The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry “SCCI” and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority “SCTDA”, signed an MOU on Thursday, which aims to consolidate efforts towards the development of the tourism sector in the emirate, and to highlight its importance and impact on the national economy.

The MoU was signed in the Chamber's headquarters by HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, and by HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa Chairman of SCTDA. The ceremony was attended by HE Ziad Mahmoud Khairallah Al-Hajji, and HE Ahmed Mohamed Obaid Al Nabouda, members of SCCI’s Board of Directors, in addition to HE Sarah Al-Madani Member of the Sharjah Economic Excellence Award (ShjSEEN) Board of Trusties, Mohammed Ahmed Amin, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business sector, Mariam Saif Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General for Logistics, and Nada Al Hajri, General Coordinator of ShjSEEN, as well as top officials from both sides.

During the signing ceremony, both sides expressed keenness to strengthen and nurture the tourism sector in Sharjah, which in turn will have a positive impact on the UAE and its economy. Moreover, the recently signed MOU will consolidate the emirate’s position as a leading destination for tourism and investment in various sectors.

Commenting on the MOU, HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI said: "The signing of the memorandum with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority stems from SCCI’s determination to further enable the tourism sector in Sharjah to its full potential, and facilitate its prominent role as one of the most important arms of Sharjah’s economy."

AL-Owais reiterated SCCI’s full commitment to join hands with its strategic partners in various sectors, led by the tourism sector, to fully realize Sharjah’s tourism vision 2021, noting that this will help create more jobs and reinforce culture and modern lifestyle across the emirate; which has transformed into a prominent destination for millions of visitors from across the world.

Al Owais said: "The signing of this MOU reflects our firm believe that the development of the tourism sector is a joint responsibility, shared by government and non-government organizations alike.” He also stressed that the tourism industry is the main dynamic of any economy, making for 25% of economy inputs worldwide, in addition to being a “green” investment, free of pollutants and emissions, and one of the sectors with least impact on the environment.

For his part, HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said: "This MOU with SCCI comes as we work closely towards crystalizing our mutual goals; to promote Sharjah as an ideal destination to live, work, and invest, and to highlight the critical role of tourism. At the same time, we work towards raising the bar for the quality of services provided, as I believe all these factors combined will help contribute to the development of Sharjah’s economy.”

"Through our combined efforts with the Chamber, and by being the authority responsible for overseeing the tourism industry in Sharjah, we look forward to raise the level of competitiveness among enterprises within the sector, and increase the tourism sector’s capacity. Moreover, we will strive to nurture innovative initiatives, such as the Sharjah Economic Excellence Award “ShjSEEN”, which recognizes pioneering businesses, and helps cultivate the emirate's economy and achieve sustainable development in all sectors." Al-Midfa added

The MOU stipulates the inclusion of the Tourism Excellence Award under the tourism sector category in the Sharjah Economic Excellence Award, which will be granted to the top ten facilities in the tourism sector. In addition to activating cooperation and exchange of information between the two parties in finding suitable candidates to join the "ShjSEEN” award.

The MOU also provides the necessary framework for joint cooperation during events to support the activation of the award, in addition to utilizing the Authority’s experience within the tourism and hospitality category.