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Sharjah Airport on track in executing Dh1.5b expansions

The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) is implementing a comprehensive Dh1.5 billion expansion plan that is exceeding expectations and setting a record of 13.6 million passengers in 2019, said Ali Salim Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, during its recent annual ceremony.
The event was organised to honour outstanding employees, strategic and media partners for their excellent efforts, while celebrating the achievements of Sharjah Airport in enhancing its regional and global status.
The event was attended by Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of the Sharjah Airport Authority; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director of The Department of Civil aviation (DCA); and top officials of various government departments as well as media representatives from various institutions.
Addressing the ceremony, Ali Salim Al Midfa said that the SAA has recently made great achievements in line with the aspirations and vision of the wise leadership. This is based on the vision and directives of His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the follow-up of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council, which guaranteed excellence and encouraged joint efforts and teamwork. "This added further success to the airport's journey, which started nearly nine decades ago," he added.
Al Midfa pointed out that Sharjah Airport strengthened its position on the global travel map, achieving an increase of 13 per cent in passenger numbers and setting a record with 13.6 million passengers. One of the Mena region's leading airports, the airport ranked fourth globally for accuracy and punctuality according to OIG, the international provider of airport and airline data. It has become one of the region's leading airports in terms of passenger numbers.
He added that the SAA is implementing a comprehensive Dh1.5 billion expansion plan that is exceeding expectations. The airport has also implemented many community initiatives and projects, participated in national and international events, and welcomed new airlines while expanding the airport's travel network based on new requirements from partners.
During the ceremony, Al Midfa launched the Sharjah Airport Excellence Award 'My Airport' which aims to enhance the culture of excellence at SAA, encouraging innovation and the use of best practices in the work environment; highlighting employees' talents and competencies to achieve the highest international standards for excellence and organisational leadership. The award will be implemented this year. He concluded by saying that the ceremony has become an important tradition, promoting partnerships among the government and private organisations operating at the airport and motivating outstanding employees.
Sheikh Faisal bin Saoud Al Qassimi praised SAA's employees for their efforts, dedication, excellence and innovation throughout the year, which helped to improve performance. He said that the SAA is very proud of its staff and their potential, competencies and capabilities, which play an important role in developing the airport and enhancing its prestigious position locally, regionally and globally.
He stressed the importance of creating a work environment that stimulates and encourages employees' creativity, innovation and excellence and which coordinates efforts effectively, working as one team. He pointed out that employee appreciation and encouragement are part of the culture at SAA.
- afkarali@khaleejtimes.com