COUNTRY REPORT

A woman’s worth Leading the way in female empowerment

BUSINESS PROPERTY CULTURE TRAVEL A hot spot for innovation: how the Sharjah’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 DIBBA AL-HISN

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

women, writes HEIGHTS AL BEDAYER KALBA DUBAI Mitya Underwood RAS Meet the mountain- AL-KHAIMAH climbing mother who ABU DHABI 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 fl ows 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 Af airs, 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 fi gure 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. fi rst woman to chair the World Economic Al-Qasimi, conservation has become preserving its historic architecture and The organisation champions Forum’s infl uential 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 of ce. “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 fi rmly 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 fi rst 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 diversifi cation 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 fi rst 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 fi rst humans are set to expand the emirate’s relationship – which have already attracted signifi cant have benefi ted 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 fi rst 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-effi cient 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 eff orts 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 fi rst 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”. refl ect Sharjah’s Arab and Islamic identity. for a fl ourishing 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 fi xed fi rmly 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 refl ection of her father’s “relentless human resources compose the most vital benefi ciary of £358 million in state funding. opportunity, is limitless.” eff orts 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 refl ected 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 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 Mleiha 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