Latest news with #Shamsa
Sharjah 24
01-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 kicks off
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the promotion features the participation of more than 1,000 retail outlets, major shopping centers, hotels, and tourist destinations. It is launched in collaboration with SCCI's Shopping Malls Sector Business Group and in coordination with several relevant government entities in the Emirate. A wealth of surprises for shoppers and residents This year's edition of Sharjah Summer Promotions promises a wealth of surprises for shoppers and residents, underscoring the Emirate's growing appeal as a premier global family-friendly summer destination for residents and international visitors alike. The 60-day campaign offers an exciting lineup of over 75 events, exclusive promotions, and massive discounts of up to 75 percent on a variety of products from top local and international brands. It also features raffles and exceptional prizes worth up to AED 3 million. This year, Sharjah Summer Promotions is introducing 'Shamsa', a newly launched mascot character designed to enhance the campaign's appeal to families and children and bring more joy, excitement, and positive energy to Sharjah's vibrant summer season. A wide array of entertainment and promotional activities This year's promotions include a wide array of entertainment and promotional activities across more than 19 summer destinations. Retail outlets and central markets are offering exclusive deals, backed by a robust entertainment schedule and six major raffle draws, starting July 10 and continuing through July 20, 31, August 10, 21, and concluding with the final draw on September 1. The prize pool features gold bars, high-value shopping vouchers, luxury gifts, and instant rewards from participating malls. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stated: "Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 represents a significant strategic milestone in strengthening Sharjah's position as a comprehensive tourism and commercial destination. Organising this event reflects our ambitious vision to support the retail and tourism sectors by offering an exceptional experience that blends shopping, entertainment, and culture, meeting the aspirations of families and visitors from various age groups and cultural backgrounds." He added, "We believe that these initiatives are not merely seasonal events but are part of a long-term strategy aimed at solidifying Sharjah's status as a leading destination for tourism and commerce while enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors. Through close collaboration with our partners from government and private entities, we strive to make Sharjah Summer Promotions a platform that combines innovation and creativity, contributing to the Emirate's sustainable economic and social vision." For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, noted that Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 reflect the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to supporting economic activity and boosting the retail and tourism sectors in the Emirate. The campaign delivers a holistic community experience that blends shopping with entertainment in innovative formats aligned with the evolving preferences of families and diverse visitor segments. He added that the scale and vibrancy of this year's edition mark a key milestone in advancing Sharjah's seasonal events and underscore the Chamber's commitment to enhancing quality of life and reinforcing the Emirate's position as a premier shopping destination. A diverse portfolio of seasonal events and summer offerings Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 offer a diverse portfolio of seasonal events and summer offerings, ranging from entertainment programmes and educational workshops to summer camps. The schedule also includes weekly children's workshops and recreational events, in addition to marine activities hosted in the city of Khorfakkan. These are organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, and commercial shopping centers. The programme also encompasses various hotel deals, with over 35 hotel packages provided by 23 hotel establishments. These packages include discounted rates on accommodation, dining, and beverages. Moreover, guests can enjoy complimentary tickets to popular tourist destinations in Sharjah, along with free credit for use at various hotel facilities. The Organising Committee of 'Sharjah Summer Promotions' introduces this year a smart application allowing users to participate in electronic raffle draws. It has also launched a digital platform through the official website, providing real-time access to top offers, daily events, discount campaigns, hotel packages, and direct booking links with participating partners. Both the application and the website facilitate automatic entry into exclusive prize draws for shoppers and hotel guests upon each registered purchase or booking made via official campaign channels, further enhancing user engagement and incentivising spending throughout the two-month promotional period.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
SCCI, SCTDA launch Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 on July 1, introduce new mascot character 'Shamsa'
Sharjah, The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in cooperation with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), announced the launch of the 2025 edition of 'Sharjah Summer Promotions', which will run from July 1 to September 1. Considered the most prominent events on Sharjah's economic and tourism agenda, the promotion will feature the participation of over 1,000 retail outlets across all cities and regions of the emirate. It is organized in collaboration with SCCI's Shopping Malls Sector Business Group and in coordination with several concerned government entities within the emirate. This year, Sharjah Summer Promotions is introducing 'Shamsa', a newly launched mascot character designed to enhance the campaign's appeal to families and children. As the official promotional icon, Shamsa represents a renewed focus on interactive and family-oriented entertainment, reinforcing Sharjah's strategic positioning as a leading commercial, tourism, and family-friendly destination. The announcement was made during a press conference held on Monday at the Sharjah Chamber's headquarters. The event was attended by H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; and H.E Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). Also present were H.E Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; Jamal Bouzanjal, General Coordinator of Sharjah Shopping Promotions; Abdullah Al Baloushi, Head of SCCI's Shopping Malls Sector Business Group; and Fadi Musharafieh, Head of SCCI's Hotel Sector Business Group, as well as several representatives from partner organizations and government bodies in the emirate. The press conference outlined the strategic vision and goals of Sharjah Summer Promotions, jointly organized by SCCI's Shopping Malls Sector Business Group in coordination with several concerned government entities within the emirate. This strategic partnership reflects a unified approach to integrating retail promotions, hospitality offers, and entertainment activities under a single platform. Its objective is to create a memorable summer shopping season for all family members, supported by a wide range of offers across Sharjah's major tourist attractions and family entertainment destinations. In his remarks, H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais stated that 'Sharjah Summer Promotions' embodies the Sharjah Chamber's forward-looking vision, inspired by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to solidify the emirate's status as a premier shopping destination and tourist attraction. He elucidated that the campaign supports ongoing efforts to strengthen the retail and tourism sectors as two key pillars of Sharjah's economic structure. 'Sharjah Summer Promotions not only benefits consumers but also represents a strategic platform that contributes to economic growth, especially as retail sales in the UAE are forecast to surpass AED 417.6 billion by 2026. Through this platform, the Sharjah Chamber and its partners aim to empower the business community to benefit from and contribute to this economic progress,' Al Owais added. Commenting on the campaign, H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, said: "Every year, we renew our commitment to offering a comprehensive summer experience that enriches the tourism sector and enhances the appeal of the Emirate of Sharjah locally, regionally, and globally. The 'Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025' campaign builds on the success of the previous edition, and through it, we aim to support our partners from both public and private sectors, while encouraging visits to tourist, cultural, and entertainment destinations in line with our vision to establish Sharjah as a vibrant destination throughout the year.' He added: 'This campaign is not merely a seasonal initiative but rather a reflection of our strategic vision, which focuses on strengthening collaboration across various sectors and achieving integration in delivering exceptional tourism experiences. We are confident that the 'Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025' will contribute to attracting more visitors, supporting the local economy, and solidifying the emirate's position as one of the leading tourist destinations in the region and the world." For his part, H.E Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer said that Sharjah Summer 2025 campaign reflects Shurooq's strategic vision to position the emirate as a leading and competitive summer destination in the UAE and the wider region. It offers a well-rounded tourism experience centered around diversity, sustainability, and service excellence. 'Designed to meet the expectations of travelers of all ages, the campaign embodies Sharjah's commitment to delivering a dynamic tourism ecosystem that blends authenticity with innovation. It spans a wide range of hospitality assets and integrated destinations developed by Shurooq across Sharjah, Khorfakkan, Kalba, and other key locations — reinforcing the emirate's tourism infrastructure and driving sustained growth across both the tourism and hospitality sectors,' he added. Meanwhile, H.E Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi noted that promotional campaigns play an active role in revitalizing Sharjah's tourism sector, offering visitors an integrated experience that combines retail with cultural, family, and hospitality offerings. He emphasized that the Sharjah Chamber and its partners are committed to making the Summer Promotions a comprehensive marketing initiative that drives economic value and boosts the contribution of both the retail and tourism sectors to the emirate's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As part of Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 program, organizers introduced a newly designed child-friendly cartoon character dubbed 'Shamsa' which is created to bring a cheerful and lively spirit to the promotional campaign. Derived from the Arabic word 'shams' meaning sun, the mascot represents brightness, optimism, and creativity. Shamsa is positioned as a central element of Summer Promotions 2025's entertainment offering, which features a variety of recreational activities, artistic workshops, games, and live performances tailored to young audiences. As a key feature of this year's edition of Sharjah Summer Promotions, the Sharjah Chamber will organize an interactive children's festival titled 'Shamsa Entertainment City', set to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from July 15 to August 15. The festival is designed to offer an enjoyable experience for both children and their families, featuring a blend of games, recreational activities, and entertainment events. With a dedicated play area for children and diverse culinary offerings, the festival aims to attract families seeking a vibrant and festive summer atmosphere. Aisha Saleh, Director of Festivals and Promotions Department at SCCI and official spokesperson for Sharjah Summer Promotions, presented an overview of this year's program, highlighting the extensive participation of key shopping centers and retail stores throughout the emirate. Running over a two-month period, the Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025 program includes an extensive lineup of promotional events, with a strong focus on large-scale discounts, reaching up to 75 percent across a broad selection of products and top local and global brands. This year's promotions include valuable prizes and raffle draws, with shopping vouchers for both retail customers and hotel guests, in addition to gold bars. Participating malls, central markets, and retail outlets across Sharjah have also allocated a wide selection of premium prizes, gifts and giveaways to enhance the overall shopping experience. The press conference featured remarks from campaign partners and a comprehensive overview of the exclusive offerings available across 19 summer destinations. Participating shopping centers and markets will introduce engaging promotions supported by an entertainment program and 6 scheduled raffle draws. The program also encompasses various entertainment events, retail offers, and hotel deals, with over 35 hotel packages provided by 23 hotel establishments. These packages include discounted rates on accommodation, dining, and beverages. Additionally, guests can enjoy complimentary tickets to popular tourist destinations in Sharjah, along with free credit for use at various hotel facilities. 'Sharjah Summer Promotions' features this year over 75 summer offerings including entertainment events, educational workshops, summer camps, and a wide range of family-friendly experiences. These are organized in collaboration with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, and commercial shopping centers. The schedule also includes weekly children's workshops and recreational events, in addition to marine activities hosted in the city of Khorfakkan. Sharjah Summer Promotions will introduce a smart application enabling users to participate in electronic raffle draws. The organizing committee has also launched an integrated digital platform at providing a full overview of all offers, discount packages, and services provided by event partners. The website includes direct booking links for hotels, shopping malls, entertainment programs, destination experiences, and more. Customers who make purchases at participating shopping centers or book hotel stays in Sharjah through the website will be eligible to enter raffles and win valuable prizes.
Khaleej Times
21-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Power & Progress in UAE's Financial Sector: Shamsa Al-Falasi on Banking & Mentorship
In this episode, we sit down with Shamsa Al-Falasi, the first Emirati woman appointed as CEO of Citibank UAE (onshore), to explore her 20-year journey in the banking world and what it takes to lead in a fast-changing financial landscape. From rising through the ranks to navigating international markets in Brazil, London, and Dublin, Shamsa shares how mentorship, self-assessment, and resilience shaped her leadership. We also dive into how the UAE's digital transformation is impacting the banking sector—and why empowering the next generation is at the heart of her mission. Key Takeaways: 🔹 Shamsa's rise to CEO and her leadership philosophy 🔹 The role of international exposure in shaping global leaders 🔹 Why mentorship and feedback fuel professional growth 🔹 UAE's transition to a cashless, digital economy 🔹 How women leaders are redefining banking in the region 🚀 Don't miss this insightful conversation with a pioneer shaping the future of finance in the UAE.
Khaleej Times
01-04-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Meet UAE students using stem cell therapy, 3D 'printed' organs to explore cures for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
Research students in Al Ain will be able to print organs and work on finding a cure for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, thanks to a new stem cell research centre. The UAE University (UAEU) facility will help them cut down on the time needed to complete important research work and give them access to the latest technology needed to make significant breakthroughs in their work. 'The UAEU Stem Cell Research Centre is the first academic centre of its kind in the UAE, dedicated to advancing innovation in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies,' said Dr Rami Beiram, associate provost for Research at the university. Dr Rami said the centre would help achieve 'significant breakthroughs in stem cell therapy and its clinical applications'. He also noted that the centre would also help contribute to the country's future in the healthcare industry. During a recent visit to the centre, Khaleej Times witnessed Emirati students Shamsa Fadel Almansouri and Fatema Khamis AlDhaheri actively working on their projects. With access to state-of-the-art tools, including a cryogenic freezer and a 3D bioprinter, the students are using the latest technology to advance their research. How organs are printed The 3D bioprinter, for example, is used to "print" organs, a process that Shamsa explained involves bioink composed of polymers, living cells, and growth factors. 'We will inject the cells that we process with the cell culture and then mix them with the bioink. This will be used to then print a fabricated organ.' Shamsa said. The students who were working on creating a model of a kidney, designed it on a tablet before printing. Fatema elaborated on the potential applications of their work, explaining that 3D printed organs are invaluable for disease modelling, drug testing, and tissue engineering. "These 3D printed structures provide 100 per cent accuracy in terms of how an organ will react to a disease or how it will respond to new drugs," Fatema noted. "We've already printed heart patches and tested them." The centre is also equipped with advanced technologies such as an automated cell culture platform, robotic arms, a biosafety cabinet, and a cryogenic freezer capable of storing over 47,000 stem cell vials. These machines not only reduce manual error and contamination but also enable the rapid production of stem cell lines. Shamsa shared how the new technology has transformed their research process. "Previously, we had to do everything manually, which could take days or even weeks. Now, the new automated machines save us time and reduce the amount of manual work required, allowing us to focus more on our research." Stem cells for regenerative therapies According to Dr Rami, there are several promising projects that the students are working on right now, and that their work would have far-reaching impacts. He highlighted several promising projects underway at the centre, including studies focused on regenerative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. "One project focuses on gastric stem cell biology, examining how stem cells contribute to tissue regeneration, carcinogenesis, and various stomach diseases. Additionally, there is an ongoing study exploring the molecular mechanisms that regulate stem cell fate determination in specific diseases,' he added. He also underscored that the centre is laying "the groundwork" for a cord blood banking initiative, which will involve the collection, processing, and storage of stem cells from umbilical cord blood. Dr Rami explained that this project will create a national repository of high-quality stem cell samples for future therapeutic use. "This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing stem cell research and supporting clinical trials for real-world medical applications," he said. 'This initiative aims to establish a national repository of high-quality stem cell samples for future therapeutic applications,' he added.
Khaleej Times
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Nahla Tabbaa: Redefining art and activism through culinary performances
If you have stepped inside any museum or a contemporary gallery lately, you might have come across creative radicals who are redefining the landscape by eschewing traditional practices in favour of more daring approaches that unapologetically combine different disciplines, often leaving viewers pondering and questioning the very definition of art. Nahla Tabbaa is one such Arab voice who is constantly pushing the boundaries of art and recalibrating the role of an artist and creator. Born in Amman, the 38-year-old Tabbaa is an interdisciplinary artist, chef, pedagogue and programmes curator whose work straddles "the urban and the organic, the beautiful and the grotesque," as she herself puts it. Although Tabbaa effortlessly flits between critical research, alchemy, drawing, textiles, experimenting with ceramics and sculpture, she's probably best known for her culinary performances. A fascinating genre that blends the politics and symbolism of food, the culinary arts can be an enigmatic and yet, powerful form of expression that artists like Tabbaa are using to process grief and as a mark of resistance and protest as well in a world riven by war and turbulence. Tabbaa's work proves that the humble kitchen can be both an intimately personal space and a political and social battleground, a domestic setting from where she challenges the hegemony of the political class and asks fundamental questions about humanity, putting her weight firmly behind the historically oppressed. Tabbaa is a familiar name in the UAE art world, having exhibited widely in the region. From Al Serkal Avenue to Art Dubai, she has summoned the magic of food to reflect on the harsh realities of everyday life. "I have been informally exploring food as an act of self-care and hospitality as an extension of community building for a decade. However, this always stood outside the art world. It was just a way of life and an interest in research that I've always had," says Tabbaa, who completed a culinary and farming diploma at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork in Ireland and has staged her culinary acts, workshops and tasting sessions across UAE down the the years ('Shamsa' at Jameel Arts Centre, 'Rewilding the Kitchen' at Alserkal Arts Foundation in Dubai and a large-scale group exhibition titled 'On Foraging: Food Knowledge and Environmental Imaginaries in the UAE's Landscape' at 421 in Abu Dhabi, to name a few). In 2023, as part of 'On Foraging: Food Knowledge and Environmental Imaginaries in the UAE's Landscape' at 421, she collaborated with artist Moza Almatrooshi to delve into the ecology of UAE's native plants — a practice they continue to do together. The outcome of this collaboration was an edible lecture at 421 and a dinner at Jebel Yanas in Ras Al-Khaimah, which refashioned dishes ubiquitous to the UAE, like stuffed dates with chaami, oyster shells filled with rice and sehna (anchovy powder), laminated pasta, plant-infused coolers etc. As part of the artistic adventure, participants embarked on a hike in search of wild honey at Jebel Yanas and spent the night there, rewinding and reconnecting with nature for a change. In 2015, I took on a part-time job as a food tour guide with Frying Pan Adventures in Dubai and that deep dive into stories, mapping migration and understanding flavours as pointers in history was so fascinating. "In 2015, I took on a part-time job as a food tour guide with Frying Pan Adventures in Dubai and that deep dive into stories, mapping migration and understanding flavours as pointers in history was so fascinating. This landscape of artist-chefs began to grow for me and thankfully, with the support and opportunities presented at institutions like 421, Jameel Arts Centre, SEAF, Campus Art Dubai and Alserkal Arts Foundation, my practice started to evolve,' shares Tabbaa, who was awarded the prestigious Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artist Fellowship in 2021. Though born in Amman, Tabbaa's mother hailed from Bangladesh. Fittingly, in a kind of homecoming, one of her culinary performances titled 'Inside the Belly of the Beast' was recently staged at the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation's gallery space in Dhaka. The performance was born out of grief, rage and resilience. The artist insists that she was deeply affected by human atrocities committed in her part of the world, particularly on her mind was the sufferings of the people of Gaza as well as the tense political situation in Bangladesh. 'Inside the Belly of the Beast' unfolded as a visceral culinary performance, marking the second iteration of 'Thil' — an immersive experience conjured by the artist, which invited audiences into a world where food became a medium for storytelling, resistance, and remembrance. As the title suggests, 'Inside the Belly of the Beast' reimagined the insides of a formidable beast even as it reflected on human suffering. She describes it as 'biblical', adding that she set herself 'the task of creating a menu that would reflect 'Thil's anatomy, and give audiences the experience of being swallowed by a beast, and to truly think about what it means to be inside the Belly of the Beast.' For 'Thil', she drew references from mythology as well as the Arabic phrase, 'Ya Rab Tanshak Al Ard wa Tiblakom' — 'May God open up the Earth and swallow us whole.' In the context of Bangladesh, the artist had curated hybrid foods at the 'Inside the Belly of the Beast' exhibition that traced their origins to pivotal moments in Bangladesh's history — famine, partition, and liberation — while also reflecting her own homeland Jordan, which borders Palestine and as we recognise today, is currently besieged by war and famine. The performance honoured wild and indigenous plants from both regions, mixing up dishes that examined trauma and joy, grief and celebration. Two of Tabbaa works were installed at the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation space in Dhaka — 'I Sit Under Your Shade' (2022) and 'Thil' (2024). The audiences were free to engage and interact with her work. With 'Thil' — Arabic for 'shadow'— she hopes to speak against what's happening in Palestine. It was conceived during Tabbaa's residency at MAG Foundation in Amman and took shape as a mythical creature embodying both our collective shadow and rage against injustice. 'Durjoy Rahman, the founder of Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation, had acquired my work 'I Sit Under Your Shade', which he first saw on display during his visit to Colomboscope in Sri Lanka. Not only was I showing there, but I was also running a culinary workshop and culinary performance as part of the festival programme. We had discussed the idea of tailoring a micro-residency, and working on a culinary performance, but it all came together and made sense when Durjoy had viewed images of my latest work 'Thil'. He proposed the idea of creating an immersion from within 'Thil' and this is how 'Inside the Belly of the Beast' was born,' explains Tabbaa, rueing the fact that culinary performances often face the challenge of having a limited reach. They appear niche to the larger world and are highly inaccessible to those not already consciously clued into contemporary art. 'Also, they cannot solve the larger issues we are dealing with. I'm not putting an end to famine, instead we are indulging in food. The way I try to sensitively address these urgent issues as a chef and artist is to ensure that the dishes are not in any way excessive, or wasted, that my processes are extremely sustainable, and that ingredients are local and true," she reasons. Both of Tabbaa's parents are artists. She grew up in the Amman countryside and has lived in the UAE for a decade. Through her work, she has also taken pains to remind viewers of the importance and poignant teachings of nature. In fact, her first job in the UAE was to activate a community urban garden at Sharjah Art Foundation's Al Mureijah Art Spaces. 'I had grown up amidst plants in a rural part of Jordan and in the previous job as a coordinator at Makan Art Space in Jordan, I was also tending to an aquaponic greenhouse and supporting the director with her vision for including artists who were interested in plants and gardens and their politics,' she explains. At Sharjah Art Foundation, she further went on to establish their community programme, one of the pillars being the garden as a space of production, conversation and experiments. "Ten years on, the garden has been liberated to grow as it pleases. It is a stunning ecosystem in the heart of the Al Mureijah Art Spaces, both for humans and the-more-than-human world. You'll find so many birds, birds nests and cats, nestling in its density," says the artist proudly. "My choice to live in Dubai was to escape a more homogenous Arab identity in Jordan and explore a space that felt like a hybrid of both my roots," she says. "Although I had visited Bangladesh, yearly, my entire life, my identity was almost narrated to me through the lens of my mother and family members. Living in Dubai and experiencing other South Asian encounters and narratives allowed me to be more expansive," she states. In a way, Tabbaa has seen UAE's art scene rise rapidly over the years, mirroring her own personal growth as an artist. "When I first moved to Dubai," she recalls, "there weren't as many community programmes, neither were there public programme curators or educational departments for institutions. I'm proud to be one of the contributors to public engagement strategies and the growth of these programmes. I have witnessed and been part of the shifting scene, the growing number of emerging and mid-career artists self organising, the openness with which institutions had supported our visions, and the space I had to embrace my multiple identities, not just in my ethnicities but also as an artist, chef, curator and activist."
