Sharjah Free Zones

Sharjah industrial zone work ‘on track’

Construction work going on at the industrial zone

Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), has announced that work within the emirate’s 10th industrial zone was progressing as per schedule with 15 per cent of the infrastructure development activities already completed.

The industrial sector in Sharjah is the largest among the various emirates of the country, comprising 21 key zones, at a rate of 2,800 industrial units.

It also accommodates about 1/4 of the industrial labour nationwide, in addition to the great diversity witnessed by the industrial sector, where the products of the emirate cover all the needs of consumers, and they are all accredited by international bodies and conform to international specifications and standards.

The project is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and in collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Town Planning and Survey, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (Sewa).

The Dh88 million ($24 million) project was launched last February with the aim of reconstructing the whole area, providing the best services to the people, promoting Sharjah’s competitiveness and developing its economic environment besides enhancing its investment attractiveness and sustainable development. It is expected to be completed ahead of the deadline.

The technical committee said the reconstruction process was being carried out in three phases throughout 18 months, pointing out the first phase, which includes rainwater, water, gas, and electricity networks, is nearly completed.

The second phase is focusing on the road pavement, including the construction of internal roads and parking lots with entrances and exits for existing facilities in the area, in addition to installing a modern water network, upgrading the communications network, and developing an integrated security system that includes a surveillance cameras network covering the entire area.

SCCI Chairman Abdullah Sultan Al Owais said the project implementation process was in full swing despite the restrictive measures of the National Sterilization Program that have slightly affected the speed of implementation.

The construction companies have been keen that excavation and reconstruction works will not affect the interests of the existing facilities, through the provision of appropriate entrances and traffic diversions, pursuant to the SCCI’s and partners’ instructions, he stated.

“This project reflects the solid partnership between public and private authorities to scale up the economic sectors in Sharjah and to enhance its cultural and economic development process,” he added.

Al Owais underlined that project was a foundation for future projects covering the entire industrial and commercial sectors in Sharjah to enhance its competitiveness and attractiveness.

This comes as part of the SCCI’s key role to promote and enhance the role of the industrial sector, as this would help reinforce the position of the northern emirate as one of the global destinations for industries and a gateway to industrial supply across the Middle East.

Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC) Vice Chairman Engineer Salah Bin Butti Al Muhairi, said the emirate was one of the most important industrial centres across the country and Gulf region.

This project, in accordance with the directives of Dr Sheikh Sultan, is adopting the innovative concept in Sharjah’s industrial sector which is the largest economic sectors.

This sector accounts for 17 per cent of the emirate’s GDP and attracts the attention of a large segment of society, as a result of its importance, positive contributions, and economic dimensions, stated Al Muhairi, also the chairman of Authority of Initiatives Implementation and Infrastructure Development (AIIID).

Accordingly, the tenth industrial zone in Sharjah was chosen as a trailblazing project to upgrade its infrastructure facilities and we hope to achieve the work before September 2021, he added.

“The numerous positive aspects of this projects motivate us to repeat the experience in the other industrial areas,” he added.