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Sharjah Ruler Witnesses Launch Of 2nd Edition Of ’Sharjah Next’ |
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H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed, on Wednesday morning in the presence of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), the launch of the second edition of Sharjah Next. The forum features keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops and specialised debates exploring sectors shaping the future of economies and societies. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan also inaugurated Uruk City, a pioneering model for a new generation of sustainable cities. Organised by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), the two-day forum is themed “Sustainability” and carries the slogan “From Lab to Market”. It aims to strengthen collaboration among researchers, industry sectors and investors, and to accelerate the transition of innovations from research and development to practical applications and commercialisation. During the ceremony at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah tapped a tablet to inaugurate Uruk City. He then watched a film outlining the city’s vision as a new concept for the future of urban living, built on harnessing technology and innovation to optimise resources and save time, giving people greater opportunities to enjoy healthier and more prosperous lives. The city also redefines the role of urban environments in serving their residents and communities, while aspiring to become a hub for scientific research and innovation and a platform for developing, testing and implementing future solutions in a real-world urban setting. H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan reviewed the model of Uruk City, an integrated environment where knowledge, scientific research and practical application converge, thereby strengthening Sharjah’s position as a hub for innovation and reinforcing the UAE’s role in shaping the future of cities worldwide. The ceremony opened with a video highlighting the importance of investing in creative ideas, nurturing and developing them, and creating a supportive environment that enables them to grow and evolve into distinctive initiatives and projects with a positive impact. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), then delivered a speech reviewing the Park’s 10-year journey. He affirmed that this journey began with the vision of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah to build an integrated ecosystem that transforms knowledge into innovation and scientific research into economic and social value by fostering integration among universities, the industrial sector and entrepreneurship. Al Mahmoudi explained that this vision has been translated into tangible achievements, strengthening Sharjah’s position as a hub for research, development and innovation. The ecosystem has attracted more than 13,000 companies, created 10,000 jobs and drawn over AED 500 million in research investment. He also highlighted the launch of pioneering projects in sustainability, water technologies, future mobility, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and industrial design, alongside the expansion of international partnerships and stronger cooperation with research and scientific institutions. The CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) noted that the ecosystem has entered a new phase under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK, which aims to ensure the sustainability of innovation and strengthen integration among academia, industry and entrepreneurship. A key feature of this phase is the “Uruk 2.0” project, which aims to develop an advanced environment for testing artificial intelligence and sustainability technologies, particularly in water, agriculture and smart cities. The project also seeks to support intellectual property protection, commercialise scientific research outputs, and transform them into innovations and projects with economic and social value. Al Mahmoudi concluded his speech by calling on partners across the government, private and academic sectors, locally, regionally and internationally, to continue collaborating and to contribute to building the next phase. He affirmed that the achievements of the first decade provide a solid foundation for further progress. He also expressed his gratitude to the Board of Directors, employees, partners across the innovation ecosystem, and the forum’s sponsors and supporters, commending their role in advancing development and reinforcing the drive towards a more sustainable and innovative future. Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a speech in which she praised H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah’s vision of making knowledge the foundation for developing people, preserving identity and achieving sustainable development. She noted that this vision extends beyond supporting culture and science to strengthening food security and ensuring the sound management of resources. She added that the wheat cultivation project in Mleiha embodies the link between knowledge and the land, drawing its name, “Saba Sanabel”, from the Quranic verse: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears.” This reflects the multiplication of the impact of giving and reinforces the principles of development and sustainability. Al Shamsi explained that the Emirate of Sharjah offers an integrated sustainability model through pioneering initiatives and projects, including BEEAH’s work in materials recycling and waste-to-energy conversion, and Sharjah Sustainable City’s use of energy and water solutions. She also highlighted the role of universities and research institutions in empowering innovators and translating knowledge into practical applications. She affirmed that this approach aligns with the UAE’s national priorities under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. These priorities include achieving climate neutrality by 2050, enhancing resource efficiency, developing food production, advancing the circular economy, and building communities that are more resilient to climate change. The Minister of Climate Change and Environment added that the UAE continues to support global climate action by increasing climate finance, expanding access to technology and knowledge, and building capacity, particularly in developing countries and in communities most affected by climate change. She noted that the launch of ALTÉRRA, the climate investment fund, at COP28, backed by a UAE commitment of USD 30 billion, reflects the country’s approach to mobilising climate investment. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the transition to sustainability is inclusive and creates opportunities for farmers, young people and communities, thereby contributing to greater productivity, resilience and prosperity for all. |
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