DGR, US delegation explore cooperation in several domains

The visit, coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, provided a platform for engagement with key government and economic bodies in Sharjah. It also offered an opportunity to highlight Sharjah’s vibrant business and investment environment, while reaffirming the emirate’s commitment to fostering enterprise development and expanding international cooperation across various strategic sectors.

The U.S. delegation included W. Douglas Smith, External Unit Chief of the Political Section at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, along with Usama Najeeb, Political-Economic Specialist, and Nicole Sbitani, Economic Officer, from the U.S. Consulate in Dubai. The meetings were attended by Hamad Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr Alnaqbi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan; Dr. Fatema Khalifa Al Muqarrab, Director of the International Relations Department at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and Abdelaziz Alshamsi, Assistant Director General for Communication and Business Sector at SCCI.

During the visit, the two parties discussed opportunities to deepen ties between Sharjah and American institutions and businesses and explored potential areas for future collaboration. As part of the programme, the delegation visited key entities across the emirate, including the Sharjah Executive Council, the Department of Economic Development, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the Khorfakkan Municipal Council, and the House of Wisdom.

Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi reaffirmed Sharjah’s commitment to strengthening engagement with global cultural and business communities. The Director noted that drawing on international experiences and cultivating relationships with global leaders contributes to the development of local institutions, stimulates economic and cultural growth, and further consolidates Sharjah’s status as a leading international hub for culture, business, and sustainability.

 Opportunities for collaboration in entrepreneurship and innovation

During a visit to Sheraa, the delegation was briefed on the centre’s efforts to support entrepreneurs and emerging businesses. Discussions focused on potential collaboration areas in innovation and entrepreneurship, with particular emphasis on supporting start-ups and creative enterprises, as well as facilitating the exchange of expertise between Emirati and American institutions. Sheraa invited the U.S. delegation to participate in the forthcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. 

The delegation expressed interest in initiatives to connect American start-ups with Sheraa, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering cross-border enterprises that drive the creative economy and open new avenues for expanded future cooperation. 

Economic and developmental cooperation with American enterprises

As part of the agenda, the delegation visited the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). They were briefed on the strengths of the local economy and the range of promising investment opportunities available across the emirate. Both parties discussed ways to enhance economic cooperation and explored the potential for establishing strategic partnerships to drive growth and investment in sectors of mutual interest. 

At the Sharjah Executive Council, the delegation was briefed on the emirate’s development strategies and the breadth of investment opportunities in areas such as the creative economy, technology, and environmental sustainability. Both sides underscored the importance of advancing bilateral relations at a strategic level and reinforcing coordination between the public and private sectors. 

Ecotourism, investment and knowledge exchange

As part of the visit, the delegation met with members of the Khorfakkan Municipal Council, who presented the city’s ongoing tourism and development initiatives. Discussions explored collaboration opportunities in ecotourism and cultural tourism, highlighting Khorfakkan’s distinctive natural and historical assets. 

The delegation also met with representatives from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore prospects for trade and economic cooperation between the business communities of Sharjah and the United States. The talks included an overview of the incentives available to foreign investors, along with the facilities and support mechanisms offered to American entrepreneurs interested in accessing regional markets through Sharjah. 

The visit concluded with a tour of the House of Wisdom, where the delegation explored its wide-ranging facilities and programmes that integrate culture, community engagement, and education. Discussions focused on the role of such centres in fostering cultural dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote knowledge exchange between nations.