The real estate sector in Sharjah continued to thrive during March 2023, as the volume of real estate transactions in the emirate reached AED1.7 billion.

This reflects the continued growth and prosperity of the real estate sector in Sharjah, and its success in building and ensuring a motivating, attracting, and supportive environment for business and investment.
The “Mortgage Movement Report” issued by Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD) has indicated that 3,386 transactions were recorded in various areas across the emirate during the past month, as the total volume of traded land in sales transactions reached more than 5.1 million square feet.
The results prove the important role that the real estate sector plays in the economy of the emirate and affirms its success over the past years in attracting local, Arab, and foreign investors, as Sharjah has become a preferred destination due to its strategic location, social security, economic stability, solid infrastructure, and unique competitive advantages.
Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department statistics have indicated that the total number of transactions during March has reached 3,386. The number of sale transactions amounted to 595, representing 17.6 percent of the total transactions, and the total mortgage transactions amounted to 319, or 9.4 percent of the total transactions, with a total value of AED 838.6 million. Other transactions were 2,472, representing 73 percent of the total number of transactions.
The sale transactions were done across 88 different areas and regions in the emirate. These properties included residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural lands.
With regard to the type of real estate transactions, 157 lands were traded, while the built-land sales amounted to 207 transactions. The number of units sold in towers was 231.
The report also showed that Muwailih commercial area topped the list of sales traffic areas by recording the highest number of sales transactions in Sharjah with 116 transactions.
Mazairah and Al-Khan areas came next on the list with 68 transactions each, followed by Al-Rigaibah area with 38 transactions.
As for the highest traded areas regarding the monetary value, Muwailih commercial area topped the list with a turnover of AED140.8 million, followed by Al-Sajaa Industrial area with a volume of AED75.2 million, Al-Khan area with a turnover AED69.8 million, and then Al-Nahda area with a volume of AED52.4 million.
The transactions executed in the central region were mostly focused in Al-Qasimia area with three transactions, while the highest area in cash trading volume was in Blida region, with a trading volume reaching AED6.4 million.
While in Khorfakkan, the East area recorded the highest number of trading with three transactions, while the Al-Mudaifi area had the highest volume of transactions amounting to AED3.7 million.
As for Kalba region, Kalba and Al-Khuwair industrial areas witnessed three sale transactions each, while Al-Baraha was the highest area in terms of trading volume, which reached AED3 million.
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Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department has organized its annual Real Estate Excellence ceremony at the Sharjah Academy of Astronomy, Space Sciences & Technology to honor its strategic partners, collaborators, distinguished employees, and all the supportive entities of its projects and activities in the emirate. This comes as part of its constant efforts to strengthen the bonds of productive cooperation with all entities operating in the real estate sector, and in gratitude of their distinguished role in achieving the strategic goals of the department. The honoring ceremony, which was held under the slogan “Ambition and Giving.. Excellence and Leadership”, was attended by His Excellency Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi, Director General of the Department, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director General of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, H.E. Abdulaziz Al Saleh, Director of the Department, Eisa Saif bin Handhal, Director of Sharjah Government Legal Department, H.E. Mubarak Rashed Al Shamsi, General Manager at Sharjah Municipality, H.E. Abdullah Sultan bin Saluma Al Ketbi, Director of Al Bataeh Municipality, and Mr. Saeed Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group, along with other officials and directors from government and private entities, companies, and institutions operating in Sharjah. The ceremony was also attended by many journalists and institutions in the UAE, who have effectively contributed to the success, development, and growth of the real estate sector in the smiling Emirate. The ceremony began with the Emirati national anthem, then the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcoming film of the department employees. His Excellency Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shamsi said: “Today we celebrate our strategic partners and distinguished employees in appreciation of their efforts and cooperation over the past years, and their increasing contribution to the development of the real estate sector in the emirate, achieving institutional sustainability for the department, providing services, and enhancing optimal performance in the economic, social and environmental aspects”. His Excellency also stated that the department “works with strategic partners in the spirit of one team to serve the customers, in implementation of the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the support of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), to improve the real estate sector in the emirate, and to provide the necessary facilities, incentives, and support to investors, real estate developers, and all residents wishing to invest in this sector. The ceremony was concluded by honoring the strategic partners, the supporters of management projects, the sponsors of the ceremony, and the cooperative employees from government and private agencies. Moreover, the suppliers, media professionals, and the distinguished employees of the department were awarded, as well as the winners of the Innovation Award sponsored and organized by the department.

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Arab Union for Tourist Media honours the Sharjah city and also Dr Abdul Azizi Al Musallam of SIH as the Arab Heritage Personality for the Year

The Arab Union for Tourist Media, which includes 14 Arab countries as members, named Khorfakkan as the Best Arab Tourist City for 2023.

This was revealed at a ceremony held as part of the world’s largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin in Germany. Also during the occasion, Dr Abdul Azizi Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), was awarded the title of the Arab Heritage Personality for the Year.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Al Musallam said: “This would not have been possible without the visions and directives of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in continuing to support the tourism sector in the emirate of Sharjah, including the city of Khorfakkan.

“The infrastructure development projects that facilitate the standards of decent living, in addition to the legislative initiatives that regulate the tourist and heritage movement and the economic activities related to it, are key to achieving these standards.

“It all helped in establishing various cultural and historical monuments in all cities and regions of the emirate, including buildings, hotels, rest houses, dams, castles, forts and popular and modern markets. Projects like Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, the architectural masterpiece combining nature, history, art and culture, the Rafisah Dam and the Sidra Heritage Neighbourhood are some examples.”

Dr Al Musallam praised the efforts of the Institute’s team for preparing the files and nominating Khorfakkan for the award.

On winning the Arab Heritage Personality Award, Dr Al Musallam expressed his pride in the honour bestowed on him, stressing that caring for heritage and preserving and protecting its elements and milestones is a joint responsibility of various stakeholders.

The Arab Union for Tourism Media works to enhance the educational role of tourism media.

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Mosques, dams and forts across the Emirate sparkled in a hue of colourful patterns for 12 nights

Buildings and mosques came alive for 12 nights straight as the Sharjah Light Festival painted the Emirate in a hue of colours. The 12th edition of the festival, which ended on February 19, saw 600 employees, workers, and volunteers come together to put on breath-taking displays at 13 locations.

Planning for the event began in December 2022, with the shows seeing the light in a “record time” of three months, a top official told Khaleej Times.

“The 2023 festival welcomed seven international artists, along with a group of emerging ones,” said Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).

From February 8 to 19, cold nights lit up as mosques like Al Noor, Sharjah and Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi; and heritage sites like Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), Al Rafisah Dam and Kalba Clock Tower, and other locations across the Emirate, basked in the warmth of stunning projections. Lights formed characters that told stories to the tune of epic orchestral music.

“The Sharjah Light Festival presented shows and performances inspired by the traditional heritage of the Emirate of Sharjah, the geometry, motifs, calligraphy, and patterns of Arab and Islamic architecture that characterise its landmarks,” Al Midfa said. “The Emirate of Sharjah has a distinctive architectural character, and its monuments and buildings have engineering details that reflect its identity and culture.”

A special committee chose the locations to highlight the “aesthetics and details” of the architecture and designs.

“When selecting sites, we are keen to ensure they are in harmony with the light shows and accompanying music, which reveal the subtle details of these buildings, and highlight the originality of Sharjah and its position as a hub for Islamic architecture, arts, and calligraphy,” added Al Midfa.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa

Saying it with lights

The shows shed light on scenes from the Emirate’s journey, “which reflect the advancements made in various fields such as education, arts, environment, history, science, and others”. The displays also outline perceptions for a bright future, added Al Midfa.

“The performances focus on the impact of art in the world and its place in the future, and the role of both culture and knowledge in overcoming the difficulties and challenges that face the nations of the world.”

The Light Village

This year’s edition of the festival included a 19,000sqm space that hosted over 40 UAE-based food, beverages and sweet vendors. It featured a Light Museum, a lit-up basketball court, games for children, roaming shows, and paintings by emerging artists, among others.

History and future

According to Al Midfa, the Sharjah Light Festival has been a major annual event on the Emirate’s tourism agenda for 12 years now.

“The event offers dazzling light shows that reflect the progress the Emirate of Sharjah has made in various fields, outlining its aspirations for a bright future. Every year has seen the addition of a new innovative technique or celebration of a new addition to Sharjah’s prestigious awards and honours.”

In the 2014, the show celebrated the emirate’s Capital of Islamic Culture award, while in 2017, technological advancements allowed for an exciting interactive mapping installation which encouraged visitors to become part of the show.

“The festival has gone through several developmental stages that contributed to its expansion, success, and growing popularity.

“The authority is always looking to attract the most prominent international artists to highlight the latest destinations and landmarks in Sharjah, as well as to provide more services to the public in each of the festival’s sites.

“The SCTDA will keep up these efforts to develop the event, in line with the evolving and growing tourism sector,” Al Midfa added.

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Sharjah has recorded 2,999 real estate transactions worth AED2 billion during January 2023, according to the monthly report published by Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD).

The Real estate sector in Sharjah continues to grow and prosper under the continuous support of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), and their continuous directives to facilitate the work of real estate developers, and to consolidate Sharjah’s position as an attractive environment for real estate investors.

Transactions Classification

The department’s statistics showed that the number of sale transactions reached 673 in January, which accounted for 22.5 percent of the total number of transactions. Regarding mortgages, 250 transactions represented 8.3 percent of the total transactions with a total value of AED510 million. In addition, there were 2,076 other transactions that constituted 69.2 percent of the total transactions.

The sales took place in 93 areas across the various cities and regions of Sharjah, while the total area of traded real estate reached 4.3 million square feet, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural lands.

The types of traded real estate included 162 lands, and 245 lands with constructions. In addition, the number of units sold in towers reached 266.

Areas with the highest number of sales

The report showed that Muwaileh Commercial topped the list of areas with the highest number of real estate sales with 136 transactions, followed by Al Rigaibah with 84, Al Khan with 60, then Hoshi area with 49.

As for the highest traded areas in terms of monetary value, Al Khan topped the list with a turnover of AED266.2 million, followed by Al Rigaibah and Muwaileh commercial areas, both with the same total trading value of AED106.4 million, followed by Al Sajaa industrial area with AED69.6 million.

In the central region, the sales transactions were concentrated in Al Thumama with six transactions, and Al Qasimia area with five. In terms of trading value, Al-Thumama region transactions value amounted to AED7.9 million, followed by A-l Taybeh 1 area valued at AED2.6 million.

While in Khorfakkan, Al Mudaifi was the highest trading area with seven transactions amounting to AED5.7 million.

As for the city of Kalba, Kalba industrial area took the lead with six sales transactions, while Suhaila 31 area recorded AED1.6 million worth transactions, the highest in terms of trading volume.

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The grand prize is won by Marco Daniele Calandra of Sweden for his stunning drone shot, ‘The Titan’, which showcases his unique perspective

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, honoured the exceptional works of photographers and filmmakers in the 7th edition of Xposure International Photography & Film Awards during a special ceremony held on Saturday, February 11, at Expo Centre Sharjah.

In the presence of Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and Alya Al Suwaidi, Director of SGMB, winners and runner-ups were presented their awards in 10 diverse categories, as well as an overall winner. The world-renowned picture editor, Ray Wells, known for his exceptional eye for visual storytelling and experience in the selection of images that truly capture the essence of the moment, delivered feedback and remarks.

The grand prize was won by Marco Daniele Calandra of Sweden for his stunning drone shot, “The Titan”, which showcased his unique perspective, technical mastery, and creative vision. The Xposure 2023 Photography & Film Awards have now come to a close and Calandra has earned the respect and admiration of photographers and audiences alike.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), the 2022-2023 edition of the global Xposure Awards showcased over 17,000 submissions from 180 countries, with categories ranging from Architectural to Wildlife Photography and a newly added Street Photography category. Fortyone qualified industry professionals and critics served as impartial judges and the awards received worldwide response, including dedicated awards for Junior Photography and Sharjah Government Photography.

In the Architectural Photography Category, Muhammad Almasri from Jordan took home the runner-up prize with his photo “Joker Smile”, while Xiaoting Yu from China won the first prize for “The Most Beautiful Bookstore”. In the Wildlife Category, sponsored by Sony, the awards were also accompanied by additional prizes with Matjaz Krivic from Slovenia receiving the runner-up award for “Najin, Her Friend and Caretaker Zachary Mutai”, with Xiaoping Lin from China winning first prize for “Pass By”.

The following two categories were also graciously sponsored by Sony and the Portraiture Category saw Zay Yar Lin from Myanmar receive the runner-up award for “Maiden Of The Suri”, while Austrian photographer Marylise Vigneau won the first prize for “Portrait of a Veteran”. The Short Film & Moving Image Category runner-up was Alireza Kazemipour from Canada for “The Gold Teeth”, with Akbar Shahbazi from Iran taking first prize for “Kefsan”.

In the Sharjah Government Employees Category, Shahjahan Moidin Perumpullipatt was runner-up with “Trail”, while Abdul Kareem Ingintavide won first prize for “Every Line Is A Lifeline”. With Samsung sponsoring the following two categories, winners and runners-up were presented with additional prizes alongside their prestigious awards. In the Street Photography Category, Jason Au from Hong Kong received the runner-up award for “Social Distancing”, with Nikolay Schegolev from Russia winning first prize for “Two Time”. The Landscape Category saw Alessandro Cantarelli from Italy receive the runner-up award for “Lavaredo Gloria”, while Andreja Ravnak from Slovenia won first prize for “Textures 01”.

During the highly contested Photojournalism Category, Laetitia Vancon from Germany was the runner-up with “Mykolaiv”, while Arturo J Rodríguez Pérez won first prize for “Outer Planet” with both awardees showing incredible talent and dedication to their craft.

The Junior Photographers Category was also sponsored, this time by Canon, who presented a special prize to the winning entrants, with Jayseelan Muthukumar from UAE receiving the runner-up award for “Happy Morning!”, while Jamal Bazzari, also from UAE, won the first prize for his amazing capture titled “Faizan”.

Finally, the Drone Photography Category saw Sergey Anufriev from Russia receive the runner-up prize for “Fontanka SUP”, with Salman Alanazi from Saudi Arabia winning the first prize for “The World Disappears”.

The Xposure International Photography & Film Awards showcased the impressive talent and perseverance of photographers and filmmakers from around the world. Xposure has once again provided an important platform for photographers and visual artists to showcase their work and be recognised for their creative vision and technical mastery. The winners and runners-up of the Xposure 2023 Photography & Film Awards are a testament to the incredible talent in the photography and film community and continue to serve as an inspiration to all.

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The value of transfers carried out in the banking sector in the country, through the UAE Financial Transfers System (UAEFTS), increased to more than 9.2 trillion dirhams during the first nine months of this year, while government deposits in banks witnessed a significant increase during the same period, with a value of 109 ml

Government deposits to the highest level since 2018

9.2 trillion dirhams of financial transfers through UAE banks within 9 months

Total government deposits in banks amounted to 402.5 billion dirhams at the end of last September.

Ahmed Youssef: “The UAE has overcome the effects of the Corona pandemic, and this is accompanied by a strong movement of money through official channels, especially banks.”

The value of transfers carried out in the banking sector in the country, through the UAE Financial Transfers System (UAEFTS), increased to more than 9.2 trillion dirhams during the first nine months of this year, while government deposits in banks witnessed a significant increase during the same period, with a value of 109 billion dirhams, recording the highest level It has within a period of three quarters of a year, since 2018, according to data issued yesterday by the Central Bank.

In detail, the total government deposits in banks, at the end of last September, amounted to 402.5 billion dirhams, compared to 293.6 billion dirhams, at the end of December last year, an increase of 108.9 billion dirhams, equivalent to a growth of 37%.

Remittances in the banking sector, through the Emirates System for Remittances of the Central Bank, which include bank transfers between them, as well as customers, recorded 9.2 trillion dirhams during the first nine months of this year, compared to 7 trillion dirhams during the same period last year. with an annual growth rate of 31.4%.

Banking expert, Ahmed Youssef, told Emirates Today, “The increase in government deposits is a direct reflection of the increase in financial surpluses, which are usually kept in banks, especially national banks, in addition to the increase in interest rates on deposits, which amounted to more than 4%.” percent on million deposits, which is an attractive factor for government deposits, since the return on them is guaranteed and remunerative compared to other types of investment,” stressing that “these deposits can be withdrawn at any time, if needed.”

And Youssef indicated that «on the other hand, government deposits constitute an essential support for banks and their levels of liquidity, so they always reflect the strong economic situation of the state, the high financial solvency of banks, and contribute to increasing the injection of funds in various sectors».

And he continued, “The rise in remittances also in the banking sector indicates the momentum of the economic movement, the rise in financing and dealing with checks and others,” pointing out that “the UAE has surpassed the effects of the Corona pandemic, and is witnessing strong growth rates, infrastructure projects and large expansions in various sectors, and this is undoubtedly accompanied by it.” Strong movement of funds through official channels, especially banks.

Youssef added: “The UAE is distinguished by the fact that all money movement takes place under the umbrella of the Central Bank and its remittance system, whether in banks or money changers, thanks to the strong controls that protect the country’s economy, in light of its prominent role as a global financial center, as these controls and the tight system It prevents any attempts to launder money, or the entry of illegal funds, so we find an upward pace in the value of financial transfers that pass through the official financial system of the state.

Central Bank statistics indicated that the value of clearing checks circulated using their copies amounted to 913.8 billion dirhams, for 16.3 million checks, during the first nine months of this year, while the value of cash deposits in the Central Bank during the same period amounted to 148.3 billion dirhams, while the value of withdrawals reached Cash from the Central Bank amounted to about 151.6 billion dirhams, during the first three quarters of 2022.

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Unit 3 will add another 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity capacity to the national grid

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced that its operations and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), has connected Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to the UAE’s transmission grid.

Unit 3, which started up in September, has commenced the delivery of the first megawatts of carbon-free electricity.

With both Units 1 and 2 already in commercial operation, generating clean electricity every minute of the day and Unit 3 close to commercial operations in the coming months, Barakah is accelerating the decarbonisation of the power sector and forms an essential component of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Unit 3 will provide an additional 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity capacity to the national grid, according to the state news agency WAM.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, MD and CEO of ENEC, said, “Our leadership’s long-term vision and decisions more than 13 years ago are paying dividends today as we celebrate another proud moment for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. Connecting Unit 3 to the UAE transmission grid adds thousands more megawatts of clean electricity to power all aspects of society, replaces the need to burn US$4bn worth of gas which can be diverted for export, and through Clean Energy Certification, gives many companies in the UAE a unique competitive advantage.”

Following the grid connection, Unit 3 will undergo the process of gradually raising power levels, known as power ascension testing, or PAT. The process will be continuously monitored and tested until maximum electricity production is reached while adhering to all local regulatory requirements and the highest international standards of safety, quality and security.

The four units at Barakah alone are contributing 25 per cent of the UAE’s National Determined Contributions to net zero and are the largest sources of dispatchable clean electricity.

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On the occasion of the announcement of the University of Sharjah’s progress with more than 150 ranks in the Times Higher Education in 2023, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah, affirmed that the University’s ambitions and goals that are shown through studied plans and strategies shine upon its path of rapid progress to reach the top, achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the University of Sharjah.

“We are pleased with the thriving progress that is credited to those in charge of the university and its attainment with the UAE University of first place at the state level, boosting the position and role of the university academically and scientifically. Jumping the ranks in universities’ competitions indicates the right course that the university is taking and is proceeding at a confident and balanced pace,” The Deputy Ruler said.

The President of the UOS pointed out that the real success that the university is proud of is its graduates, who became leaders, scientists, and consultants, stressing that the university will continue to develop its educational system with the latest methods and technologies.

Times Higher Education announced on October 12, the results of the universities classification worldwide for 2023, jumping more than 150 ranks compared to last year. The University of Sharjah ranked 7th in the Arab world.

Dr. Hamid Majoul Al Nuaimi, Chancellar of the University, confirmed that this achievement translates the wise directives of the founder His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the leadership of its President Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, which focuses on the quality of educational process and methedologies.

The university also ranks 68th in the index of citations from research and studies done at the university.

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