven services and attractive app is also being developed. “And the closer their supply chain no plans to come down incentives has ranked SAIF Zone as a “We’re linking with other government is, that’s an added incentive, whether premier business hub and investment agencies to connect diferent services. through better time- or risk- to earth any time soon destination,” says Sheikh Khaled bin We’re working with the Chamber management or cost savings.” MF 10 Business Business 11

Palace Al Khan will be the first waterfront resort in Sharjah City TRANSFORMING SHARJAH If you build it… TO THE POWER OF THREE A trio of real-estate projects are set to revolutionise life Community living for those living, working and shopping in the emirate

harjah’s reputation as the UAE’s most Each of the three developments will deliver diversified economy looks set for a further something diferent. Maryam Island will be Sfillip from three real-estate projects (worth home to 1,890 luxury apartments and villas, in the 21st century £526 million) that will deliver a ground-breaking as well as four- and five-star hotels with combination of residential property, high-end restaurants and retail outlets spread along retail outlets and luxury leisure and hospitality the waterfront, while Kalba Waterfront is a facilities. These Dubai-style developments are master-planned retail development with David Prosser scans the plans for the game-changing all due for completion within the next two ambitions to attract international fashion years and promise to transform Sharjah. brands as well as supermarkets and a family urban project currently under development in Sharjah “Maryam Island, Kalba Waterfront and entertainment centre. Palace Al Khan are part of our strategic Completing the trio, Palace Al Khan (artist’s diversification of the economy and underline rendering, above) will be the first waterfront ustainability, affordability and walkability urban project as a “game-changer, not just for our focus on developing the real-estate resort in Sharjah City. Set on the site of an might not be words immediately Sharjah, but for the UAE as a whole”. sector,” explains Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan important pearling village in Sharjah’s history, associated with property in the UAE, Built around a central hub that will feature a Al-Qasimi, chair of Eagle Hills Sharjah it intends to attract international visitors with but the designers of Aljada, Sharjah’s discovery centre for kids and an adventure park, a combination of luxury and heritage appeal. largest-ever real-estate development, Sheikh Sultan expects Aljada (artist’s model, “Our projects combine Sharjah’s history and Shave ambitious plans to deliver all three. above) to attract visitors from overseas as well as ‘These projects all heritage with the modern vision we have for Due for completion in 2025, the £4.7 billion those who already live in Sharjah. “We want to the future of the emirate,” says Mohamed ($6.5 billion) Aljada project will create a whole new change the real-estate market, addressing all the highlight Sharjah’s Alabbar, vice chairman of Eagle Hills Sharjah city: 10,000 residential units, including a mix of challenges that you find in Sharjah, in a bustling, Development and chairman of Eagle Hills apartments, townhouses and villas, as well as vibrant, well-populated community,” he explains. unrivalled cultural past, itself. As the developer behind Dubai’s famous commercial, retail, leisure and entertainment The evidence from the small number of similar Burj Khalifa, Mr Alabbar understands well the facilities. And while Aljada mirrors the large developments in Sharjah is that demand is strong challenges and opportunities of real-estate communities more common in Dubai than in for this kind of living. The Tilal City project, present and future’ projects in the UAE, but he sees Sharjah as Sharjah, the “lifestyle property” developer Arada already taking shape near Sharjah University, has ofering a new type of appeal. intends for it to have a very different feel. proved hugely popular with buyers and will Development, which is leading the project “Dubai and Abu Dhabi have established the Not least, explains its CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, eventually be home to 65,000 people. The smaller alongside the Sharjah Investment and UAE as a top tourist destination, and we are this will be a community in which people leave Al Zahia development is another mixed-use Development Authority (Shurooq). now seeing visitors branching out to discover their cars at home. “The idea is that when you’re community where demand is buoyant. “Sharjah is not simply embarking on three what else the nation has to ofer,” he points in the development you don’t need to drive,” he It helps that property in such developments independent projects,” she adds. “Rather, it is out. “Sharjah has always been considered says. “Our consultant has studied the distance is priced more attractively than in comparable appealing to an even more diverse audience the cultural capital of the UAE and this someone can walk in the summer heat and within projects in Dubai. Khalifa Al-Shaibani, director of potential local, regional and international appeals to today’s adventurous tourists and that distance you will have everything you need general of Tilal Properties, the developer behind residents and investors, promoting the emirate wanderlusters, who want to experience real as a resident, including a shop and a school, as the Tilal City project, explains that real estate as a highly cosmopolitan city and creating culture and discover hidden gems.” well as shaded resting areas; we’re also going to in the emirate is affordable. “Rates in the a new brand which highlights sophistication, The Palace Al Khan development will meet have a free electric bus service.” market are steady; it isn’t overpriced,” says convenience, wellbeing and Sharjah’s that demand, Mr Alabbar says, while Maryam Building on these pedestrian-friendly plans, Mr Al-Shaibani, who also serves on the board unrivalled cultural past, present and future.” Island will help satisfy the growing need for the design of Aljada features courtyards of Arada. “What’s coming up in the market is In the first six months of 2017, Sharjah residential property in Sharjah’s expanding sheltered from the sun and alleyways that very promising and attractive.” registered a 46 per cent increase in the economy. Kalba Waterfront, meanwhile, will connect through the development to Arada itself takes affordability very number of real-estate transactions. Marwan bin help Sharjah expand its retail sector. channel the cooling breeze. This is part of seriously indeed, with plans for residential Jassim Al-Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, says the It’s a powerful mix, and, with all three projects a broader sustainability strategy, with plans designs that keep the cost of units down. Still, new projects will provide a further “massive underway, Sharjah is increasingly well-placed for solar-powered heating, electric-car demand is likely to be high, particularly since boost to the emirate’s ever-growing property to emerge from the shadows of its neighbours. charging and recycled water for irrigation. changes in the law in Sharjah in 2014 now sector, ofering exciting – and lucrative – But, in doing so, it is determined to balance Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Qasimi, the allow foreign investors, including Britons, opportunities for the housing, hospitality, the needs of the local economy with those of chairman of Arada, describes the unique to buy property in the emirate. retail and lifestyle sectors”. tourists and international investors. DP Business 13 Diversification is the key to economic success Businesses looking to invest in the region should look no further than the free zones for publishing, media, healthcare and tech, says Mark Frary

harjah aims to be in the vanguard of world’s leading destination for medical the “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, tourism by 2021, according to the UAE’s which will see artificial intelligence, Ministry of Health and Prevention. nano- and bio-tech, virtual reality “SHCC is being developed under a and robotics reorder how we work, vision where we can attract private Splay and consume. With the emirate’s investments from across the globe into ambitions showing no bounds, Sharjah this ever-growing sector… With wider air is keenly aware that the right blend of connectivity, we are confident that Sharjah education and entrepreneurship will make will become the MENA [Middle East and it ideally placed to drive private-sector North Africa] region’s preferred health growth and diversify the economy further. tourism destination,” says Abdulla Ali Central to this approach is a number Al-Mahyan, chairman of the Sharjah of specialised free zones, focusing on Health Authority and SHCC. technology and innovation, publishing, Mr Al-Mahyan sees strong opportunities healthcare and media. For companies looking for investors in new specialised surgery, to invest in the region, they offer the benefits cancer, rehab and cardiac care centres at of 100 per cent foreign ownership, exemption the SHCC. A 100-bed general hospital is from taxes and the ability to repatriate capital set to be built in the city. and profits freely, advantages that are not Sharjah Media City, or Shams, has available outside the zones. attracted more than 2,000 companies Healthcare will be an important staging covering the gamut from content creation post. The development of Sharjah Healthcare and graphics to technology and photography. City (SHCC), a planned 2.5 million square Its chairman, Dr Khalid Omar Al-Midfa, metre zone, is well underway. sees Shams as more than just another free The emirate’s domestic healthcare market zone. “We can see the businesses that are Sharjah Media City, top; the Research Technology and Innovation Park opens in 2019 is growing sharply on the back of a growing based on platforms are the ones that are population. Given its burgeoning reputation currently capturing the attention… the on the emirate’s reputation as a hub for The Research Technology and for healthcare, the UAE is set to become the likes of Amazon which has acquired education, culture and literature. Innovation Park is due to open in 2019 and souq.com. So we came up with the idea SPC includes more than 40,000 square will accommodate up to 200 companies, of creating Sharjah Media City and calling metres of offices and associated buildings with a focus on water technologies, By the year 2021 it a ‘city as a platform’.” and a further 6,000 square metres is renewable energy, digitalisation, Shams will therefore offer everything available for investors to build their own environmental technology, transportation the UAE is set to that a media company needs as well as the projects. The Arab Writers Union has and logistics, and architecture and opportunity for open collaboration. announced a new headquarters at SPC. industrial-design technologies. In October, Sharjah Publishing City (SPC), Hussain Al-Mahmoudi, CEO of AUS “The vision is to transform Sharjah’s become the world’s the world’s first free zone dedicated to Enterprises, the American University economy into more of a knowledge economy, the publishing and printing sector, was of Sharjah’s commercial arm, says the and this is happening through transforming leading region for inaugurated. The timing was perfect: new Sharjah Research Technology and the universities in Sharjah from universities Sharjah had just been named as Unesco’s Innovation Park (SRTIP), could become the that only teach into research and healthcare tourism World Book Capital for 2019, capitalising Middle East’s answer to Silicon Valley. development-based universities.”

A driving force behind the global growth of Islamic finance

bu Dhabi’s two largest and services to the market. banking remains significant. SIB reported healthy first- banks completed a $29 Since then it has been one Demand, he notes, has been half results last year and is A billion (about £21 billion) of drivers behind the global growing faster than the demand “projecting a high single-digit “merger of equals” to form FAB growth of Islamic finance. for conventional banking for growth in the first half of 2018 (First Abu Dhabi Bank) in April Earlier this year, the bank decades and Islamic banks or a low two-digits growth”. of last year. It shone a spotlight issued a AED266.8 million (£52 demonstrated their resilience Meanwhile, early signs indicate on finance in the UAE and one million) Sukuk (Islamic bond) during the financial crisis. that the “merger of equals” has of the areas this has drawn which was converted into non- SIB is also a keen supporter been a success. “Consolidation attention to is Islamic banking. tradable shares in the name of of the Sharjah start-up scene. of banks is always healthy and The Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB) Sharjah Social Security Fund Recently, it signed a increases capital efciency is a well-known name in this (SSSF). The strategy behind memorandum of understanding and results in lower operating sector. In 2002, it was the first this, says SIB’s deputy CEO, with the government to empower expenses,” says Mr Ibrahim. conventional bank in the world Ahmed Saad Ibrahim (left), is and assist SMEs. The bank, says “The merger of National Bank of to convert to Islamic banking. partly to strengthen the SIB’s Mr Ibrahim, is keen to support Abu Dhabi and First Gulf Bank Back then, Islamic finance was capital adequacy and is partly in local entrepreneurs who are will create a bigger consolidated still a fairly niche area and, line with the bank’s position on both the bedrock and the future entity and will strengthen because SIB had experience as corporate social responsibility. of the emirate’s economy. “We the bank’s ability to compete a conventional bank, it could Mr Ibrahim says that the have seen some start-ups grow not only regionally but also

GETTY bring innovative new products growth potential for Islamic into giant firms,” he says. globally.” RHYMER RIGBY 14 Energy Coming up 15

The Zaha Hadid Architects’ design MATCHING REAL AND for Bee’ah’s new Bringing headquarters; a chair made from crumb power to ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE rubber, inset the people Why this year’s International Government How to resolve Communication Forum will focus its attention Sharjah’s supply/ on the digital future. Virginia Matthews reports demand gas gap.

By Nigel Kendall he way we converse and speak interactive addresses, starting on day one of with each other has been utterly the event with a session devoted to the transformed by the digital age. challenges and opportunities of robotisation With further advances such as for government media strategies. artificial intelligence (AI) and Another new feature – four brainstorming lthough the UAE has the Tvirtual reality (VR) on the horizon, how will events specifically designed to engage the world’s seventh-largest society and governments adapt in the world of emirate’s large population of children and Areserves of natural gas, communications? In this sense, Sharjah’s 7th young people in public affairs – will help domestic demand can sometimes International Government Communication reinforce the emirate’s desire to harness Ideas exchange: last year’s International Government Communication Forum exceed supply. This is particularly Forum (IGCF) comes at an opportune time. the IT skills of the next generation. true in Sharjah, where the lack Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the Launched in 2012 as a focus for better International Government Communication but is essential for developing trust of a long-term liquefied natural world wide web, and President Trump’s government communication both in the Forum should be viewed “not as an event, between governments and people gas (LNG) supply agreement former press secretary Sean Spicer are UAE and throughout the Arab world, but as a yearly think tank” at which – their ultimate stakeholders.” meant that gas supplies were not among 40 heavyweight speakers drawn the IGCF – taking place at Sharjah’s “thought leadership on government The forum will discuss “The Future guaranteed and were often charged from politics, media and entrepreneurship Expo Centre on March 28 and 29 – is a communications” is debated and of Government Communication in the at a premium: in 2008, Sharjah was who will point at a roadmap for the future. groundbreaking initiative conceived formulated by expert speakers and Age of the Digital Community”. It features forced to burn diesel at $157 a barrel, Showcasing brand new local, regional and by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al-Qasimi, panellists from around the globe. 18 panel discussions and seven specialist when gas supplies failed. international media initiatives under the chairman of the Sharjah Media Council. He notes that a number of previous IGCF workshops curated in cooperation with In October 2016, Sharjah National theme “Digital Millennium… Where To?”, Sheikh Sultan, who also created the recommendations, including #Digital the United Nations, Reuters, LinkedIn Oil Corporation (SNOC) signed a female leadership, the role of open data and emirate’s landmark Xposure International Sharjah and the Government Media Award, and the Arabic-language version of the memorandum of understanding AI will be discussed in the age of 24-hour Photography Festival, believes that the have already been adopted as official policy. Harvard Business Review. with Uniper to implement an LNG connectivity and services delivered across Announcing the schedule for this year’s The IGCF line-up of speakers and import and regasification project. apps and social-media platforms. event, Sheikh Sultan says: “The Forum panellists will be headed by Ameenah This was followed, in May 2017, With Generation Z, the “digital natives” How governments has become a reliable and trusted Firdaus Gurib-Fakim, the first Muslim by the signing of a gas-sales who will make up the majority of the world’s reference for an array of international woman who served as president of Greening the desert agreement with Sharjah Electricity workforce by 2020, already redefining the communication case studies and played Mauritius and principal guest of and Water Authority (SEWA). communications landscape, the way and society will adjust a fundamental role in enhancing the honour at the event. First gas deliveries are expected governments speak to young people will be systems of such communication in the In all, some 3,000 world leaders, in 2020. The purpose of this project high on the agenda at IGCF this year. to the digital age will emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. government officials, businesspeople is to resolve the supply/demand IBM’s self-taught AI child prodigy “Government communication is not researchers and media movers and gap for Sharjah and the northern Tanmay Bakshi will lead one of six be high on the agenda just about communication by governments, shakers are expected to attend. – a waste-free future Emirates, with enough spare capacity for industrial expansion. “This project solves the chronic shortage of gas in Sharjah and the On the agenda: upcoming events in Sharjah this year Zaha Hadid Architects-designed “Evoteq’s innovations will northern emirates,” says Hatem Al- Already ahead of its temple to sustainability which enable Bee’ah to achieve its Mosa, the CEO of SNOC. “Currently, March 28-29 awareness campaign, the ultimate gateway to the looks like a spaceship in the overarching goal of improving Sharjah faces two key challenges: International Government festival ranks as one of the world of books. neighbours, Sharjah desert. Naturally, it will be the standard of living in the first, is existing bottlenecks in its Communication Forum emirate’s most important sibf.com 100 per cent solar-powered. UAE,” says Khaled Al- pipeline network; second, is gas IGCF 2018 debates the initiatives in helping preserve plans to make itself an Bee’ah is also Huraimel, Bee’ah’s CEO. mobility – bringing in piped gas impact of digitalisation on delicate marine and coastal November (date TBC) repositioning itself This is not the only green from north to south. modern governments and area eco-systems. Xposure International environmental guiding to look holistically initiative Bee’ah is involved “The Sharjah LNG project their citizens with about Photography Festival at environmental with. It is using cryogenic eliminates both of these limitations 40 world-class speakers June 6-8 The Middle East’s premier light for the Middle management as the world (freezing) technology to by connecting the existing drawn from the worlds of Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial gathering for international becomes ever-more turn 9,000 old tyres a day infrastructure to an independent politics, communications A platform for artists to delve photography professionals, East and the world. digitised. It is reacting to into crumb rubber. “We entry point [a Floating Storage and entrepreneurship. deeper into the history of enthusiasts, videographers the changing world with a produce four different sizes Regasification Unit will be moored sgmb.ae calligraphy and hone their and educators has more floor business called Evoteq, a new of crumb rubber which are used inside the ], allowing skills. The biennial event space this year, together with Rhymer Rigby reports company under the same umbrella. for running tracks, playgrounds, one billion cubic feet of gas per March 28-June 3 was launched in 2002 a new, permanent gallery Its remit will take in areas such as paths, stadium play areas and miniature day to enter the emirate through a Beyond the Letter and boasts workshops, space for exhibitions. education, healthcare and logistics and will golf,” says Mr Al-Huraimel. A related 48in pipeline to the SNOC’s Sajaa A celebration of the beauty seminars, performances ow does a country that is employ technological solutions to address process is being used to turn construction gas complex. The gas complex is and symbolism of modern and ceremonies. December 2 defined by its reliance on fossil the complex issues faced by the region. waste into new building materials. the pipeline hub of all of the gas Arabic calligraphy with UAE National Day fuels consign waste to the The new company’s first offering will The company is working on a number pipelines in the northern emirates. outstanding works on June 14-August 24 Spectacular air shows, dustbin of history? The UAE as be called Smart Track – and will tackle of other cutting-edge projects too. It has “Should there be a need, we loan from the Islamic Sharjah Summer Festival thrilling firework displays, a whole has one of the highest counterfeiting within the pharmaceutical partnered with Tesla to become the first can forward or reverse the flow Arts Museum Malaysia. Explore the city’s rich culture military parades, concerts Hgenerators of waste-per-capita in the world, industry. Powered by SAP technology, business in the Middle East to use battery- energy around the emirates, making A rare treat for all and heritage and check out and traditional dancing in but Sharjah-based company Bee’ah is it will use live-tracking and a secure powered trucks. Coupled with the region’s this strategic project key for gas discerning aesthetes. the wide array of special national dress as Sharjah leading from the front in a bid to divert database to ensure product authenticity incredible capacity to produce solar security for all of the UAE. There deals on ofer all over turns green, red, black and 100 per cent of refuse away from landfill. right across the supply chain. power, these could be zero emission is no other point in the UAE with April 4-22 the city. There will be an white in honour of UAE For more than 10 years it has been vehicles in the truest sense. similar capabilities to deliver gas Sharjah Heritage Days extensive choice of museums independence and the working to green the desert when it comes It is also on a mission to persuade with such flexibility.” An important cultural and exhibitions geared to birth of a nation. to rubbish. Though the business of Emiratis to recycle. One of the more event held to showcase the diferent interests and disposal may feel a touch prosaic, Bee’ah’s eye-catching innovations here is a “reverse traditional values which perfect for all ages. December 13-15 environmentally-conscious approach is a vending machine” – a device that you put have made Sharjah the shjsummer.ae/en Grand Prix of Sharjah: reflection of the emirate’s innovative and used cans and bottles into for recycling. jewel in the UAE crown. UIM Formula 1 Powerboat forward-looking outlook. The Sharjah Multi-Fuel Waste-to-Energy This year’s event has been October 31-November 10 Championship Currently, Sharjah diverts 76 per cent facility, meanwhile, will be able to process timed to coincide with Sharjah International Daring and risky for those of its waste away from landfill – but it is 300,000 tonnes of waste a year and will Unesco’s annual World Book Fair in the water but always well ahead of the UAE as a whole which 76% produce 30MW of electricity. Heritage Day (April 18). Last year it attracted thrilling to watch from wants to hit a 75 per cent figure by 2021. “This is waste that would otherwise 2.38 million readers the sidelines, Formula 1 Bee’ah and Abu Dhabi’s Masdar are now have been buried in landfill sites,” explains May 3-5 and publishers on the Powerboat Racing is building the Middle East’s first waste-to- OF WASTE Mr Al-Huraimel. “We intend to set an Sir Bu Nair Environmental hunt for hidden gems and widely regarded as one energy plant which will drive Sharjah example for how a country that has Heritage Festival hard-to-find editions. SIBF of the most spectacular closer to its 100 per cent goal. The current amount that Sharjah traditionally been heavily reliant on fossil Launched in 2000 as part is the most exciting literary sports in the world and The numbers are eye-catching, and so too manages to divert from landfill. It is fuels can embrace change and become of a major environmental event in the region and the the ultimate adrenaline rush.

is the company’s new HQ, a stupendous aiming for 100 per cent in the near future a leader in green technology.” An LNG gas facility GETTY Art, heritage and travel 17 An array of cultural gems

he reopening next month of Japanese cultured pearl industry and Bait Al Naboodah, a traditional the region’s attention turned to oil. T Emirati pearl trader’s house, Manal Ataya, director general of after a two-year renovation marks Sharjah Museums Department, says: a key milestone for the city’s Heart “Our in-house research team spent of Sharjah project. two years collecting data including It will be followed in September by oral-history research for the the opening of the five-star Al Bait renovation of Bait Al Naboodah. We Hotel, another significant moment in have collected photos and objects and a 15-year project to revitalise the city’s produced a film that tells the story of most historic neighbourhood. The the home’s owner and have dedicated hotel has been built to incorporate various rooms and galleries to a number of traditional homes in a highlight aspects of his life.” neighbourhood that dates back to the After visiting Bait Al Naboodah, be time the city was the capital of the sure to pop your head into the tiny territory ruled by the Qawasim sheikhs. classroom of the Al Eslah School Sharjah Investment and Museum, which looks exactly as it Development Authority’s (Shurooq) did in 1935, with its neat rows of Heart of Sharjah project – the subject wooden desks. Then visit the nearby of a Unesco World Heritage bid – aims Sharjah Heritage Museum before to reflect what the city was like in the 1950s, with restored souks, art galleries, museums and archaeological Pearls were the sites, including the preservation and restoration of historic homes. region’s main export It is about more than rebuilding walls, however, and there is a strong before the fishermen Space: the fine emphasis on the preservation of Emirati culture and customs. This can be seen in the demonstrations and were undercut workshops at the Traditional Games House, Calligraphy Museum and heading, past the city walls, to the Emirates Handcraft Centre. majestic Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) which art frontier Although the project is not was reopened after extensive scheduled to be completed until 2025, renovation in 2015, and on to the it is still possible to get a flavour of shops and cafés of the Old Souk. The Flying Saucer is just one unconventional how it will feel by taking a walk Your imagination may be stretched through the cool, white-washed by the noise of building sites and the exhibition space in Sharjah, says Karen Attwood alleyways from Sharjah Art Foundation sight of high-rise apartment blocks, eastward to Bait Al Naboodah. but bear in mind the Heart of Sharjah Bait Al Naboodah was built in 1845 project is in the first of four phases ioneering Emirati artist Hassan and is best known for her work exploring by a pearl trader called Obaid bin which will eventually return it to its Sharif staged Sharjah’s first festivals and carnivals as acts of art-making. Eissa bin Ali Al-Shamsi, nicknamed former glory as a traditional Emirati contemporary art exhibition in A recent monumental retrospective Al Naboodah. The gemstones were neighbourhood – in stark contrast to a public place in 1985. The artist, of Hassan Sharif, one of the UAE’s most the region’s main export before the the glass-and-steel modernity of who died in 2016, gathered a series influential and revered artists, was several fishermen were undercut by the downtown Sharjah. CAROL LEWIS Pof everyday objects such as plastic water years in the making. Sheikha Hoor worked bottles and knotted plastic bags outside closely with Sharif on the project, which the Central Souk – and then waited for the was a fitting tribute to the man who bemused crowds to gather. has shaped the way art is seen and Since then, the emirate has become consumed in the emirate. renowned on the international arts scene For Sheikha Hoor, as for Sharif, who spent for creatively using public spaces to display most of his life in Sharjah, art should enrich contemporary art. Sharjah lays great store the local community as much as flourish on in ingenuity and the way it weaves art into the international stage. “The SAF’s single, the fabric of the emirate points strongly to essential mission is to be an advocate, the impact it can have on people’s lives. catalyst, and producer of contemporary art Not to be overshadowed by its neighbours, within Sharjah and the surrounding region, Sharjah has carved out its own in dialogue with the international reputation as a laboratory for arts community,” Sheikha Hoor innovative Middle Eastern explains. As part of its goal artistic talent. to “enrich the community Much of this can be around us”, the SAF – its attributed to the Sharjah collection of contemporary Biennial, which has Arab art is regarded as one become a fixture on the of the best in the world global art circuit, and the – has shown innovative Sharjah Art Foundation thinking in its repurposing Clockwise from above: the Bait Al Naboodah, built by a pearl trader in 1845; the (SAF), both headed by of historic buildings into art Old Souk; a calligraphy workshop; the Al Bait Hotel, which opens in September Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan spaces. This engages people Al-Qasimi, an artist in her in a manner that could not be own right and the daughter replicated in a museum. of Sharjah’s ruler, Sheikh Sultan One such space is The Flying bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi. Saucer, a modernist structure Upcoming exhibitions for the SAF that was built in 1978 as a one-stop shop are eclectic and thought-provoking. They combining a restaurant, pharmacy and include a retrospective of renowned patisserie. It is now used by the SAF for Egyptian artist Anna Boghiguian, a survey exhibitions, as are other rescued structures: of works by Emirati artist Mohammed an abandoned ice factory in Kalba, and Ahmed Ibrahim and a solo exhibition by the a former cinema in Khor Fakkan. “father of Iraqi photography” Latif Al Ani. “Our approach benefits both artists and Meanwhile, the Sharjah Biennial 14, historic preservation efforts,” declares “Leaving the Echo Chamber”, which Sheikha Hoor. “This protection of opens in March 2019, will have not one but community spaces encourages an exchange three curators – Vietnam-based Zoe Butt, of shared histories and memories and Egyptian artist and writer Omar Kholeif and fosters an appreciation for the interactions Claire Tancons, who is based in New Orleans and structures around us.”

From top: a 2009 work by Hassan Sharif; a Sharjah Biennial 14 curator, Claire Tancons 18 Travel

Luxury Away from the cities lies rooms with a world of natural wonder a view Get set for a new wave of hotels Mangroves, mountains, wadis, beaches, eco-tourism and a taste for in a range of conservation set Sharjah apart from it neighbours, says Mitya Underwood stunning settings

s you drive east out of the city of Sharjah, the dense cover of low-rise industrial warehouses falls away to be replaced by o complement Sharjah’s vast swathes of red sand. approach to its eco-tourism ADue to the way the country was mapped T and heritage, the emirate is out in 1971, Sharjah is split between a large investing in a new hotel concept city on the west coast, and smaller enclaves set to launch this year. on the east, with soaring mountains and The luxury Sharjah Collection desert between them. It is the only emirate hotels are being built in Sharjah’s with sandy coastlines on both the Arabian most stunning natural locations Gulf and the Gulf of Oman seas. and focus on giving visitors While recent decades have seen almost an authentic taste of Arabian unprecedented development across the UAE, hospitality rather than just a Sharjah stands alone somewhat. Its east-coast bed for the night. village of Kalba and the port town of Khor Shurooq, the Sharjah Investment Fakkan were once home to tribes of fishermen and Development Authority, wants and seaman. Many of the last generations these hotels to stand out. of these can still be found sharing a pot of “Sharjah’s eco-tourism projects tea in small harbour cafés, usually with are like nothing else in the region a game of dominoes on the go. with regard to providing a haven In contrast to the glitz and glamour of for guests to enjoy some of the the country’s biggest cities, rural Sharjah most spectacular fauna in its is full of tidal creeks, sandy beaches and natural environment,” says mangroves, all with a different feel to Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal, those on the west coast. chief executive of Shurooq. The east has a traditional family feel, The Kingfisher Lodge in the with many Emiratis escaping the cities on Kalba eco-tourism project on the weekends and public holidays to unwind. east coast will consist of 25 private The 3km beach and corniche at Khor Fakkan tented lodges in the mangrove is a particularly popular picnicking spot and forests overlooking the sea, with has beautiful, clean stretches of sand with private pools, a spa, yoga centre watersports and activities aplenty. and five-star dining options. Much has been done to preserve the Another ofering, the Al Badayer emirate’s heritage and, at the same time, Oasis, set against the red dunes in create sustainable eco-tourism projects central Sharjah, around 40 minutes highlighting its natural beauty and history. from the city, will ofer visitors the Sharjah is, arguably, home to some of the chance to explore and experience UAE’s most stunning deserts, lush wadis desert life and activities. and jagged mountains, many of which are Not ignoring the city, Shurooq now easily accessible to tourists. Welcoming is also converting two traditional locals are incredibly proud of their heritage Emirati homes into four-star bed and, as such, are more than happy to talk to and breakfast villas called Bait visitors about their country’s history. Khalid bin Ibrahim in the region’s One of the area’s most impressive nature biggest restoration and historical projects is the Al Hefaiyah Mountain preservation zone. Fossil Rock Conservation Centre, just 90 minutes’ drive Lodge, the final Shurooq project, from Sharjah City. It covers 12 sq km and is in the heart of the houses more than 30 species of animals Archaeological Site, which contains whose natural habitats are the surrounding Action replay: Sharjah ofers a wide variety of activities on land and water Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age finds. Wadi Al Helo, Kalba and Khor Fakkan. All of these forward-thinking The centre educates visitors about the a prime spot for birdwatching, kayaking, 40-year absence. This is a direct result of projects are a world away from area’s natural heritage but also plays a archery and a host of other activities. the emirate’s efforts to protect the area. the glitz of the city and will significant conservation role, protecting the Some of the mangroves are an incredible While most of the UAE’s history is focused ofer luxury in keeping with, and country’s most endangered species – such 300 years old and provide the only known on pearl diving and the discovery of oil, respectful of, some the country’s as the Arabian leopard and the Arabian wolf nesting sites in the country for the rare Sharjah takes a different approach. most beautiful backdrops. MU – which would likely otherwise die out. white-collared kingfisher bird. Recently, Its Mleiha Archaeological Centre Regarded as a jewel in Sharjah’s crown sea turtles have also returned to the examines more than 100,000 years of is the nearby Kalba eco-tourism site, site’s beaches to lay their eggs after a remains from the Neolithic, Iron and Bronze Ages. In just 40 minutes, tourists from Sharjah City can explore these incredible finds on family-friendly guided tours. The project is a great example of how Sharjah blends preservation with development. Guests can go dune bashing in 4x4s, take safari tours, or explore mountain-bike trails and hikes. Adventurous visitors can paraglide or paramotor down the highest Mleiha peaks. 30 “The powered and non-powered forms of winged transport offer amazing panoramic SPECIES views of the whole area, as well as a flying experience that won’t be forgotten,” says Number of types of animal that Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal, chief make their home in the Al Hefaiyah executive of the Sharjah Investment and Mountain Conservation Centre Development Authority. The Kalba Kingfisher Lodge