logo
SAIF Zone honoured four times at 6th Financial Performance Award

SAIF Zone honoured four times at 6th Financial Performance Award

Sharjah 2406-07-2025
The awards recognise both free zones for upholding the highest standards in financial and tax management, transparency, compliance, and governance.
Hamriyah Free Zone Authority was named the Leading Independent Entity in applying revenue standards, while SAIF Zone received the Leading Independent Entity award for excellence in implementing accounting and tax standards.
In the individual categories, Mohammed Al Marzooqi from SAIF Zone was honoured as Outstanding New Financial Employee from Independent Entities, and Dhiju Balakrishnan, Financial Planning and Analysis from HFZA, was awarded Outstanding Tax Analyst for Independent Entities.
Sound governance principles
Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone Authority, stated that receiving these awards is a true testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance financial and administrative systems in line with the highest international standards.
Al Mazrouei emphasised that the two entities are committed to building an integrated, efficient, and transparent framework in full compliance with financial and tax regulations as well as sound governance principles.
This achievement, he noted, was made possible thanks to the continuous support of Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, whose close oversight of the two authorities' operations has been instrumental in their success.
Al Mazrouei further noted that this honour demonstrates the keenness of both free zones to adopt smart systems and ensure financial and operational sustainability, key pillars in improving the investor experience, thereby supporting the sustainable economic development goals of the Emirate of Sharjah.
He extended his gratitude to the Steering Committee and the Sharjah Finance Department for this recognition. His Excellency reaffirmed that HFZA and SAIF Zone will continue striving for excellence by upholding the highest standards of governance and advanced financial management. This is not only to strengthen investor confidence, both locally and internationally, but also to attract high-quality, diversified investments that solidify the free zones' position as leading economic and investment hubs on the regional and global stage.
The current edition of the Financial Excellence Performance Award witnessed remarkable participation from over 60 government and independent entities, along with more than 700 financial professionals.
Participants competed across various institutional and individual award categories, reflecting the strong culture of financial excellence in the Emirate of Sharjah. The award continues to play a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of both individuals and institutions while contributing to the overall improvement of financial sector performance.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SAIF Zone, ADNOC expand investor access to energy sector chances
SAIF Zone, ADNOC expand investor access to energy sector chances

Sharjah 24

time15 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

SAIF Zone, ADNOC expand investor access to energy sector chances

The workshop aimed to introduce investors and businesses operating within the two free zones to the procedures for registering in ADNOC's approved supplier database. The event was held as part of the free zones' ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and support the business community. The workshop was attended by Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of HFZA and SAIF Zone, Mubarak Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President, Group Administration & Community Management Function at ADNOC, as well as a number of department managers, officials and employees from both sides, and a number of investors, entrepreneurs and representatives of local and international companies specialising in the energy sector. The gathering addressed key topics to raise awareness among companies regarding ADNOC's supplier registration requirements. As one of the world's leading energy companies, ADNOC outlined the commercial licensing procedures and regulatory requirements applicable in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including the steps necessary to establish operations in the energy sector. The session covered the end-to-end supplier registration process, highlighting ADNOC's standards and evaluation criteria for selecting and qualifying suppliers. A comprehensive review was also presented on the company's policies and procedures to ensure compliance with its stringent quality and efficiency benchmarks. Additionally, the workshop discussed the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative and its role in empowering national companies to actively participate in ADNOC's projects, thereby supporting domestic production capabilities. Building sustainable partnerships Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of HFZA and SAIF Zone, said, 'The partnership between Sharjah's free zones and ADNOC sets a benchmark for institutional integration, one that adds value to the national economy, drives sustainable development, and enhances the efficiency and competitiveness of national companies in strategic sectors. This initiative will reinforce our shared strategic vision with ADNOC, which aims to establish and strengthen impactful and sustainable partnerships that create high-value platforms for the growth and expansion of businesses operating in both free zones.' He continued, 'As part of our commitment to empowering investors with direct access to promising opportunities in the energy sector, one of the UAE's most vital industries, this workshop aimed to open the door for them to become active contributors to the national economic ecosystem and major strategic projects.' Al Mazrouei added: 'This collaboration will further build on the strong global reputation of Sharjah's free zones as a leading regional and international hub for energy and oil investments. It reflects the success of our integrated strategy to attract leading international investors by offering an ideal business environment as well as exceptional services, advanced infrastructure that meets global standards, and a strategic location that facilitates access to regional and international markets.' He also extended his thanks to ADNOC for its continued efforts and cooperation in making the workshop a success, noting that the event provided participants with a vital platform for fostering direct engagement and facilitating supplier integration into the value chain of one of the world's foremost energy companies. Enhancing strategic partnerships For his part, Mubarak Al Mehairbi, Senior Vice President, Group Administration & Community Management Function at ADNOC, stressed that ADNOC is committed to expanding its network of strategic partners and enhancing collaboration across various vital sectors in the UAE. He stated that the workshop, organized in collaboration with Hamriyah Free Zone and Sharjah Airport Free Zone, demonstrates ADNOC's keenness to enable the business community and investors to access growth and expansion opportunities within the ADNOC supply ecosystem. 'Transparency, excellence, and quality are the principles that guide our efforts to build long-term, sustainable relationships with suppliers,' Al Muhairbi said, while commending the two free zones for their role in delivering a valuable and informative session for companies and investors. He stressed the importance of such initiatives in developing an enabling business environment that promotes direct engagement and knowledge exchange, thereby accelerating the integration of both local and international companies into ADNOC's major energy projects, while supporting the UAE's economic development journey. Commitment to governance standards The workshop witnessed strong engagement from participants, who raised different queries and received detailed responses on ADNOC's registration and qualification processes. Discussions delved into the various phases of the supplier onboarding journey, from initial registration through to final accreditation, while highlighting the importance of adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. These standards constitute a fundamental pillar of ADNOC's institutional framework and align closely with the UAE's vision for sustainable development, ensuring that local and regional companies are well-positioned to fully leverage the vast opportunities presented by the nation's large-scale energy projects.

Sharjah free zones team up with Adnoc to unlock investor opportunities
Sharjah free zones team up with Adnoc to unlock investor opportunities

Khaleej Times

time16 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Sharjah free zones team up with Adnoc to unlock investor opportunities

In a significant move to enhance investor access to the UAE's vital energy sector, Sharjah's two major free zones have joined forces with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). The initiative, marked by a high-level workshop held by Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) and Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (Saif Zone) in collaboration with Adnoc, aims to streamline investor integration into the national oil and gas value chain and open the doors for businesses in the free zones to directly participate in strategic energy projects. The initiative reflects a broader national push to strengthen institutional linkages between free zones and key industrial sectors such as energy, which continues to be the backbone of the UAE economy. The workshop introduced companies operating within HFZA and Saif Zone to Adnoc's stringent supplier registration processes and qualification standards, enabling them to become verified vendors capable of bidding for contracts across the company's vast project portfolio. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, director of both HFZA and Saif Zone, described the partnership as a landmark in institutional integration. 'This collaboration sets a benchmark for national synergy. It aligns with our shared vision of establishing sustainable and impactful partnerships that empower our investors, while enhancing the competitiveness of national enterprises,' he said. 'By facilitating direct access to Adnoc's supply chain, we are providing our investors with valuable opportunities to contribute to the UAE's energy ambitions.' Al Mazrouei underlined Sharjah's emergence as a regional hub for oil and gas investments, citing its state-of-the-art infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and strategic location. He noted that the emirate's free zones have gained global traction by offering international investors a platform that combines ease of doing business with advanced logistics and regulatory frameworks aligned with global standards. Mubarak Al Mehairbi, senior vice president at Adnoc, echoed the sentiment, emphasising Adnoc's commitment to building a robust ecosystem of suppliers that share its values of transparency, quality, and sustainability. 'Our engagement with HFZA and Saif Zone reflects Adnoc's dedication to expanding its network of capable partners who can meet the growing demands of the energy sector,' he said. 'Workshops like this help bridge gaps between policy and practice, accelerating supplier onboarding and empowering businesses to become part of the UAE's strategic energy journey.' He noted that such initiatives also reinforce the UAE's industrial growth agenda through the 'Make it in the Emirates' campaign, which encourages local manufacturing and participation in high-value projects. The workshop focused on a detailed walkthrough of the Adnoc supplier registration process, offering insights into licensing, qualification, and compliance requirements. Sessions also addressed commercial regulations specific to Abu Dhabi, as well as Adnoc's quality benchmarks and evaluation criteria. Attendees were briefed on the importance of aligning with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) protocols—now a non-negotiable criterion in all of Adnoc's partnerships. Sharjah's two free zones collectively host more than 15,000 companies from over 165 countries, across sectors including energy, manufacturing, logistics, and services. Both HFZA and Saif Zone offer full foreign ownership, 100 per cent repatriation of profits, zero import or re-export duties, and fast-track licensing, making them attractive gateways for international energy investors. Free zones across the UAE have been playing a growing role in supporting national strategic goals. According to the UAE Ministry of Economy, there are over 45 free zones operating across the country, contributing nearly 30 per cent to non-oil trade and playing a central role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2023, FDI into the UAE reached $23 billion, with a sizable share channelled through free zones. Sharjah's free zones, in particular, have been proactive in adapting to evolving investor needs. The new Adnoc partnership is part of a broader strategy to deepen their engagement with strategic sectors, helping companies access procurement pipelines, innovation clusters, and industrial projects linked to the UAE's long-term energy and economic diversification plans. The workshop concluded with an open dialogue session, where participants had the opportunity to seek clarifications on the registration and accreditation process. The interaction highlighted growing investor interest in aligning with national energy goals and participating in Adnoc's multi-billion-dollar project ecosystem.

UAE Championing Balanced Oil Markets Through OPEC+ Engagement
UAE Championing Balanced Oil Markets Through OPEC+ Engagement

Arabian Post

time10-07-2025

  • Arabian Post

UAE Championing Balanced Oil Markets Through OPEC+ Engagement

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, reaffirmed the UAE's full backing for OPEC+ mechanisms, underlining the nation's commitment to sustaining equilibrium in global oil markets through capacity expansion and coordinated policy. At the 9th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna on 9 July, Al Mazrouei praised OPEC+ for its collective decision‑making model, which he said ensures production responds to actual market demand rather than price speculation. He noted that the UAE's strategic investments in expanding production capacity reflect a readiness to release additional oil when consumption trends warrant, providing a stabilising buffer to global supply. The minister highlighted that this expansion aligns with prudent leadership foresight aimed at reinforcing market resilience. ADVERTISEMENT He emphasised that there has been no substantial rise in inventories despite several months of gradual production increases. 'Even with the increases…we haven't seen a major buildup in inventories, which means the market needed those barrels,' he stated. This observation supports broader OPEC+ data showing that successive monthly output increments have been absorbed by demand, a trend that the UAE believes underlines the rationality behind its expanded quota. Since April, OPEC+ has reversed approximately 2.17 million barrels per day of voluntary output cuts via a phased rollout: 138,000 bpd in April, then 411,000 bpd in each of May, June and July, followed by a proposed 548,000 bpd increase for August – a move reflecting growing market confidence. Notably, the UAE is set to complete a 300,000 bpd quota increase by September, a benchmark reached ahead of the original 2026 timeline as OPEC+ expedited its capacity hike schedule. Analysts suggest that such robust production gains could recover roughly 2.5 per cent of global demand by September. Al Mazrouei remarked that the UAE's investments will strengthen its role within OPEC+ and that once additional capacity comes online, it will serve as a crucial stabilising factor during demand shifts. He further argued that focusing solely on oil price levels is insufficient. Rather, OPEC+ aims to strike a sustainable balance that encourages long‑term investment. 'We need the price to be right for investments to happen,' he said, warning of the consequences of underinvestment across producers. Current market dynamics appear to confirm this approach: data from mid‑June and early July indicate that inventories across OECD nations remained stable despite the production uptick, confirming demand absorption remains robust. That observation, Al Mazrouei suggested, validates the pace of OPEC+ supply restoration and diminishes concern about a looming oversupply. While output is increasing, policy is cautious. The Group of Eight core OPEC+ members—Saudi Arabia, Russia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Kazakhstan and Algeria—are proceeding in measured increments. Al Mazrouei underscored that OPEC+ continues to meet monthly via ministerial and committee reviews, carefully calibrating production relative to shifting market fundamentals. Beyond ensuring balance, the UAE's production capacity expansion also carries strategic benefits. Having secured a higher individual quota, the country aims to restore and extend its market share. This reinforcement was acknowledged by external observers, including Richard Bronze of Energy Aspects, who noted 'the UAE is benefiting from this speeding up of the quota increases' within a context of broader OPEC+ output acceleration. Despite concerns about slowing economies in key importers, including China, and rising US trade tensions, OPEC+ retains a cautiously optimistic outlook. Prices in July experienced modest one‑per‑cent gains near $69 per barrel following the announcement of the August supply increase—an indicator that demand continues to absorb the additional volumes. Nevertheless, OPEC+ remains vigilant about macroeconomic risks. Commentators have warned that demand softness later this year, driven by uncertainties in global growth and trade policies, could pressurise prices. Al Mazrouei echoed that view, stressing that short‑term supply increases must be accompanied by stable investment in oil infrastructure to prevent future shortages. Persistent coordinated production strategy is a central theme from the Vienna seminar. Ministers emphasised OPEC+'s response to shifting fundamentals rather than geopolitical or speculative impulses. With the group moving to complete the unwind of emergency cuts, markets will closely monitor whether global demand continues to match supply advances.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store