The Sharjah story must be told


June 4, 2018 | By Rupkatha B

An excerpt from our exclusive interview with the Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq) executive chairman, Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal about Sharjah and its many flavours…

A relaxing sea salt spa in the middle of the desert. Sighting Arabian Collared Kingfishers and Hawksbill sea turtle nesting areas amidst one of the oldest mangrove reserves. Being in oneness with nature and endangered species, which include the Arabian gazelles among others. Experiencing Emirati homes from the 50s. Even more mesmerising is finding archaeological traces from the Neolithic age. Now throw into it a mix of retail outlets, alfresco dining options, a waterpark and a ride on a giant Ferris wheel. You can find all this in the emirate of Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE.

It must take a lot of effort and foresightedness to make all this happen. Let’s also not forget that Sharjah used to be the first port of call when trading activities started in the UAE. And Shurooq is working tirelessly to reinforce Sharjah’s position as an investment hub alongside being a culturally rich emirate with profound legacy.

“The only mandate is every single project we undertake must have a positive social, economic and environmental impact on Sharjah. We have our challenges but also a unique positioning. So far, it has been a rollercoaster of a ride. But it has been an exciting one too, transforming destinations and creating a niche positioning for Sharjah, which always existed but never showcased,” said Al Sarkal.

Ours is an on-going journey, he added and also quipped, “I get bored very quickly. That’s why I have to find new things to work on regularly.” Every day Al Sarkal seeks a new challenge, turning it into an opportunity. “And we are very passionate about what we do. Our goal is to complement the other emirates beautifully. Importantly, the leadership at Shurooq – His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah, and member of the UAE Supreme Council, and his daughter Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, chairperson of Shurooq – is very encouraging and ever keen to build new talent, invest in new and unique projects and elevate Sharjah’s stature,” he stressed.

The full story has been published in our May edition

Previous Article Next Article

SHARE

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE /


Sunil Kumar, CEO, Spinneys

Starting as a shelf packer in 1994, Sunil Kumar saw his way 

Continue Reading

October 29, 2024 | By RetailME Bureau
Sunil Kumar and Debashish Mukherjee at MRF 2024

What does it take to sustain profitable growth in the post-IPO phase? 

Continue Reading

October 23, 2024 | By Anurima Das

Mahalle began its operations in 2022 as an “Authentic Turkish Grocery in 

Continue Reading

October 7, 2024 | By Anurima Das
Naresh Kumar Bhawnani, Founder & Chairman, West Zone Group

“Retail is a people’s business. When building a retail brand or the 

Continue Reading

October 3, 2024 | By RetailME Bureau
Sunil Kumar, CEO, Spinneys

From being one of the first retailers in Dubai to ban single-use 

Continue Reading

October 1, 2024 | By RetailME Bureau
Walid Shabana, Co-founder & CTO, Rabbit

For starters, Rabbit is a growing e-commerce grocery platform in Egypt always 

Continue Reading

September 30, 2024 | By RetailME Bureau
Arunachalam Palaniappan, CTO, Choithrams

In 2024 grocery retail major Choithrams has achieved several milestones underscoring its 

Continue Reading

September 12, 2024 | By RetailME Bureau
#Topshelftalks session at Food Business Forum 2024

Industry pioneers are embracing a comprehensive strategy that integrates consumer insights, digital 

Continue Reading

July 3, 2024 | By Anurima Das
#EdgeOfTomorrow session at Food Business Forum 2024

The regional grocery retail market is evolving fast keeping pace with constantly 

Continue Reading

July 3, 2024 | By Rupkatha B
#CartToCouch session at Food Business Forum 2024

If anything, the Middle East market is excited about quick commerce – 

Continue Reading

July 2, 2024 | By Rupkatha B
#EcoEchoes session at Food Business Forum 2024

From ethical and local sourcing to adopting cutting-edge technologies to curb food 

Continue Reading

July 2, 2024 | By Rupkatha B
#ByteSizedBreakthroughs session at Food Business Forum 2024

The regional grocery retail market is becoming more and more diverse, offering 

Continue Reading

July 2, 2024 | By Rupkatha B




Download Images RetailME Magazine