Latest news with #SaifAlSuwaidi
Arabian Business
5 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Set up a media business in Sharjah in days: Instant licences, 5-day visas, full ownership
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone has launched a limited-time summer promotion aimed at global publishing and creative entrepreneurs, offering a fast-tracked business setup with substantial cost and time savings—available only until the end of July. The initiative is designed to attract content creators, publishers, designers, translators, and media businesses seeking to enter the UAE and wider regional markets. Upon approval, the business licence is issued instantly, and the residency visa is processed in just five working days—a major draw for international founders looking to launch operations quickly. Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City, said: 'Sharjah's vision has always been to empower the written word and those who bring it to the world. This summer initiative reflects our commitment to removing barriers for global publishing and creative talent. 'By offering speed, simplicity, and significant value, we aim to attract innovative businesses seeking a strategic base to serve regional and international markets.' Key features of the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone Summer Promotion: Instant business licence issuance Residency visa processed in five working days Access to more than 2,000 business activities, including: Book and digital publishing Printing, packaging, translation Graphic design, content creation, media services 100 per cent foreign ownership and profit repatriation Unlimited visa sponsorship with Flexi-Desk package Free company name check and 60-second support callbacks Streamlined banking with access to more than 10 UAE and international banks This summer offer enhances Sharjah's global positioning as a hub for knowledge, publishing, and media industries, building on its cultural heritage and strategic UAE location. SPC Free Zone provides a frictionless setup journey tailored for publishers, startups, and creatives looking for regional growth. Entrepreneurs interested in taking advantage of the promotion are encouraged to begin the setup process via the SPC Free Zone website, where an online form enables quick onboarding.
Sharjah 24
7 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPC Free Zone announces streamlined summer business setup offer
Announced this month, the initiative combines speed, simplicity, and strategic value for companies targeting the UAE and regional markets as it builds upon Sharjah's global reputation in being a strategic hub for knowledge-based industries. Unlimited opportunity and full turn-key services The core offer packages a business license and one investor visa for a total discounted cost of AED 12,500, and a key advantage is the dramatically accelerated processing time; upon approval, the business license is issued instantly, while the residency visa is processed within an impressive five working days. Businesses benefit from access to over 2,000 permissible activities covering the entire publishing value chain, including book and digital publishing, printing, packaging, translation, content creation, distribution, graphic design, and media services. The offer also includes the flexibility of the Flexi-Desk package, allowing companies to sponsor an unlimited number of additional visas for employees as they grow. Founders retain 100% foreign ownership and enjoy full repatriation of capital and profits. Through a collaborative network, SPC Free Zone also facilitates seamless financial integration by providing clients direct access to a network of over 10 leading UAE and international banking partners. This established network simplifies the often complex process of opening corporate bank accounts, offering businesses a range of tailored financial solutions and removing a major operational hurdle for new market entrants. Additional support features encompass complimentary company name availability checks and a commitment to rapid callback support; typically within 60 seconds when requested; facilitating a smooth setup journey. A tailored ecosystem Beyond the immediate promotion, SPC Free Zone provides a uniquely tailored ecosystem. Established in 2017 by decree of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, it holds the distinction of being the world's first free zone dedicated exclusively to the publishing, printing, and allied creative industries. Notably, SPC Free Zone pioneered the world's first AI-generated business license, reflecting its commitment to digital innovation, and all licenses issued carry MOFA (UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) certification, ensuring global document recognition and legal compliance for international operations. This initiative is a cornerstone of Sharjah's strategy to cement its position as a global cultural and knowledge hub, further bolstered by its UNESCO World Book Capital designation in 2019. The zone offers businesses a supportive, collaborative environment operating within a tax-exempt and customs-duty-free framework, specifically designed for publishers, printers, authors, translators, designers, and technology providers. Commenting on the promotion, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City said, 'Sharjah's vision has always been to empower the written word and those who bring it to the world. This summer initiative reflects our commitment to removing barriers for global publishing and creative talent. By offering speed, simplicity, and significant value, we aim to attract innovative businesses seeking a strategic base to serve regional and international markets.' The summer promotion is available for a limited period. Entrepreneurs and businesses interested in leveraging this accelerated setup opportunity are encouraged to initiate the process by submitting their details through the online form available on the SPC Free Zone website.
Sharjah 24
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Cultivating a community of global publishers in Sharjah
This focus creates a truly innovative and progressive publishing ecosystem designed to streamline operations, and by consolidating services often fragmented across different providers, the free zone aims to simplify the entire publishing lifecycle. Publishers operating within the zone can access support ranging from initial business setup and licensing through to the practicalities of book production, printing, and crucially, navigating distribution channels, creating a potentially more efficient operational environment. Commenting on their role within the evolving publishing landscape, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, stated: 'Our vision extends beyond providing infrastructure and we are focused on building a synergistic ecosystem where publishers, regardless of scale, can overcome market barriers. By integrating essential services and fostering collaboration; from access to skilled professionals to leveraging technology like print-on-demand and global distribution networks; we aim to create a more streamlined, sustainable, and ultimately more accessible environment for the creation and dissemination of knowledge worldwide.' Strengthening the publishing community A key aspect of this model is the provision of comprehensive support and full turn-key resources within a concentrated community. Housing over 800 publishing houses, including a substantial contingent of more than 400 Arab publishers, SPC Free Zone facilitates networking and collaboration, as well as nurturing excellence within publishing. Access to a shared pool of professional resources; including translators, editors, and designers; is presented as a unique benefit, aiming to support publishers through each stage of bringing a book to market. Addressing industry-wide concerns about cost and sustainability, the free zone promotes cost-effective solutions and sustainable practices. Central to this is the adoption of print-on-demand technology, which currently produces an average of 600,000 to 800,000 print-on-demand copies each month. This essentially allows publishers to reduce upfront printing costs and minimise warehousing needs by producing books closer to the point of sale. Furthermore, mechanisms are in place, involving partnerships with book sales outlets, to help publishers manage excess inventory through significant discounting (reportedly up to 90% off), aiming to reduce financial losses and unsold stock waste. Facilitating accessibility to the global market Expanding market access remains critical for publishers, and the free zone facilitates global reach and strategic partnerships, offering participants access to a claimed customer base exceeding 45,000 buyers worldwide. Recent collaborations, such as the integration with Amazon's global sales platform, illustrate a strategy where the zone handles the printing and fulfillment logistics for orders generated through these partnerships, potentially simplifying international distribution for resident publishers. To attract new entrants, attractive startup packages are also made available, and the current package priced at AED 6,875 (VAT inclusive), bundles essential services like coworking space, a business license, an investor visa, share certification, e-channel registration, immigration processing, medical screening, Emirates ID, and change of status services. This bundling aims to lower the administrative and cost barriers to establishing a publishing business within the zone. Publishers opting for this package commit to publishing a minimum of five titles annually, contributing to the zone's active publishing output. The scale of activity within SPC Free Zone is notable, with resident publishing houses collectively responsible for 18 million titles. This concentration suggests it has become a significant hub within the global publishing sector, demonstrating a model focused on providing integrated services and infrastructure specifically tailored to the unique needs of publishers navigating a rapidly changing industry. Its approach reflects broader trends towards specialisation and efficiency within creative and knowledge-based economies.
Arabian Post
25-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Sharjah Unveils Empowerment Platform for Young Entrepreneurs
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Efforts to foster youth entrepreneurship in Sharjah have taken decisive shape with the launch of a new initiative by the Municipal Council and Sharjah City Municipality alongside the Family Development Department. Known as the Sustainable Future Youth Programme, the project seeks to streamline startup processes, facilitate licensing, and provide mentorship and finance support for young innovators. The programme introduces a unified one-stop-shop for business setup, combining municipal services with regulatory and advisory support. It aims to reduce administrative delays and lower barriers to entry for promising youth-led enterprises. Stakeholders hope this will catalyse innovation and expand economic diversification within the emirate. ADVERTISEMENT Under the scheme, participants benefit from facilitated licensing via the municipality's dedicated entrepreneurship centre. Young entrepreneurs will receive support in completing documentation, securing permits, and understanding compliance requirements. Meanwhile, Family Development Department branches will offer training sessions in business planning and financial literacy targeted at individuals aged 18–35. Sources within the Sharjah Youth Council say the programme differentiates itself through its inclusive approach to sustainability. Every startup selected must embed at least one sustainable development objective—whether in social impact, environmental protection, or economic resilience—into its business model. Mentorship and advisory services will be provided by experts from government, private sector, and academia, ensuring access to high‑value networks. Officials emphasised that one of the programme's early successes is its cooperation with Sharjah FDI Office's Emerging Entrepreneurs initiative. Since its inception in early 2024, the Emerging Entrepreneurs initiative reportedly processed its first licenses within days—365 Luxury Watches being one example of a brand that expanded into the emirate swiftly. The new youth programme is designed to build upon this momentum and scale the model to a broader demographic. The launch event featured remarks by Saif Al Suwaidi, Acting Manager of the Sharjah Investors Services Centre, who highlighted the intent to 'embrace young entrepreneurs and innovators eager to launch their projects and businesses in the emirate's vibrant markets'. Sheikha Issa Al Harmoudi of the Sharjah Youth Council stressed that aligning municipal and youth-targeted efforts is key to reduce obstacles faced by local innovators. Ruwad, the Sharjah SME foundation, will also play a pivotal role by offering membership benefits, financing options, and virtual incubation facilities—especially targeting universities and alumni. As of early 2024, Ruwad's network of roughly 1,500 members had already started utilising such support programmes. ADVERTISEMENT Earlier in 2025, complementary youth measures were introduced in the emirate. The Sharjah Capacity Development Foundation released Masar, focused on bridging the gap between education and employment for graduates. The Sharjah Youth Council, together with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, also organised the 'Industry Pioneers – Make it in the Emirates' session to orient Emirati youth towards emerging industrial opportunities under the national diversification strategy. These activities reflect Sharjah's broader ambition to bolster non‑oil sectors—such as manufacturing, tech, and creative industries—to contribute significantly to the UAE's economic targets by 2031. They also coincide with the Municipality's efforts during UAE Innovation Month in January that included youth‑centric programmes like Innovative Engineer and Innovative Farmer, aimed at nurturing a culture of creativity within municipal services. Analysts note that the sharpening focus on youth-empowerment initiatives is timely, given the global rise of youth-led impact ventures and the UAE's increasing competition with regional innovation hubs. According to market data, Sharjah's share in domestic non‑oil FDI and startup investment has grown significantly, though it remains modest compared to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The new programme aims to narrow that gap by improving regulatory efficiency and offering targeted support. Critics, however, caution that sustainable impact depends on measurable outcomes. They argue the programme should establish clear metrics—such as business survival rates, job creation, and investment attraction—to accurately assess its effectiveness. Some have also emphasised the need to extend outreach to rural and underrepresented communities across the emirate. Government responses indicate that a central dashboard for monitoring and reporting outcomes will be unveiled in the coming quarter. The Municipality has committed to publishing annual impact reports detailing licence issuance, active ventures, funding accessed, and employment generated. They also plan to host follow‑up workshops and bootstrap funds later this year. As implementation proceeds, attention will turn to integration with existing initiatives. Stakeholders emphasise synergy with SAEED's established model, Ruwad's incubation services, and the Youth Council's outreach. Plans to forge links with private sector incubators and international investor networks are also under exploration, signalling Sharjah's ambition to transform municipal-level support into a globally connected entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Sharjah 24
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPC Free Zone secures coveted workplace accolade for 2nd year
The certification is based on direct and anonymous employee feedback through focused surveys, and SPC Free Zone's success stemmed from exceptional scores across categories, including Workplace Hospitality, Leadership Behaviour, Innovation, Engagement, Equity, Collaboration, and Safety. These high marks paint a clear picture of an environment where employees feel welcomed, respected, empowered, and secure. Commenting on the achievement, Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said: 'At SPC Free Zone, we firmly believe that human capital is the cornerstone of any sustainable institutional success. Being certified as a Great Place to Work for the second year in a row reflects this belief and stands as a direct result of the continuous support and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has established a visionary leadership approach that places employees at the heart of development and excellence.' He added: 'This accomplishment affirms that a healthy and attractive work environment has a positive impact on team performance, while its influence extends to the wider business community. Today, more than 9,600 companies operate in an ecosystem that inspires growth, creativity, and sustainability, further enhancing the free zone's ability to attract international partners and reinforce its status as a global hub for knowledge and investment.' Fostering growth and employee well-being SPC Free Zone has also implemented various policies and initiatives aimed at promoting growth, connection, and well-being within the workplace. A standout example was the launch of the SPC Academy, which provided all employees with regular monthly learning and development workshops, offering access to cross-departmental training. This initiative aims to enhance the organisation's understanding of its dynamics and empower individuals to expand their skill sets and career trajectories. Through efforts to promote engagement and inclusion, the free zone also curated a calendar rich with meaningful activities that strengthen bonds and celebrate diversity. From recognising international days of recognition and raising awareness for various causes, to hosting grand annual gala dinners that reward exceptional achievements and fostering community during the sacred month of Ramadan with annual Iftars, SPC Free Zone has promoted a culture of value and acknowledgement. Understanding the importance of physical and mental health, the free zone also organises bi-weekly free sports events, encouraging employees to socialise, stay active, and recharge together. Driven by employee participation, new volunteer initiatives, sustainability projects, and community campaigns, the SPC Cares Corporate Social Responsibility programme has also added great value to the organisation. Following impactful actions like distributing iftar meals to those in need during Ramadan, SPC aims to become the first UAE free zone to integrate social impact as a core pillar of its employee experience and organisational identity. Globally connected business ecosystem SPC Free Zone is a globally connected business ecosystem hosting companies representing over 40 countries. Renowned for its specialised community of 1,500+ publishers and creators of educational and cultural content, it combines state-of-the-art facilities with an environment of innovation and sustainability. In late 2024, SPC Freezone launched the world's first AI-powered business licence, which can complete registration in under 5 minutes. This dual commitment to technological leadership and people-first values, as demonstrated by the latest certification from 'Great Place to Work,' makes SPC Free Zone a unique gateway for entrepreneurs and enterprises seeking growth in the UAE's thriving business economy.
