A DIFFERENT DUNE
Boosting tourism through PPPs is a key element of Sharjah's economic diversification plans overseen by Shurooq.
BIOGRAPHY
Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal is the Executive Chairman of Shurooq. His career with Shurooq began as CEO in 2009 and he held that position until mid-2018, when he became the Executive Chairman under a decree from the Emir. Al Sarkal has led the authority by realizing the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, and established Shurooq as the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah as a key investment, tourism, and business destination in the region.How has shifting demand over the past years affected the Sharjah economy?
Sharjah has always redeveloped its economic strategy every time there has been a challenge. We have moved from being an oil-based economy to focusing on non-oil sectors such as education and tourism, among others. The bottom line is adaptability. We have seen many changes over the past decade. Today, the oil sector comprises only 30% of our economy. Sharjah is now a more diversified economy. It does not solely focus on any one sector. It has played a major role in the UAE developing into a light industrial hub, an educational hub, a heritage hub, and a cultural hub. Sharjah has hosted several international events and activities. The secret of our success is to strike a balance between demand and supply, and make sure we have the right price matrix for everything that we do. Opening the real estate market created a big shift in focus for Sharjah's economy. Along with the revolution in FDI brought about by the creation of specialized free zones such as the Sharjah Media City and Sharjah Publishing City, among others, we have opened new vistas for Sharjah.
Why did Shurooq choose the redesign project of the Khorfakkan beach project as its next flagship development?
Within our portfolio, we seek to create developments in every city around Sharjah. Khorfakkan is a city that sits between two mountains on the Arabian Sea. It is an exciting location because it has an important container terminal. It is a weekend destination for residents as well as tourists. It is an important port of call for cruise ships and has a fascinating heritage village. Our plan is to develop the beachfront and create activities by adding more restaurants, coffee shops, and a play area for kids. In the future, we will add hotels, a water park, and a resort. The goal is to position each city differently. We would like a footprint on the east coast with this project, which will significantly develop the economy of Khorfakkan. We want to create a project in every district of Sharjah. These projects will boost its economy while communicating their unique and historic heritage.
What is the current relationship between the public and private sectors?
Sharjah has always been clear when it comes to PPPs. The government has always been focused on doing what is best for the Emirate and having the private sector drive the economy. At the end of the day, PPPs are the key to success as it is important that the government does not compete with the private sector. We have one of the oldest PPPs in our seaport, with Gulftainer, and a PPP with Bee'ah. These partnerships demonstrate the importance of government and business working together seamlessly for mutual benefit.
What are your goals and priorities for the next 12 months?
Shurooq is excited to have the Sharjah Collection destinations, which we started with Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba and the Al Faya Lodge close to the city of Mleiha, which is being managed by the world-class hospitality management company “Mysk by Shaza." We will also be opening the Al Badayer Oasis, which is also under the Sharjah Collection brand. It will be a part of the desert experience. This is a natural oasis with the largest sand dunes in the UAE. Guests can stay in a village in the middle of the desert. The property has 10 tents, 21 rooms, an amphitheater, a mosque, and a fitness center. Later in 2019, we will officially inaugurate the Khorfakkan Beach project and the east coast in general, which will open up a treasure trove of natural landscapes, mountains, and beaches, with opportunities for numerous activities to tourists as well as residents. Future ventures with Shurooq are expected to enrich this portfolio as we proceed to diversify and attract new businesses and opportunities.
A DIFFERENT DUNE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry is encouraging firms to undergo “smart transformation" when digitalizing their operations or introducing Industry 4.0 technologies.
read articleSpotlight Feature
Making a Difference
Sharjah has long been a pioneer in the fields of culture and education since the beginning of the UAE. Thanks to His Highness' continued focus on culture, there has been an ongoing effort to focus on educating the youth and families, encouraging greater interest in the arts, fostering social harmony, appreciating diversity, and nurturing a more mindful generation.
read articleGuest Speaker
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka , Under-Secretary-General , UN & Executive Director of UN Women
Freeing women from the fear of domestic violence and opening up opportunities for them in business is not just about doing the right thing, but also serves as a potent formula for economic growth.
read articleInterview
Taher Abu Laila , Senior Director of Northern Emirates, Consolidated Engineering Company Khatib & Alami (K&A)
The concept of smart cities is yet to be fully realized, but K&A is pioneering the adoption of digital services and working with the public sector to move toward a smarter future in an organized way.
read articleFocus: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park
A Walk in the Park
Working toward becoming an information economy, the UAE is cashing in on the high-tech dividend, and homing in on the Emirate of Sharjah, kudos goes to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation (SRTI) Park.
read articleInterview
Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan , Chairman, Sharjah Health Authority & Sharjah Healthcare City (SHCC)
The digital revolution underway in the healthcare sector has not skipped over Sharjah, affecting everything from patient records and software-enabled diagnostic systems to telehealth, robotic surgery, and e-pharmacy.
read articleInterview
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa , Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Niche desert lodges, water parks, huge new infrastructure projects, and a world-class architectural restoration project are but a few of the things putting Sharjah on the global tourism map.
read article