Tourism & Culture
From The Report: Sharjah 2023
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Strategically positioned as a global centre for culture and tourism, Sharjah is looking to leverage its emerging and established arts, ecotourism, and adventure offerings. Infrastructure expansion projects such as airport upgrades and road projects have attracted investors, and heritage preservation efforts such as the Heart of Sharjah project underscore this commitment. Aligned with the UAE’s tourism strategy, Sharjah anticipates sustained growth in the broader GCC tourism market. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority targets a 50% increase in hotel rooms by 2025, enhancing investment opportunities. UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sharjah drive growth and employment, making it appealing for tourists and investors alike.

This chapter contains interviews with Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Aisha Deemas, Director General, Sharjah Museums Authority; and Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Diversity on display: Sharjah’s focus on eco-friendly offerings, film, cultural festivals and sport position it as a multifaceted tourist destination
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Sharjah’s cultural heritage has earned it the titles of UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019; Arab Tourism Capital of 2015; and Islamic Culture Capital in 2014, and it remains a focal point for the sector. This is illustrated by projects like the Heart of Sharjah, the largest heritage preservation and restoration project in the Gulf region. Sharjah is on a transformative journey with a keen focus on advancing its tourism and culture sectors. The emirate’s budget for 2023 demonstrates a dedication…

Interview

Sustainable offerings: Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, on investment appeal, eco-friendly practices and growth prospects in the space
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Interview:Khalid Jasim Al Midfa Where is the standout appeal of Sharjah’s tourism industry to international businesses and investors? KHALID JASIM AL MIDFA: We are working to elevate Sharjah’s profile as an investment-friendly destination. This involves showcasing the emirate’s cultural richness, family-friendly atmosphere and safety at international forums and trade shows. We highlight our position as a bridge between the East and the West, as well as accessibility to major global…

Interview

Cultural catalyst: Aisha Deemas, Director General, Sharjah Museums Authority, on utilising the emirate’s heritage to attract tourism
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Interview:Aisha Deemas What do you see as the role of museums within Sharjah’s tourism and cultural economy? AISHA DEEMAS: We view museums as educational platforms, sources of entertainment and leisure, and a means to foster connection. These institutions offer diverse experiences to tourists and locals alike, and anyone visiting Sharjah will likely include at least one museum, if not several, in their itinerary. Museums have both educational and economic importance, as tourists financially…

Analysis

Natural attractions: Sustainable development, green financing and cultural attractions boost the emirate’s ecotourism credentials
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With tourism emerging as a pillar of Sharjah’s development strategy, the emirate is providing incentives to encourage businesses to harness its tourism-related strengths, while also ensuring that growth does not occur at the expense of sustainability priorities. Natural & Cultural Relevance In line with its commitment to sustainability, Sharjah is undertaking efforts to preserve its natural habitat. The ongoing expansion of Sharjah Safari, the largest safari project outside Africa, aims to…

Interview

Beyond boundaries: Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, on strategic partnerships, infrastructure and technological integration
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Interview:Saif Mohamed Al Midfa How can the meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) segment be leveraged to create more synergies with Sharjah’s tourism sector? SAIF MOHAMED AL MIDFA: With its robust infrastructure and strategic event planning, the MICE segment is pivotal in attracting international and regional audiences to Sharjah. Such an influx significantly benefits the hospitality and retail sectors, as evidenced by increased hotel occupancies and retail spending during…

Analysis

Cross-border connections: Gulf countries develop strategic partnerships to promote the region as a leading international travel destination
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In 2022 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), in 2022 international arrivals in the Middle East recovered to 83% of the levels seen prior to the beginning of the pandemic, outperforming all other regions. Road…