Shurooq CEO spotlights Sharjah's progressive transformation in panel discussion

Sharjah, 22nd January 2015,

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has successfully concluded its participation in a global forum on the 'Renewal of the Arab World', organised by the Institut du Monde Arabe. Held under the patronage of HE President Francois Hollande of France, the forum took place in Paris on the 15th and 16th of January and brought together influential personalities from 21 Arab countries, including intellectuals, entrepreneurs, project developers, representatives of key authorities and agencies, to focus on 6 topics: entrepreneurship, education, energy, cities, the voice of women, and culture.

The Shurooq delegation, headed by HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq and including Saud Meqdad Al Suwaidi Director of International Relations and Partnerships

, was received by HE Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development of France and the Chairman of the Institut du Monde Arabe, at Quai d'Orsay on the evening of the 15th of January.

Shurooq's participation brought the evolution of the modern Arab urban environment into sharp relief during a panel discussion featuring HE Marwan Al Sarkal titled: "Is the Arab city the city of the future?". Moderated by Michèle Pappalardo, Former Chairperson of ADEME (The French Environment and Energy Management Agency) and Coordinator VIVAPOLIS, the discussion explored the future of the Arab city in light of the widespread, rapid, and recent urbanisation in the Arab world. The panel further included Karl Sharro, Architect at PLP Architecture and author of the blog Karl reMarks, Pierre Mongin, CEO of RATP Group, Zoubeir Mouhli, General Director of Association de sauvegarde de la Médina, Salma Samar Damluji, Architect and Professor of Architecture in the Islamic World at the American University of Beirut, and Philippe de Fontaine, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.

Speaking during the panel discussion, the Shurooq CEO stated, "Under the wise guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate of Sharjah has focussed on sustainable and balanced development, which continues to see all of Sharjah's cities, from the East coast to the West coast grow and develop." He elaborated stating that this focus on balanced development can be seen across a range of sectors in the Emirate, such as the industrial sector, where Sharjah worked to create an environment that fosters the growth by creating 19 areas specifically zoned for small to medium industry. Specific growth points that leverage both the Emirate's strategic location and the opportunities being created by its rapid growth have also been targeted through the creation of free zones in the logistics sector, both in terms of marine and airfreight, as well as healthcare.

"As we have got to focus on human development and education to build a nation, we have also got to be modern without giving up our culture, our traditions and our history. The Sharjah of today is an undeniably cosmopolitan city, yet one that remains deeply rooted in its Arabic traditions and Islamic values. This can be seen in its many landmarks, including its beautiful government buildings that bear the stamp of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah's personal design input. Sharjah's rapidly evolving urban landscape and strategic location has made it an ideal destination for people to live and work, and giving our residents access to top level services are a priority. One of the most important elements in ensuring continued increase in standard of living is of course education, and Sharjah is fortunate to have a leadership who believes passionately in the value of developing and educated nation. This belief led to the development of the Sharjah University City - a truly unique concept in this region," HH Marwan Al Sarkal remarked.

With reference to the role that Shurooq is playing in Sharjah's development HE Marwan Al Sarkal elaborated on the many tourism related projects that the Authority has undertaken. These include the development of historical areas such as the Heart of Sharjah, the transformation of key areas in Sharjah as leisure destinations, including Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, and Al Montazah. He also pointed to Shurooq's efforts to put sustainability and conservation at the forefront of Sharjah's development through projects such as the Kalba Eco-Tourism Project and Sir Bu Nuair Island.

Shurooq was established in 2009 with the aim of achieving social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah's distinct Arab and Islamic identity, and to encourage investment by adopting the best international standards in providing quality services that help attract investors from the region and the world.

Shurooq's key mission is to provide facilities and incentives to help overcome obstacles facing investment activities in the emirate, evaluate investment-related infrastructure projects, and lay down the necessary plans to complete such projects.

In recognition of its overall accomplishments, Shurooq was named The Banking Awards 2013 - and 2014 FDI Agency of the Year in the MENA region, in the European's Global Banking and Finance Awards.

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© Press Release 2015