Sharjah invites business owners with 'lower operational costs' promise

Retail F&B startups will benefit from 'high-traffic destinations', says Shurooq CEO

Last updated:
Manoj Nair, Business Editor
2 MIN READ
Sharjah is creating a network of destinations targeted at startups and SMEs.
Sharjah is creating a network of destinations targeted at startups and SMEs.
Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

Dubai: Are you planning to launch a service or F&B business in the UAE? Looking for an emirate to base the business in?

Sharjah is making a compelling offer to new business owners and SMEs to come there.

“We focus on designing and delivering strategic, high-traffic destinations that give entrepreneurs and SMEs the right environment to succeed,” said Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, the Sharjah government entity that’s the conduit for a new set of business-friendly initiatives.  

“Startups in Sharjah benefit from lower operational costs compared to other major cities.”

Sharjah's real estate boom

Mainland Sharjah and its free zones have had success in generating new business traffic into the emirate. This also ties in neatly with the property boom the emirate is seeing as well as the new project launches happening with greater frequency, with the most notable one recently being that of a residential community from Beeah.

“The emirate offers world-class infrastructure with strong regulatory support," said Al Qaseer. “While we leave acceleration and incubation to our partners, we provide the commercial pathways where businesses can scale and succeed.”

Sharjah free zones have also benefited from newly formed businesses looking to operate in a low-cost environment, while keeping an eye on what the corporate tax obligations would be.

We are the platform builders. Others deliver capacity-building. Together, we support long-term enterprise growth.”
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer of Shurooq

“From tourism and retail to heritage and sustainability, our projects are built to offer entrepreneurs not just space, but visibility, infrastructure, and access to a consistent audience," said Al Qaseer.

"Our mandate has never been to act as an accelerator or provide incubation services. We work closely with government and semi-government entities to reduce friction in the setup and operation of new businesses."

More than 600 businesses operate across Shurooq-managed destinations, including 87 SMEs (as well as about 300 women-led enterprises.) These businesses range from boutique hospitality and artisanal crafts to F&B concepts.

“Our destinations are intentionally designed to attract and sustain diverse commercial activity,” said Al Qaseer. “At Al Qasba, for example, 40 businesses are operating. At Al Majaz Waterfront, there are 26. “Khorfakkan Beach and Al Heera Beach have welcomed dozens of new vendors, while Heart of Sharjah, which is deeply rooted in cultural preservation, is home to more than 85 businesses offering heritage-inspired goods and services.”

Manoj Nair
Manoj NairBusiness Editor
Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.
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