Emirates

Sheraa’s Access Sharjah Challenge paves the way for a new era in UAE’s creative economy

SHARJAH, 15th December, 2021 (WAM) — The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Youth, recently launched the Access Sharjah Challenge, an integrated platform that connects digital startups to relevant public and private entities in Sharjah and across the UAE, with the aim of contributing to the development and growth of the nation's creative economy.

Under the presence of Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sheraa, and Noura bint Mohammad Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, American University of Sharjah (AUS) professor Sohail Dahdal and Emirati founders Noura Kalban and Alia Lootah were named winners of the game-changing competition, during the challenge’s awarding ceremony.

In strategic partnership with the Sharjah Museums Authority, Air Arabia and Alef Group the challenge was launched to empower founders leading the path in building a thriving creative economy by building sustainable businesses.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said, "The Access Sharjah Challenge addresses one of the most critical as well as perennial challenges that startups all over the world face – gaining access to markets. The programme is designed to serve not only as a launch pad for innovative startups into the UAE and regional markets, but also supports their growth in the creative sectors while furthering the emirate’s vision to be a global destination for high impact businesses."

She added: "The applications and submissions we received from startups coming from all around the world symbolise the growing ecosystem of impactful ideas in the creative sector, and how each founder has the potential to create positive influences within the UAE economy and help stimulate innovation in the region. We look forward to helping the winners grow their ideas into full-fledged ventures that contribute actively to Sharjah’s and the UAE’s economy."

Access Sharjah Challenge consisted of two strikingly different contests –Al Makan Challenge, that invited innovative ideas to liberate artefacts and art from display cases and frames of museums; and Al Multaqa Challenge, that called for novel re-imagining of how people can come together in one place to belong in the moment and truly connect with one another.

Professor Dahdal won Al Makan Challenge, which was supported by Sharjah Museums Authority and Air Arabia, for his ‘5th Wall’; a first-of-its-kind immersive experience that breaks the boundaries of storytelling in substance and form and engages today’s youth in the story of their past with tools of the future. The 5th Wall places equal value on both story, technology and experienced 3D artists, developers, scriptwriters, and filmmakers work collaboratively to merge both story and tech to great effect.

Noura Kalban and Alia Lootah triumphed in Al Multaqa Challenge, supported by Alef Group, for the creation of the ‘Expression Room’ located at their ‘Medaf Creative Studio + Art Spaces’. At the ‘Expression Room’ where the floors and walls become an open canvas, budding artists can freely express their inner thoughts through art without any restrictions. The Medaf Studio was designed to ignite the creativity and curiosity of tomorrow’s innovators through multi-disciplinary art practices that target building and developing the skillsets of children as well as adults through art-related workshops.

Both winners received equity-free prizes of $50,000 each, which included $25,000 to bring their projects to life with the help of the supporting entities, $15,000 in cash and $10,000 towards business setup support; in addition to operational business support services including discounted office space and banking services; mentoring from Sheraa’s in-house team and their community of mentors, as well as access to target markets.

Speaking about their experience, Medaf co-founders; Alia Lootah and Noora Bin Kalban said: "We’re so thrilled to have been part of this journey with Sheraa. Participating in the Access Sharjah Challenge was a learning experience for us which allowed us to step out of our comfort zone to come up with a creative and fun solution that will re-imagine how people can truly connect with each other. At Medaf we aim to bridge the gap of creativity and make art accessible for people of all ages. We look forward to implementing this idea and sharing it with as many people as possible."

Sohail Dahdal, founder and creative director, Fifth Wall Immersive Media Lab, said: "We approached the Access Sharjah Challenge as an amazing opportunity to showcase our new handsfree AR platform. The theme of the challenge, to envision the museums of the future, was perfect for us since the core of 5th Wall’s mission is to create immersive media content that engages youth in cultural content. Winning the challenge has given us that extra push to achieve our goals faster. We are very excited to work with Sheraa and the Sharjah Museum Authority to bring our vision of future museums into reality, and right here in Sharjah."

The competition aligns with Sheraa’s mission to support startups in the creative sectors from around the region by connecting them with the private and public sectors to reach their target market and stimulate innovation in the UAE.

Manal Ataya, the Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) said: "We believe in the importance of nurturing creativity in young minds. Therefore, SMA regularly organises workshops and activities designed carefully to engage youth in meaningful experiences that satisfy their curiosity and ignite creativity in their minds that would eventually lead to building a generation of critical thinkers and innovators."

"We are proud to partner with Sheraa’s Access Sharjah Challenge and support its key goal of empowering innovative, creative and tech-savvy startups to push the boundaries of the cultural and creative industries to strengthen the emirate’s position on the global cultural and creativity map as a destination of choice for creative entrepreneurs from around the world."

She added that SMA is always eager to foster local, regional and international partnerships that focus on serving its mission and the emirate’s strategy that aims to nurture a future generation of creative thinkers and enrich them with knowledge and life skills essential for economic growth and sustainable development.

On his part, Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said: "It was a great opportunity to support and participate in the Access Sharjah Challenge, that will promote the growth of promising startups with innovative ideas to shape the future and contribute to the overall economic growth of the emirate of Sharjah."

Issa Ataya, Chief Executive Officer of Alef Group, said: "As part of our strategy, Alef Group is keen to support youth in establishing themselves and developing their potential. We were delighted to participate in the Access Sharjah Challenge, a pioneering project aimed not only at empowering young entrepreneurs but also introducing them to the limitless opportunities across all sectors in Sharjah."

He continued: "The Access Sharjah Challenge is a resounding success; a feat achieved because of the
close cooperation and solidarity among all stakeholders, coupled with the Sharjah government’s consistent support for and commitment to innovative projects and initiatives."

He pointed out that Sheraa’s vision for the challenge resonated with Alef Group’s strategy in terms of empowering the youth and encouraging entrepreneurship, and that the level of cooperation between all parties reflects the high value placed on supporting creativity and encouraging knowledge and innovation in Sharjah, particularly among the younger generation.

Participating entrepreneurs are given access to Sheraa’s team of experts and network of global mentors, business set-up support, rent-free co-working spaces and free licensing, a pool of skilled human capital and media coverage.

Emirates

Hamriyah and Deira ports record AED 12.133b in customs declaration value for first nine months of 2023

Dubai Customs plays a crucial role as the frontline defense for community security, consistently advancing its customs centers to safeguard and facilitate maritime trade. H.E. Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs, CEO of
Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, recently visited Creek Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center to evaluate progress and oversee ongoing efforts for continuous customs service development. During this visit, several executive directors, department heads, and customs center managers were present.

Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, accompanied by Rashid Al Dhabah Al Suwaidi, Acting Director of Seae Customs Centers Management, conducted inspections at Khor Customs Center, Deira Port, and Hamriyah Port Customs Center. Managers Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Salman and Majid Salem Al Tawilah provided insights into workflow progress and accomplishments. Over the first nine months of this year, 62,454 customs declarations were processed, totaling AED 12.133 billion, with 19 seizures recorded during the same period. A visit to Hamriyah Port Customs Center showcased an advanced container X-ray inspection device, supporting increased inspection operations.

Subsequently, visits to Khor Customs Center and Deira Port highlighted achievements, including a notable seizure called the “Wheelhouse,” which successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle 243 kilograms of narcotics into the country. Commending customs employees, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih emphasized the pivotal role of maritime customs centers in ensuring community security and facilitating trade. The department collaborates for efficient goods clearance and acknowledges employee efforts
during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to the department’s support for global efforts to revive maritime navigation and international trade.

Musabih clarified that the department’s advanced capabilities in monitoring and inspection enable it to keep pace with the UAE’s rapid foreign trade growth. Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda D33, the department aims to double foreign trade and enhance economic partnerships with key global markets. Efforts to boost customs inspector efficiency continue through training courses, ensuring their ability to thwart smuggling attempts. Continuous development of X-ray scanning
devices and the K9 customs dog unit further enhances contraband control achievements. Rasheed Al-Dabah explained that the forthcoming period will witness the advancement of new initiatives and mechanisms in the realm of inspection and examination. These initiatives are grounded in a forward-looking perspective to introduce cutting-edge technologies utilized in examining maritime transport vessels, wooden ships, and ships engaged in fish trade.

He remarked, “Our endeavors are harmonized to enhance performance in sea customs centers, concurrently focusing on bolstering monitoring, tracking, and technical support activities to yield optimal outcomes through continuous and productive collaboration among all specialized teams within the department. The Customs centers in Deira, Al Khor, and
Hamriyah Port Customs Center shoulder their vital responsibilities in safeguarding society and facilitating maritime trade through Dubai Creek and Hamriyah Port, supporting the ongoing growth of the national economy.”

Emirates

Dubai Customs Hosts Sharjah Housing Delegation to Strengthen Government Communication Ties

Dubai Customs, represented by the Corporate Communication Department, warmly welcomed a delegation from the Sharjah Housing Department. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize the delegation with the duties and responsibilities of the
Corporate Communication Department and its affiliated divisions. The delegation also aimed to explore the awards received by the department, notably the recognition as the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award for 2023.

Khalil Saqer bin Gharib, Director of Corporate Communication Department, along with department managers, extended a cordial reception to the Sharjah Housing delegation, which included Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication, Nada Sivan, Head of the Public Relations and Events Department, and Hamad Saleh Al Hamadi, Head of
the New Media Department. Bin Gharib highlighted the department’s commitment to strengthening communication with government entities to exchange practical experiences and knowledge. The delegation was briefed on Dubai Customs exceptional performance in customs operations and other facets.

The meeting delved into discussions on potential avenues for collaboration, with the Sharjah Housing delegation. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by Dubai Customs’ Corporate Communication Department, customs administrations, and centers in ensuring security and safeguarding society. The delegation was presented with an overview of the department’s working mechanisms, awareness campaigns, events, and activities conducted internally and externally, aligning with Dubai Customs esteemed reputation.

Furthermore, the Sharjah Housing delegation acquired an understanding of the best media practices adopted by the Corporate Communication Department, showcasing its outstanding performance in enhancing knowledge and media dissemination to all partners. This has resulted in the department establishing and fortifying relationships with local and international media
entities. The presentation also encompassed the factors contributing to the department’s receipt of the award for the Best Government Communication Team in the Sharjah Government Communication Award.

Dr. Ahmed Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director of Government Communication at Sharjah Housing, expressed appreciation for the efforts of Dubai Customs Corporate Communication Department, acknowledging its excellence and significant contribution to enhancing the department’s standing. Dr. Al Nuaimi affirmed Sharjah Housing’s commitment to fostering ongoing visits and meetings with Dubai Customs, aiming to achieve the highest level of coordination and benefit from the Corporate Communication Departmen’s experience in securing numerous local and international awards.

Emirates

Zayed Sustainability Prize opens submissions for 2025 cycle

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize’s online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. Commenting on the launch of the 2025 submissions cycle, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: “Since 2008, the
Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. In this decisive decade for climate change, these values are more important than ever. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action in line with the UAE Consensus, which will pave the
way toward an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision.” In response to the pressing climate crisis, and to further support the UAE’s efforts to accelerate practical solutions needed to drive climate action and uplift vulnerable communities around the world, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the organisational categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action. Within the Global High Schools category, which is split into six world regions, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The six world regions of the Global High Schools category are The Americas, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, Sub- Saharan Africa, South Asia, and East Asia and Pacific. The most recent Zayed Sustainability Prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. To encourage a broader range of organisations and high schools to participate, the Prize will be accepting submissions in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. This will ensure that innovative solutions from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds can be recognised. For the Health, Food, Energy, Water and Climate Action categories, organisations should prove that they are improving access to essential products or services in their targeted communities and are able to implement a long-term vision for better living and working conditions. For the Global High Schools category, projects should be led by students, and must demonstrate innovative approaches to address sustainability challenges. The evaluation of each submission to the Prize consists of a rigorous, three-stage process. First, due diligence is conducted on all submissions to ensure that they meet the Prize’s evaluation criteria of Impact, Innovation, and Inspiration. This identifies the qualified entries and results in the selection of eligible candidates. Following this, evaluations are undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of category-specific panels of independent international experts. From this shortlist of candidates, the finalists are chosen and then sent to the Prize Jury who unanimously elect the winners across all six categories. Winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).