Shurooq highlights importance of Economic Development in achieving austainability

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) participated in the second edition of the GCC-British Economic Forum, which took place on July 21.

Organised by the Arab British Chamber of Commerce and hosted in London, the forum saw the attendance of senior Emirati and British officials, executives, decision-makers, investors and businesspersons.

Held under the banner: ‘Vision, Challenges and Ambitions: Integration Prospects for a Better Future,’ this year’s edition of the GCC-British Economic Forum provided participants with the chance to explore emerging opportunities to forge business partnerships across industry sectors and build direct networks to facilitate business. The event was supported and sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and UK Trade & Investment - a UK government department that works with overseas investors looking to the UK as an investment destination.

The second GCC-British Economic Forum was held to enhance prospects for GCC-UK cooperation, with the aim of strengthening relations in the future and accomplishing sustainable development for both countries. During the event, Shurooq highlighted the importance of economic development in achieving sustainability for communities and positively affecting the lives of individuals and families living within them.

The forum featured five discussion panels on subjects that included economic reform as a driving-force behind building a strong balanced economy; how to achieve sustainable development; the role of government and private sector partnership for securing investment in the future; economic development as a key pillar of sustainability and the possible effects on GCC-UK trade and economic exchange following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Participating at the forum from Shurooq included Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, and Mohammed Juma Al Musharrakh, Deputy Director of Sharjah FDI, where Shurooq took part in the second of the forum’s session held under the title ‘Social and Economic Development’. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal spoke about economic development as a being key element of the overall sustainability of communities and the long-term positive effects of Shurooq’s projects on people’s lives and on the environment.

"The GCC-British Economic Forum is an essential platform that serves to inform participants, the audience and stakeholders about important economic and investment opportunities, in addition to facilitating a discussion on the potential of the future partnership between the GCC and the UK in a variety of fields," said Al Sarkal.

"The UK is a strong economic ally of the UAE and Sharjah and our participation in the forum confirms the strength of our ties, with this our second visit to the UK since the beginning of the year. The warm reciprocal nature of our relationship sees us witnessing positive feedback from British investors and companies that have started or who are in the process of starting their businesses in Sharjah," he added.

"Since its inception in 2009, Shurooq has been successful in forging a unique economic environment through the variety of projects it has implemented and overseen. Its aim is to launch and manage quality developments that meet the sustainable development criteria and which create high levels of satisfaction for visitors and for residents who live near and around these projects. This strategy is in alignment with the UAE’s vision to create a happy, productive and engaged community," Al Sarkal continued.

"Our premium destinations that include Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, Al Noor Island and Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park, all support the economic environment. They create a positive impact in their surrounding areas by contributing to raising the number of real estate units. These popular family leisure destinations have provided citizens with jobs, have enhanced the environment and have integrated essential aspects of sustainability with communities. We fully anticipate that our other projects in Sharjah, such as the Kalba Eco-tourism project, will have a similar effect," he said.

"During this important forum we were able to promote Sharjah’s advantages in various sectors, especially tourism and recreation, environmental development, health care, transportation and logistics, among others. We look forward to welcoming more British companies and investors who want to gain a foothold in Sharjah, because it is the heart of the Middle East and the gate through which they can communicate with world markets," Al Sarkal concluded.