Sharjah Media City to start construction next year

A graphic representation of Sharjah Media City (Shams)

The Sharjah Media City (Shams) freezone will provide comprehensive facilities to companies and encourage graduates to start businesses, according to a top official.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, , chairman of Shams, said: "While we have already issued trade licences to many local and global media companies, freelancers and entrepreneurs, more applications are in process from people who wish to work in Sharjah and utilise the business opportunities here.
"We are keen to support upcoming young talents by sponsoring projects for university students and supporting initiatives that expand the youth sector in the UAE and develop their perceptions and knowledge. Shams will provide facilities to companies and graduates to start their businesses, not necessarily in media. We will also offer facilities to the training companies that will train the youth to compete in the job market," he said.
Shams will have a comprehensive residential and work environment, designed to stimulate minds and inspire innovation among its residents. The execution of Shams will be carried out in phases based on the number of licences issued. The construction of the first phase will commence by the beginning of 2018, followed by the second phase in the middle of 2018.
"The construction of Shams management premises is in progress and will be open in the middle of next year. We are now operating in temporary offices," Al Midfa said.
Economic and cultural benefits
Shams is expected to contribute to the development of the emirate's economy. "It will help in promoting Sharjah through multilingual media institutions and spread culture through communication," he said. "One of the objectives of Shams is to provide an innovative environment that enables people to creatively engage in media sectors, thereby creating a sustainable future for the UAE."
Al Midfa also said that a legislation will be working with federal and local regulatory authorities to monitor the media institutions.
Innovative environment
"Coping with the rapid development of technology, Shams will adopt the latest methods to provide services. We will operate across time zones by deploying digitalisation technology. It will be an environment that is consistently future-driven, welcoming creative engagement with cutting-edge technologies," Al Midfa said.
"Shams is an evolution from the traditional concept of freezones, providing round-the-clock integrated services via smart systems that streamline business for individuals and organisations alike. It is based on the modern concepts of efficiency, affordability, optimised performance and civilised discourse."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah

Afkar Ali Ahmed

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com