Shams wraps up 2024 with remarkable accomplishments

Sharjah24: Sharjah Media City (Shams) wrapped up 2024 with an outstanding array of accomplishments and events that solidified its status as a premier centre for media innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The city announced a 70% renewal rate for commercial licenses in 2024, with its services and facilities benefiting individuals from more than 170 nationalities. Shams has achieved a client satisfaction rate of 95% and has played a significant role in generating over 18,000 job opportunities within companies and organisations in its ecosystem, highlighting the effectiveness of its sustainable growth strategy since its establishment.

A variety of events and initiatives

Over the course of the year, Shams organised more than 40 activities, encompassing community events, workshops, international participation, and exhibition sponsorships that showcased the city's vibrant and creative essence. The Arabic podcast, “Hadith Shams” (Shams Talk), has released 40 new episodes that delve into significant subjects in media, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Shams has also introduced the “Shams Award for Arabic Content,” aimed at honouring excellence and creativity in the production of Arabic content. The award motivates creators to develop innovative work that resonates with digital progress, fostering meaningful and uplifting content that inspires future generations and enhances cultural dialogue.

Another significant initiative was the “Influencers’ Chamber,” launched during the International Government Communication Forum. This program empowers content creators by providing them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to thrive in their industry. The program featured workshops and interactive sessions that encompassed influencer marketing, content creation, brand collaboration, audience engagement, social media strategies, and personal branding, all facilitated by industry experts and accomplished influencers.

Major events organised

One of the standout events, the "Shams Creativity Festival," united innovators and creatives, drawing in over 2,000 visitors and highlighting more than 50 small and medium-sized projects from entrepreneurs and talented individuals. The "Shams Ramadan Festival" showcased a blend of community and cultural activities throughout Ramadan, while the city simultaneously hosted the "Young Arab Media Leaders Programme," designed to equip the next generation for success in media-related fields.

Global presence

On the global stage, Shams made a notable impact by participating in esteemed international forums and exhibitions, including "MIPCOM 2024" in Cannes, where it showcased its studios project to draw global investment into Sharjah. The "Writing Chamber" Initiative, which identified media talents and fostered scriptwriting and content development, earned Shams a bronze award in the "Best Communication Campaign in Arts and Entertainment" category at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards.

Enhancing innovation and technological progress

Shams maintained its focus on innovation through initiatives like specialised workshops on artificial intelligence (AI), offered via its "Create with Shams" platform. The workshops emphasised the practical use of AI in operations, enhancing confidence in AI tools. Experts facilitated more than 70 training courses in 2024 to enhance participants' technical and creative abilities.

Shams organised 29 eSports tournaments, engaging local and Gulf teams along with talented Emirati youth. The "Shams Summer Programme" served more than 100 children aged 6-16, providing intensive workshops that blended entertainment and education to improve their mental, social, and recreational skills within a secure and engaging environment.

Dedication to outstanding quality

Rashid Abdullah Al Obed, Director of Sharjah Media City (Shams), remarked on these achievements: "We persist in our innovation and excellence, motivated by our ambitious vision to establish a global hub for creativity and media." Our accomplishments in 2024 represent concrete progress toward this vision, positioning Shams as a leading hub for media and creativity in the region. The achievements we have attained reflect the insightful leadership that established the groundwork for excellence and innovation, motivating us to continue providing the highest quality. Our accomplishments are a direct result of the commitment of our teams and the steadfast support from our local and international partners.

As Shams anticipates the upcoming year, it remains dedicated to launching innovative projects and inspiring initiatives that align with the UAE’s advancement across multiple sectors. Al Obed emphasised the city's remarkable increase in registered companies and its expectation of continued growth, propelled by its extensive services, market flexibility, and the favourable economic environment nurtured by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Shams aims to establish itself as a prominent regional and global hub for media technology, grounded in the conviction that Emirati talent can achieve results on par with those accomplished throughout the UAE.