Author: Afreen Razak

SHARJAH, 27th February, 2022 (WAM) — Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), received a delegation of US senators including Gustavo Rivera, Kevin Thomas, and James Skoufis, to explore cooperation between the SBA and cultural affairs entities in the United States.

During a meeting at SBA’s headquarters, the two parties discussed several topics related to the publishing industry, library development, and the enhancement of Sharjah’s participation in Arab cultural initiatives in the US.

Other topics of discussion included the development of a strategic framework to help Arab and US cultural foundations create new communication channels and initiate joint action that best serves the promotion of Arab arts and Arabic literature in the US.

The delegates were introduced to SBA’s services and projects that support the publishing industry.

They visited the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) and were briefed on the benefits offered to investors.

They were also briefed on the international festivals and initiatives organised by SBA, most notably the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), and the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, welcomed the American delegation, and emphasised the SBA’s adherence to the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which emphasises the impact of communication and fruitful cooperation between nations and cultures. Stating that SBA welcomes the exchange of global expertise and experience in all creative sectors, Al Ameri highlighted the influential position of the US in the global books market and its leading role in the industry’s technical development processes.

Al Ameri highlighted the international stature of SIBF which earned the title of the world’s largest book fair in the sale and purchase of copyright in 2021 at the fair’s milestone 40th edition.

The US Senators expressed their pleasure on visiting Sharjah and learning about the development of the publishing industry and library services, and the renaissance the emirate is witnessing in creative sectors and its achievements in consolidating the role of books in society. The US senators also shared their vision about the future of the publishing industry and prospects for its development especially with the current digital acceleration.

Commenting on their visit to the emirate, Senator Gustavo Rivera pointed out that the unparalleled support of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah to promote a culture of reading and foster the role of books in cross-cultural communication has paved the way for fruitful cooperation and partnership in the cultural field between nations.

Senator Kevin Thomas, said: “We have seen that Sharjah has a long-term vision to enhance the future of culture and foster its presence in all aspects of life, and this is clearly manifested through the emirate’s dedication to promoting knowledge and ensuring that the largest segment of society has access to books.”

At the same time, Senator James Skoufis stressed that he looks forward to more strategic partnerships with Sharjah in public and private sectors, pointing out that the meeting with SBA’s officials will pave the way for greater cooperation between Sharjah and US cultural entities that seek to expand into the emirate.

WAM/Hazem Hussein

Related Article: Publishing – Book Publishers in UAE

SHARJAH, 31st July, 2021 (WAM) — Salim Omar Salim, Director of Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), has been appointed Board Member of the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO), a global not-for-profit organisation offering an authoritative and collective voice for free zones around the world.

As the Board Member of World FZO, the SPC Free Zone Director will bring his extensive cross-sectoral experience to its knowledge committee responsible for developing the intellectual base for economic free zone research and global trade rules. In addition, he will lead a number of tasks related to communication with international organisations, private sector associations, multinational companies as well as industry and financial sector representatives from the global investment community.

The World FZO brings together free zones from all over the world and promote their positive impacts by providing guidance, knowledge and services to its members, to enhance free zones’ contribution in the economic prosperity and social development of the host country.

Since 2019, SPC Free Zone has been a voting member of World FZO and has benefitted from several services open to members including industry research, operational and administrative support services, high-level training, and strategic networking opportunities with peers, consultants, service-providers, policy makers, and key business decision makers from around the world.

The SPC Free Zone – established in 2017 as the world’s first printing and publishing free zone, has emerged as a value-driven organisation that offers a thriving environment for publishers to grow and reach new markets.

The free zone’s integrated ecosystem, which is home to companies representing a broad spectrum of publishing, printing, and allied businesses, offers a promising investment environment, an array of competitive advantages, a world-class infrastructure and several cost-effective options to support publishers and other businesses and enhance their access to global markets.

WAM/Tariq alfaham

SHARJAH, 7th April, 2022 (WAM) — The 49th London Book Fair, where Sharjah is being honoured as “Market Focus”, brought together Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and David Taylor, Ingram SVP for Content Acquisition International, to discuss the future of the supply chain and print-on-demand services being showcased at Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, citing the example of Lightning Source Sharjah.

During a panel discussion titled “The Future of Book Supply”, Al Ameri emphasised that Sharjah has become the centre of the book industry in Asia and North Africa due to the farsightedness and directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes in the power of the written word and recognises the impact of culture in developing communities and building bridges between civilisations.

At the session moderated by Porter Anderson, from Publishing Perspectives, the SBA Chairman noted that Sharjah was the first city to bring about a radical transformation in the publishing sector by establishing the Sharjah Publishing (SPC) City Free Zone, a first-of-its-kind hub for publishing, printing, and allied businesses. The SBA Chairman pointed out that SPC Free Zone has created a unified platform for publishers to complete all translation, publishing, and distribution activities and provides world-class services and advanced infrastructure to assist publishers in overcoming any sector-related challenges.

Al Ameri pointed out that collaborating with Ingram to launch Lightning Source Sharjah was a fruitful journey that further exemplifies Sharjah’s pioneering role in expanding the book industry globally. Through the partnership, Ingram reached the Asian and African markets quicker and at lower costs through advanced print-on-demand services.

He said, “SPC Free Zone, where Ingram operates, benefits from the unique geographic location of Sharjah that connects Asia with Africa and other emerging markets, the global stature of the annual Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), and SIBF Publishers Conference, as well as the advanced and integrated infrastructure and solutions offered at the free zone including storage, logistics, and printing.”

David Taylor, Ingram SVP for Content Acquisition International, said, “Before working with Sharjah, it took us two to three weeks to deliver a title in the Asian or African markets. Today, it only takes two days. The print-on-demand service is more effective as it utilises the services and advanced infrastructure at SPC Free Zone.”

He pointed out that the biggest challenge facing publishers and what has been hindering the expansion of publishing markets globally are storage and shipping. “The advanced technologies at Lightning Source Sharjah have enabled us to sell books before printing them, which helps preserve resources and overcome shipping and storage challenges.”

The panel discussion was organised as part of Sharjah’s Market Focus programme at LBF 2022, which concludes today at Olympia London. The debate was attended by leading international publishers and cultural institutions.WAM/MOHD AAMIR/Lina ibrahim

Related Article: Publishing – Book Publishers in UAE

Ranking boosts country’s attractiveness to those starting new ventures

Last month saw the UAE being ranked first globally by The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) in its Global Entrepreneurship Index 2022. The UAE has climbed up by 3 rankings on the index from last year’s report, and now tops the list of the most supportive and encouraging environments for entrepreneurs and new business setup in the world.

The GEM report takes into consideration a number of indicators that evaluate the performance of the participating countries. The report revealed that the UAE’s performance has seen a significant improvement in 11 of the 13 axes covered by the index. According to the report, the UAE is the only participating country in the world to achieve such a high score in all axes of the index, with commendable results in factors such as:

1. The availability of skills, knowledge, and experience

2. The availability of excellent opportunities and resources to start a business

3. The ability of entrepreneurship projects in the country to generate new job opportunities in upcoming years

4. Plans to incorporate advanced digital technology to develop businesses

5. The country’s confidence in the ability to mitigate challenges imposed by COVID-19.

Contribution of free zones

Mr. Salim Omar Salim – Director of SPC Free Zone elaborates on this new accomplishment and the role Free Zones play in promoting entrepreneurship and attracting emerging talent to the UAE.

What does this incredible achievement say about the UAE acting as a hub for local and international entrepreneurial talents?

The UAE has set an example of how determination is power, and how ambition is a true inexhaustible resource. The new title comes as a true embodiment of the UAE’s wise leadership and its progressive vision and belief in the entrepreneurship sector. By 2031, the UAE is set to become the ‘entrepreneurial nation’.

One of the UAE’s top priorities is to enact business-friendly legislations, adopt proactive policies in order to attract those with progressive ideas, ambition and talent, and instill an entrepreneurial spirit and culture in future generations. We ranked 1st in the 2020 MENA Ease of Doing Business report and our global outlook and drive to diversify the economy is now taking us to unimaginable heights.

What role do Free Zones such as SPC Free Zone play in governmental endeavours for the rise in the entrepreneurship sector?

Free zones are contributing to promoting investments, facilitating enterprises, and encouraging unique setup projects with their ease of access business enabling policies. We at SPC Free Zone believe that the future of entrepreneurship leans on innovation, sustainability, and knowledge, which is why we work relentlessly on developing our services to accommodate to global changes and international practices. We follow the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC), so you are guaranteed that every business activity you start with us is internationally recognized. We strive to create a welcoming environment and provide SMEs as well as larger enterprises with proper infrastructural resources and hassle-free procedures.

Why should entrepreneurs choose SPC Free Zone?

We aim to prioritise those with entrepreneurial ideas by designing competitive and flexible business setup packages, which can be customized to each new business owner’s specific needs. This means that new business owners have more freedom of choice. With free zone business advantages such as:

• 100 per cent foreign ownership

• Zero requirement of paid-up share capital

• No corporate or income tax

• Dual licensing options

• Choose and combine from over 2000 business activities

We want entrepreneurs to enjoy peace of mind. SPC Free Zone prides itself on its swift timelines that allow new entrepreneurs to have their venture set up within just 2 hours, as well as finalising residential procedures (including investor visa) in no more than 6 working days. Our affiliations with reputable private and governmental entities expedite the business setup process, which truly makes us the free zone where more is possible.

Now that the UAE has been deemed an excellent, globally acknowledged choice for entrepreneurs to bring their business dreams to life, wait no longer. Get in touch with SPC Free Zone at 800 SPCFZ (77239) or marketing@spcfz.ae for more details on packages for entrepreneurs. Visit spcfz.ae/contact-us/ to register your interest.

SPC Free Zone names the Sharjah Investors Services Centre (Saeed) as its strategic partner and reinforces Sharjah’s investor-friendly climate

by A Staff Reporter

Published: Mon 21 Jun 2021, 5:48 PM

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has signed an MoU to announce Sharjah Investors Services Centre (Saeed), operating under the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), as its new strategic partner to drive the growth of the free zone, and strengthen the supportive ecosystem it offers for its investors, startups, and business owners.

Salem Omar Salem, director of SPC Free Zone, and Mohammad Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, along with member of Saeed’s board of directors signed the MoU, in the presence of Marwan Saleh Alichla, GM of Sharjah Investors Services Center.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Saeed will enable SPC Free Zone to expand its outreach to its national and international stakeholders by lending investor services support to grow their operations across various economic sectors. Accordingly, Saeed will be instrumental in issuing and renewing commercial licenses; drafting and renewing leasing contracts; and providing best-in-class consultation through a dedicated customer service expert.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone leverages Sharjah’s strategic location and business-friendly environment to provide integrated solutions for publishing companies, education providers and allied businesses from around the globe. Investors at SPC Free Zone receive a host of benefits including 100 per cent foreign ownership, best-in-class infrastructure, and fully equipped office spaces, amongst others, thereby enabling the entry and expansion of industry players into the Mena region.

Following the signing of the MoU, Salem Omar Salem, director of SPC Free Zone, said: “The new strategic partnership with Saeed is a strong signal of our continuing commitment to provide our investors and partners with convenient solutions that offer the best combination of value, service and support to facilitate their growth and expansion beyond the boundaries of the UAE. The specialised services that Saeed provides will be vital in enhancing the business environment at the free zone and will allow us to reach out to a wider segment of potential investors.”

He added: “The partnership also underlines our efforts in enhancing the business environment to support the ambitious aspirations of our stakeholders and aligns with the economic diversification priorities of the UAE.”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mohammad Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, member of Saeed’s Board of Directors, said: “The partnership with SPC Free Zone reflects our commitment to create an appealing environment for business, and attract both domestic as well as foreign investment to enhance Sharjah’s status as a leading investment destination in the region.”

He added: “SPC Free Zone is a lucrative platform that offers great value for companies specialised in the publishing and printing industry, and this partnership offers yet another incentive for potential investors to grow their business in Sharjah.”

For his part, Marwan Saleh Alichla, director of the Sharjah Investors Services Center (Saeed), said: “The MoU with SPC Free Zone has once again proved Sharjah’s passion for innovation in offering new and improved investor-friendly services. Furthermore, as Sharjah Publishing City’s strategic partner, the Saeed centre will continue fulfilling its mission to provide our clientele at the free zone integrated business, licensing, administrative and allied services under one roof and in record time. I believe that this new strategic partnership between SPC and Saeed will play a key role in attracting more entrepreneurs and investors in the publishing and other industries from across the globe to Sharjah.”

The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone represents a modern, integrated business community and an incubator environment of enterprises, companies, and institutions of various specializations, as it opens its doors to established and support growth of business sustainability by providing a wide choice of motivational packages and facilitating official transactions, in addition to shortening time, effort and resources. In this process it reaches to customers and markets in the region and the world, because of its geographical location that provides a vital network of transportation to ports and airports, allowing to access the market globally.

SHARJAH, 20th August 2021 (WAM) — To commemorate World Entrepreneurs’ Day observed annually on 21st August, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has announced the launch of new competitive, flexible, and comprehensive business setup packages to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of regional and global investors and support the growth of the publishing and education sectors and allied businesses.

Targeting emerging and established entrepreneurs looking to embark on their business journey or expand within the integrated ecosystem of the SPC Free Zone, the new affordable “Summer Entrepreneur Packages” offer a broad range of inclusive and convenient business support options and can be availed until the 5th of September 2021.

The AED6,500 package allows entrepreneurs to combine any two activities – service, commercial, or e-commerce – under a one-year business license. Under Package 1, a single shareholder – with the option to upgrade available, will receive a stamped license, a Memorandum of Association (MoA) document, and a lease agreement. No visa will be granted.

Package 2 or the AED9,500 package will offer one visa, in addition to all the above benefits, and enables entrepreneurs to save up to AED5,000.

The all-inclusive AED17,500 business setup package offers entrepreneurs a one-year business license with a visa valid for 2 years. In addition to all the benefits and services offered in Packages 1 and 2, investors opting for Package 3 are also assured of Emirates ID, medical fitness tests, e-channel portal access for the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship system, and establishment card.

Related Article: Emirates ID Renewal Guide for Expats

Announcing the launch of the new business packages, Salim Omar Salim, Director of the SPC Free Zone, said, “Sharjah’s business-friendly environment is strengthening the emirate’s status as a successful business incubator and an entrepreneur-friendly destination. World Entrepreneurs’ Day is an opportune moment to highlight SPC Free Zone’s leading efforts in expanding its outreach to aspiring global entrepreneurs by offering convenient and innovative investor support solutions to facilitate their growth and expansion across various economic sectors. We are also committed to building strong partnerships with all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability and success of their projects.”

The goal of World Entrepreneurs’ Day is to create awareness for entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership throughout the world, promote a culture of creativity, and foster an entrepreneurial spirit amongst youth to enhance their ambitions.WAM/Hazem Hussein/Tariq alfaham

SHARJAH, 17th May 2022 (WAM) — Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA), reassured booksellers from 56 nations at the world’s first International Booksellers Conference in Sharjah, that they are not alone in promoting the culture of reading in their communities and reinforce people’s awareness about the importance of books.

“Publishers will support you in this mission,” she said adding that the industry will extend its full support to ensure that booksellers can continue achieving greater results.

“As the African saying goes, ‘Alone we can go faster, but together we can go further,'” the IPA President further said.

Sheikha Bodour was delivering a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the two-day conference organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at their headquarters on the sidelines of the ongoing 13th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF).

The platform has convened more than 385 booksellers, distributors, publishing experts and business consultants to discuss current and future trends in bookselling and look into ways to better streamline industry efforts to advance the book business ecosystem regionally and globally.

“I know booksellers have been doing an excellent job finding creative ways to engage readers and put books in their hands. Your efforts have become even more urgent now in the face of ever-changing readers’ needs and behaviours, and the increasing digital distractions in everyday life. Since the outset of the global pandemic, collaboration and solidarity emerged as the single most vital component in ensuring we remain resilient in the face of complex challenges,” Sheikha Bodour added.

Ahmed Al Ameri: All our initiatives are products of solid cultural foundations laid by Sharjah Welcoming guests and attendees, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said, “By organising the world’s first-of-its-kind conference, we look forward to offering a platform for networking and exchange as we implement the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to support the book industry and its contributions to shaping our future.”

“At the Sharjah Book Authority, we affirm that all our programmes and initiatives are rooted in a solid cultural foundation with a reputable international standing, and these help advance the cultural movement by supporting translation, honouring creatives, and investing in the infrastructure of the publishing sector,” he added.

Exclusive platform shaping the future of the global book industry.

On the first day of the conference, attendees heard from an expert-led panel that shed light on best practices and case studies in community engagement and sales performance, delving into the role of digital channels, including websites, social media, e-newsletters and e-commerce.

A second panel session discussed stock curation and presentation and staff training in customer service, exploring strategies to optimise customers’ browsing and discovery experience to maximise sales.

The inaugural day concluded with participants touring the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone where the SBA headquarters are located. They presented their titles, and also engaged with each other and explored new market opportunities in a series of “Matchmaking” and networking sessions.WAM/Esraa Ismail/Hazem Hussein

The free zone memorandum of understanding with bank adds a new dimension to the integrated solutions offered by SPC Free Zone to its customers

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), the first-of-its-kind hub for publishing, printing, and allied businesses in the creative industries, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mashreq Bank, to offer priority access to banking services to its investors, startups, and business owners, and further drive the growth of the free zone.

Salim Omar Salim, Director, SPC Free Zone, signed the MoU with Vikas Thapar, head of Business Banking and NEOBiz, Mashreq Bank.

Under the terms of the MoU, SPC Free Zone and Mashreq bank will collaborate to assist the free zone’s customers to open and operate bank accounts and gain easy access to an array of financial services offered by Mashreq. The bank will give preference to SPC Free Zone customers and expedite their account opening process.

“This MoU reinforces our mission to encourage and support our investors in all aspects of their journey with us. We are constantly looking at new ways of supporting our investors and partners, and joining forces with Mashreq bank testifies to our commitment to provide them with one-stop solutions that combine value and service to facilitate their growth and expansion, in the UAE and beyond,” Salim said.

Thapar said Mashreq has always been at the forefront of supporting SMEs and start-ups in the UAE.

“The partnership with SPC Free Zone reinforces our commitment to create a favorable environment for businesses to flourish and drive social and economic development in the emirate. Our digital banking proposition will enable SPC Free Zone to further support and empower entrepreneurs and SME owners to meet all their banking requirements digitally,” he said.

Leveraging Sharjah’s strategic location between east and west, SPC Free Zone has been playing a key role in bringing publishers from either sides of the world closer, propelling the entry and expansion of industry players into the Gulf, Middle East and North Africa regions. It offers businesses an advantageous free-zone business environment with numerous benefits including 100 percent foreign ownership, best-in-class infrastructure replete with fully-equipped office spaces, and comprehensive allied services like printing, licensing and distribution.

SPC Free Zone offers amazing advantages to businesses planning to set up shop in UAE

The post-Covid economy

SPC Free Zone foresees an improved business climate, growth in commercial opportunities, and a surge in consumer spending during and after the upcoming Expo 2020. This is anticipated due to the change in business dynamics as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has created an influx in people wanting to open their own businesses for increased financial security, amongst many other factors. Expo 2020 is right around the corner and will provide a substantial boost to the UAE’s economy, which is vital for new businesses to kickstart.

Expo 2020 is said to be the largest event to take place in the UAE to date, aiming to attract 25 million visitors from around the world. It is based around the themes of ‘Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability’. The event will offer a lucrative platform for new start-ups and SMEs to pitch their products and services to high profile investors and clients through conferences, forums, and partnerships with selected pavilions. New businesses can join the Expo 2020 supplier network and register for tender opportunities on their official website through a simple process.

The Expo will also lay out cutting-edge infrastructure. Post event, the site will be turned into ‘District 2020’ in which state-of-the-art space can be utilised by new businesses for their operations. These readily available resources will enable entry and expansion of key industry players into the region.

What does Expo 2020 mean for new businesses?

With borders opening and incentives on offer for Expo visitors, such as specialised visas, fast-track immigration lanes, and duty/tax exemptions, the UAE will witness a large influx of tourists and investors during the next few months. During this important time, new businesses can benefit from vast exposure to potential customers from different corners of the globe. This is a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs as they can attract and secure both local and international customers and investors. Dynamic and emerging new markets can be penetrated, demand can be foreseen, and the geographic reach of new businesses can be significantly widened, leading to rapid expansion.

The economic impact of Expo 2020 will last long after the 6-month event is over. Local officials have estimated that the event will contribute $33.4 billion to the country’s GDP. In this upcoming, favourable economic climate, we anticipate the sectors with the highest potential growth will be; E-commerce, IT solutions and technology, marketing and advertising, tourism and hospitality, print and packaging, and many more. To minimise risks and to align demand with supply, business setup in one of these sectors will comparatively be the wiser choice.

When and how can you set up a new business?

There is no better time than now to set up your own business, especially with a free-zone entity which will allow benefits such as:

• 100% foreign ownership

• 100% repatriation of capital and profits

• Zero tax conditions

This translates into simplicity – there is no requirement for a local partner for your new business, as well as no applicable import or duty fees. The business is yours, and so are the profits.

New company formation in the UAE is a straightforward procedure when you are in the right hands. SPC Free Zone is an expert in the field and offers new business setup with benefits including:

• Ability to have a dual license (free zone and mainland)

• License issued in one day

• Up to 10 years trade license duration option

• Over 1,500 business license activities

• Combine 5 activities from different sectors under one license

• Flexibility on number of visas

• Strategic location, easily accessible from two airports

• Immigration services on site at SPC Free Zone

Being the world’s first publishing free zone, SPC Free Zone offers a mix of convenient infrastructure facilities such as coworking, retail, storage, and commercial offices, along with a business-friendly regulatory environment. Embark on your entrepreneurial journey in this highly profitable season with SPC Free Zone and enjoy competitive packages, flexibility, and convenience.

Get in touch with the Unlimited Choices, Affordable Prices free zone at +971 800-SPCFZ (77239) or marketing@spcfz.ae for further information on services and offers.

Visit www.spcfz.ae for additional details.