Under the theme “Smile, You Are in Sharjah”, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, SCCI, has launched today the “Sharjah Shopping Promotions”, the largest of its kind shopping campaign across the Emirate of Sharjah, with the participation of major shopping malls and retail stores in the emirate. The month-long event is expected to bring attractive offers on the finest international brands and various types of goods and products, as well as exciting discounts of up to 75%. Also, lucky shoppers will have the chance to enter raffle draws and win attractive prizes, including 12 cars (BMW – X2), gift vouchers, hotel stays, and many more. The Sharjah Shopping Promotions is one of the SCCI’s marketing campaigns that aim to support the retail sector and boost sales and revive markets. The exceptional shopping season is organized in cooperation with Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (media partner), the strategic partners (Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sharjah Economic Development Department, Sharjah Municipality), Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre (AGMC) BMW (diamond partner). His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman, SCCI, said: “This event comes as part of SCCI’s commitment to launching innovative initiatives aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Sharjah’s economy, fulfilling the demands of the private sector, and contributing to the sustainable development of all sectors, especially the retail sector.” Al Owais underlined that the event will have a key role in developing and scaling up family tourism, pursuant to the wise vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah in terms of making Sharjah the perfect family destination. “The SCCI is keen to enhance its partnership and cooperation with the public and private entities concerned with the economic and business activities, including tourist, commercial and financial sectors. This stems from our keenness to support the constant improvement efforts for the business and economic environment to help them overcome the current global crisis and to continue the development of the economic work,” he added. Thanking the SCCI for this leading initiative and the participating entities for the efforts made to foster the emirate’s economic and tourist landscape, His Excellency Khalid Jassim Al-Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said: “Sharjah Shopping Promotions is a perfect opportunity for boosting the domestic tourism through the attraction of shoppers across the country and enhancing the local markets after the resumption of economic activities.” “Such campaigns would have a great significance on the market revival and economic recovery. They also play an essential role in supporting the commercial development of the domestic tourism sector, which contributes to increasing flows,” Al-Midfa underscored that the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority will take advantage of this opportunity to pursue its efforts to promote Sharjah’s tourism sector, as this event is considered an integrated tourism experience for citizens and residents. His Excellency Sultan Abdullah bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), said: “At SEDD, one of our most important strategic objectives is the revival of markets and other vital economic sectors. To that end, we strive to bring dynamism to the markets through our cooperation with competent authorities, shopping malls, and commercial shops to launch initiatives to support this vital economic sector. Commending SCCI’s efforts to launch this promotional campaign which aligns with the directives of Sharjah Government in terms of developing the local economy and stimulating commercial traffic to get through Covid-19 repercussions, Al Suwaidi pointed to the economic resilience of the Emirate of Sharjah which helped it to cope with the various circumstances, thanks to the qualities of development, the outstanding climate of the economy, and the constant growth that supports the business sector and contributes to attracting direct investments. His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said Sharjah Shopping Promotions is focusing on improving economic performance and enhancing the emirate's competitiveness. This would help strengthen the commercial movement, provide more job opportunities, and make use of revenues to bring happiness and prosperity to citizens and residents. “As a media partner, we are committed to spotlighting the role of promotional and marketing campaigns in driving the economic activity, especially during these challenging times,” he explained. His Excellency Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, SCCI Director-General, expressed happiness over the broad participation of shopping centers and retail stores which launched attractive offers and exciting discounts, as well as raffle draws in weekly prizes and gifts. “In the meantime, the SCCI was keen to cooperate with the Ministry of Health and Prevention to conduct free Covid-19 tests for as many as 4000 employees in shopping centers and retail stores. This comes as part of our commitment to implementing the precautionary measures since the outbreak to maintain the health and safety of everyone,” he noted. Major shopping malls in the Emirate of Sharjah have confirmed their participation in the campaign, including Sahara Center, Al Waha Mall, City Center Sharjah, Zawaya Walk, and Zero 6 Mall, in addition to a large number of retail stores in the emirate. On the other hand, the SCCI has earlier announced that the retail stores in the Central and Eastern regions are exempted from participation fees to help them attract a wide array of shoppers and visitors, while the stores in the other regions will get a 50% discount of participation fees.