The visit was led by Engineer Jamila Mohammed Al Fandi Al Shamsi, Chair of the Committee, with the participation of committee members Ahmed Obaid Al Awaasi Al Zaabi, Rapporteur of the Committee, and Ahmed Rashid Al Shamsi, Majid Ahmed Al Darwishi Al Shamsi, Sultan bin Dalmouk Al Suwaidi, Ahmed Humaidi Al Ketbi, Salem Mohammed Al Rashdi and Majid Al Darwishi Al Shamsi, in addition to Saif Salem bin Suwaif Al Ketbi from the Council’s General Secretariat, who serves as Secretary of the Committee.
The delegation was received by Engineer Hamad Jumaa Al Shamsi, member of the Sharjah Executive Council and Head of the Planning and Survey Department, along with Engineer Ali Sultan bin Butti Al Muhairi, Director of the Department, and a number of directors and heads of sections.
Strengthening cooperation and understanding development plans
Engineer Jamila Al Fandi Al Shamsi affirmed that the Council, through its committees, is committed to enhancing direct communication with government entities and gaining first-hand insight into their projects and executive programmes before discussing them in parliamentary sessions. She noted that the visit forms part of a series of coordination meetings aimed at supporting government work, exchanging proposals and reviewing efforts related to comprehensive and sustainable urban development in Sharjah.
She explained that the committee seeks, through such visits, to develop a clear and comprehensive understanding of the department’s planning strategies, including land-use management, development of structural plans and the organisation of urban expansion in a manner that balances population growth with the protection of natural resources. She emphasised that the outcomes of the visit will enrich the Council’s upcoming discussion and help formulate recommendations that serve the interests of the emirate and its community.
Department outlines projects and long-term vision
Engineer Hamad Jumaa Al Shamsi highlighted that the department operates in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to make urban planning a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. He noted that the department’s work includes preparing and implementing comprehensive master plans for the emirate’s cities and regions, developing geospatial databases and adopting digital surveying systems and artificial intelligence in urban monitoring and planning.
He stressed that improving the quality of life in residential neighbourhoods is a key priority, alongside the organisation of service and public facility distribution, the provision of balanced urban environments that address the needs of current and future generations, the development of construction and land-use regulations, and the strengthening of partnerships with service departments to achieve integrated development.
Review of current projects and future cooperation
During the meeting, the department presented its key ongoing projects, including the update of the general structural plan for Sharjah city and its affiliated areas, projects to reorganise certain residential and industrial districts, infrastructure development in new areas, and the launch of smart initiatives in survey data management and geographic planning. The department also highlighted its efforts to update digital mapping systems and provide electronic services for customers.
The meeting featured a comprehensive presentation on mechanisms for licensing urban development projects and discussed prospects for collaboration with the Consultative Council on the study of urban policies and the development of new residential neighbourhoods. The conversation also addressed ongoing efforts to ensure the quality of urban planning.
Joint commitment to sustainable growth
The meeting concluded by underscoring the importance of complementarity between the Consultative Council and the Planning and Survey Department in supporting urban development, enhancing quality of life and jointly developing legislation and policies that serve the community and reflect the leadership’s vision for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Sharjah.
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