In a significant move aimed at bolstering the United Arab Emirates (UAE) knowledge economy and entrepreneurial landscape, Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Sharjah Oasis for Technology and Innovation (SOTI) are set to merge. The merger will see SRTIP absorbing SOTI, combining its resources and expertise to establish an independent Free Zone Authority (FZA). This restructuring will reflect the new FZA’s form and function, ensuring the further development of Sharjah’s technology and innovation sector.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson and President of SRTIP, believes that this amalgamation will strengthen the UAE’s position as a global business and entrepreneurship hub while unlocking the immense potential of Sharjah’s technology and innovation sector. Expressing her enthusiasm, Sheikha Bodour stated that merging SRTIP and SOTI and formalizing SRTIP’s role as an independent Free Zone Authority will enable greater strides in supporting the entrepreneurship ecosystem and driving the development of Sharjah’s knowledge economy.
SRTIP was established in 2016 under an Emiri decree by the Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. It has operated as a collaborative venture between industry, government, and academia, with oversight from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Enterprise Program. However, AUS’s oversight will be replaced by an independent Board of Directors led by Sheikha Bodour. This new board will manage and represent the newly formed Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Free Zone Authority.
The newly appointed Board of Directors comprises industry leaders and experienced entrepreneurs who possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to guide SRTIP’s future endeavors. Among the esteemed members are Prince Khaled bin Waleed bin Talal, Founding Chairman of KBW Investments; Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, Founding Partner of Soma Mater; Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid Bin Butti Almheiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Sharjah Healthcare City Authority; Adel Abdullah Ali, CEO of Air Arabia Group; Ahmed Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Khaled Al Huraimel, CEO of BEEAH Group; Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, Vice Chairman of Emaar Development; Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare; Abdulaziz Loughani, CEO of Floward; Faizal Kottikollon, Founder and Chairman of KEF Holdings; Samer Sayegh, Managing Director of National Paints Factories Co. Ltd.; and Mudassir Sheikha, Co-Founder and CEO of Careem.
Najla Al-Midfa expressed her honor to join this exceptional league of leaders dedicated to driving entrepreneurship and innovation in Sharjah. She extended her gratitude to HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. She also acknowledged the visionary leadership and guidance of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SRTIP, in strengthening Sharjah’s position as a thriving destination for business, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Under the guidance of AUS, SRTIP has significantly enhanced Sharjah’s reputation as a technology sector innovator. More than 2,000 companies specializing in advanced innovative technologies have thrived in SRTIP’s dynamic business environment, investing over $100 million in research. Now, the time is ripe to propel Sharjah’s status as a leading global hub for innovation, business, and entrepreneurship. The establishment of a diverse and experienced Board of Directors is a crucial step towards achieving this vision.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, senior officials from the University of Sharjah, AUS, and SRTIP have been invited to join the new Board of Directors.
The Board members, serving a four-year term, will work together to establish a clear vision for the organization’s long-term growth. They will oversee SRTIP’s day-to-day operations, align strategic goals with stakeholder expectations, enhance global credibility, develop marketing outreach and partnerships, and ensure long-term sustainability.
With the merger of SRTIP and SOTI, Sharjah is poised to reach new heights in technological innovation, solidifying its position as a global destination for entrepreneurship and reinforcing the UAE’s knowledge economy.