SCCI and FGCCC call for GCC private sector participation

September 07, 2026 / 4:37 PM

Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in cooperation with the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC), has called on private sector companies and establishments across GCC countries to register for the “Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award,” a dedicated category within the 2026 edition of the Sharjah Excellence Award.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the initiative is designed to honour institutions that demonstrate a strong, measurable commitment to national talent employment and workforce development.

Objectives and strategic impact

The Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award evaluates participants on their ability to attract, train, and integrate national professionals across executive, leadership, and technical positions. This reflects a shared commitment to establishing a unified regional approach to employment, supporting a knowledge-driven economy, and strengthening regional competitiveness. Over recent years, the category has successfully attracted more than 50 companies and institutions from diverse sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, food, retail, and healthcare, providing a standardized framework for benchmarking best practices.

Key leadership perspectives

His Excellency Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and the award's Board of Trustees, noted that the partnership with FGCCC acts as a strategic enabler for expanding the initiative's impact and sharing inspiring workforce empowerment experiences across GCC markets. His Excellency Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, Chairman of FGCCC and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, added that this collaboration underscores strong institutional integration in advancing long-term economic competitiveness. Furthermore, Nada Al Hajri, General Coordinator of the award, highlighted that the growing participation reflects heightened private sector awareness regarding the strategic importance of investing in citizen talent.

Registration and award categories

Registration for the 2026 edition of the Sharjah Excellence Award opened in July 2026 and will continue through January 2027. Alongside the Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award, the program features several other categories, including the Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award, the standard Sharjah Excellence Award, the Sharjah Entrepreneurs Award, the Sharjah Small and Medium Enterprises Award, the Sharjah Social Responsibility Award, the Sharjah Entrepreneurs with Disability Award, and the Sharjah Best Security Standards Award.