Unique investments by Shurooq
Shurooq is responsible for studying, assessing and sharing market insights on Sharjah’s economic growth and investment prospects, promoting key sectors like tourism, environment, and transport. H.E. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Sharjah Investment and
Q Please give us a brief on Shurooq?
Shurooq was first conceptualised in 2009 in a bid to position and promote Sharjah as a unique investment destination. Shurooq is responsible for the development of some of the biggest leisure and family destinations such as Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront and Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park and the unique Al Noor Island.
Shurooq began to diversify their development process in a bid to diversify the emirate’s investment opportunities, and began preserving, restoring and developing historic landmarks in the emirate. This new initiative has opened a new door to authentic tourism, where Sharjah currently holds a distinctive title of becoming one of the most authentic tourism destinations on a GCC and MENA level.
Q What are the key activities planned for the development of Sharjah by Shurooq?
During late September, we hosted the Sharjah FDI Forum, which was the region’s largest and biggest FDI event of its kind, also organized by Shurooq. The event was part of a larger strategy to showcase Sharjah’s truest investment potentials with comprehensive panel discussions on multiple business prospects in the emirate.
We want to dedicate our focus in partnering up with some of the most fundamental government departments which contribute directly to the growth of Sharjah’s FDI, and travel to the most iconic cities and countries in the world to showcase the business development which Sharjah is undergoing.
Q Explain the importance of ties between Sharjah and the UK with your participation at WTM?
The Sharjah-UK relationship is one of the UAE’s most significant chapters in its history. We are talking about more than 120 years’ worth of strategic, political and business bonds and partnerships. The Emirate of Sharjah played a key role in facilitating the British investments and trade services across the entire region.
Q Will this relationship gain more visitors to Sharjah from UK?
Certainly! Our relationship is built on years of research, study and implementation of strategies that cater to the demand of British investors and tourists. From an investment perspective, as British companies invest in Sharjah, the process would involve them visiting the emirate on multiple occasions thus eventually experiencing Sharjah’s tourism features as well.
Q What is the strategy to promote business and tourism links between Sharjah and the UK?
When we travelled to the UK this year, we presented investor findings and statistics reflecting the huge role opportunities to invest, which are completely diverse. From tourism to environment, they truly enable businesses and organisations the chance to make a difference, not just for tourists but to the world’s environment.
Q If the UK is to invest in Sharjah what benefits would they receive in terms of tourism relations?
Thanks to the support of our partners across multiple government entities in Sharjah, our unified goal has allowed us to work closely together in ensuring that UK investors investing in Sharjah receive all the information and services required to facilitate their businesses.
Shurooq has travelled and welcomed delegations from many countries around the world, including the UK and during these trips we were successful in communicating Sharjah’s growing tourism sector, as well as promising opportunities behind its key tourism, healthcare, environmental and logistics and transport sectors.
Q Could you share the latest tourism promotional events introduced by Shurooq?
On November 18 this year, Shurooq, in partnership with the Spartan Race organisers, will be hosting the latest edition of the world’s most popular racing event for the first time in Sharjah’s Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project. The race, which is expected to gather thousands of visitors and fitness fans will also introduce a new race called ‘Beast Race’, which is Spartan Race’s newest challenge introduced in Sharjah for the entire MENA region.