Ruwad launches the industrial sector financing programme

His Excellency Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department, said that the new financing programme approved by the Project Financing Committee in "Ruwad", falls within Ruwad direct financing programmes, and provides financing facilities, advantages and incentives dedicated to priority industrial projects. He pointed out that the industrial sector occupies a major priority and special attention from Sharjah government as one of the most important drivers of national economic growth and a basic pillar for raising the gross domestic product in the emirate, and creating new jobs in the labour market.

Al Mahmoud added that Ruwad recognises the importance of moving forward in implementing its commitments towards supporting the interest of young citizens in starting projects that consolidate the position of Emirati industries, and working to implement initiatives and programs that would enhance the products of these projects and promote them locally and support their exports to foreign markets.

He continued by saying that Ruwad is keen to participate in preparing a suitable and attractive business environment for entrepreneurs in the industrial sector and enhancing its competitiveness.  

Al Mahmoud explained that the industrial sector financing programme covers a number of priority industrial activities and products, as it includes specific projects in the agricultural sector, food industries, spare parts and equipment manufacturing, aluminum and iron works, in addition to cleaning, sterilisation and personal care products (detergents, perfumes, etc.), and other fields that can be viewed and learned about through Ruwad website www.ruwad.ae.

Al Mahmoud pointed out that the year 2024 saw the financing of two industrial projects with a total of AED 550,000, including financing the assets and operations of these projects, while the number of member projects in this sector increased to 17 industrial projects operating in various cities of the emirate.

"Ruwad" supports and develops small and medium-sized national projects in this sector through financial, advisory and technical empowerment aspects, evaluation and classification programmes, training and development, in line with the remarkable development and positive growth in the pace of establishing industrial projects established by Emirati entrepreneurs in various vital activities and fields.

On the other hand, Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad said that Ruwad has intensified the implementation of specialised training programmes and advisory sessions provided to owners of industrial projects with the aim of enabling them to discover new opportunities for the services and products they provide and adopt the latest new industrial technologies in the market, in addition to continuing to conduct field visits to classify and evaluate projects, including industrial sector projects, and launch business accelerators with the aim of growth and expansion of these projects, and embrace distinguished entrepreneurs in this sector.

The total number of training programmes directed at industrial sector projects during the year 2024 amounted to 6 specialised programmes, from which 84 male and female entrepreneurs benefited (27 male entrepreneurs and 57 female entrepreneurs). The implemented training agenda included the industrial projects development programme within the classification and evaluation programme for member projects, and 4 industrial sessions of the “Make in Sharjah” initiative. The first focused on projects wishing to invest in the restaurant sector, while the second session was in the confectionery industry sector, and the third was dedicated to those interested in the health and beauty industry, while the fourth session was directed to entrepreneurs in the field of metals and pumps industry.

During the year 2024, Ruwad also implemented the "Industrial Sector Development" programme, which is a specialised consulting training programme in industrial management and industrial performance development. It was implemented over a period of 5 days in which 13 industrial projects participated, and included various cognitive, technical, administrative and practical axes. The outputs of the training programme focused on transferring knowledge in industrial management to the participating projects and evaluating them technically. The programme resulted in qualifying 4 industrial projects to the "Growth and Expansion" business accelerator stage, and following up on the consulting aspect with these projects through field visits and working with the outputs of the training and consulting programme, with the aim of facilitating these projects to obtain certificates of conformity and specifications, which include ISO 9001, 14001, 18001, and enabling them to meet export requirements, and following up on the organisation of financial and administrative aspects, including contracting with accredited auditing companies, by ensuring that projects adhere to the regulations and systems related to financial management, and enhancing their sustainability by committing to managing human resources professionally and achieving job satisfaction for their employees.

The training agenda dedicated to industrial sector projects included the implementation of the Business Accelerator Programme, in which 4 projects participated, and aimed to develop the performance of these projects so that they succeed in increasing their productivity and reaching new markets through export and re-export. 

Participants learned about the mechanisms for reaching new markets through export and re-export in addition to import, and evaluating the eligibility of projects for the export, re-export or direct import process. The programme was distinguished by holding a series of advisory sessions at the headquarters of the participating projects, in addition to working on direct support for these projects through the financing programmes "Growth and Expansion" or through Ruwad strategic partners.