Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) said in an announcement that it has partnered with Alan, a leading provider of digital business cost solutions, to host ‘Chai with Alaan x SPC Free Zone’, a dynamic networking event at Rowe Downtown Hotel in They were Dubai.
According to Amac News: The announcement of SPC Free Zone stated that the event brought together a diverse group of business owners, entrepreneurs and industry professionals, providing a unique platform for participants to explore emerging market opportunities. According to the announcement, this event strengthened business cooperation and gained valuable insights from leading players in the UAE market. In his opening remarks, Saif AlSuwaidi, director of the SPC Free Zone, emphasized the importance of creating spaces where entrepreneurs can collaborate, learn and grow together. Alaan CEO William Saad noted that sustainable business growth requires a strategic combination of cost management and innovation. To succeed, business owners and entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of digital innovations, changes in business laws and more. He added that the platform shows how businesses can balance multiple factors to be flexible and thrive in today’s environment. The centerpiece of the event was an insightful panel discussion titled “Optimizing Your Business for Growth” featuring Andreea Andron, B2C Sales Manager at SPC Free Zone, and William Saad, General Manager of Alaan. Both participants shared their expertise on the critical aspects of starting and managing a business in the UAE, particularly in a free zone environment. The discussion covered fundamental topics such as growth hacking, financial planning, cost management, creating a business plan, identifying the right target audience, and industry trends and forecasts. Attendees had the opportunity to gain first-hand advice from these business leaders and learn about the strategic considerations necessary to succeed in the competitive UAE market. The event highlighted the benefits of free zones in providing streamlined processes, supportive infrastructure and access to vibrant business communities that can significantly reduce the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs. The gathering reinforced SPC Free Zone’s commitment to supporting business development in Sharjah, creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and providing valuable networking opportunities in the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants discussed ways to capitalize on emerging market opportunities, and participants were allowed to exchange ideas, share experiences, and make connections that could lead to future business growth.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) and Alaan, a leading provider of digital business spending solutions, recently hosted ‘Chai with Alaan x SPC Free Zone’, a networking event at the Rove Downtown Hotel in Dubai.
The event brought together a diverse group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, providing a platform to explore emerging market opportunities, foster collaborations, and gain insights from leading market players in the UAE.
Saif Alsuwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, emphasised the importance of spaces where entrepreneurs can engage, learn, and grow. He noted that in today’s rapidly evolving market, understanding strategies for sustainable growth is essential. He expressed confidence that the insights shared by the event’s panellists would be both enlightening and practical.
William Saad, General Manager of Alaan, highlighted the need for a strategic blend of cost management and innovation for sustainable growth. He stressed the importance of staying ahead of digital innovations and changes in commercial laws. Saad expressed excitement about partnering with SPC Free Zone to introduce the UAE’s leading smart corporate card to their clients.
The event’s centrepiece was a panel discussion titled “Optimising Your Business for Growth”, featuring Andreea Andron, B2C Sales Head at SPC Free Zone, and William Saad. They discussed key aspects of starting and managing a business in the UAE, including Growth Hacking, Financial Planning, and Industry Trends.
Attendees gained first-hand advice from industry leaders, learning about strategic considerations for success in the UAE’s competitive market. The event also reinforced SPC Free Zone’s commitment to supporting business development in Sharjah, offering valuable networking opportunities within the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) and Alaan, a leading provider of digital business spending solutions, recently hosted ‘Chai with Alaan x SPC Free Zone’, a dynamic networking event at the Rove Downtown Hotel in Dubai.
The event, which brought together a diverse group of business owners, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, provided a unique platform for attendees to explore emerging market opportunities, foster business collaborations, and gain valuable insights from UAE’s leading market players.
Saif Alsuwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, in his opening remarks emphasised the importance of creating spaces where entrepreneurs can engage, learn, and grow together. He stated, “We are excited to gather for this special networking event. In today’s rapidly evolving market, understanding the strategies that drive sustainable growth is more important than ever. Our esteemed panellists bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I am confident that their insights will be both enlightening and actionable.”
For his part, William Saad, General Manager of Alaan, noted, “Sustainable business growth requires a strategic blend of cost management and innovation. To be successful, business owners and entrepreneurs need to stay ahead of digital innovations, changes in commercial laws where they operate, and so on. This platform highlighted how businesses can balance multiple factors to be resilient and thrive in today’s environment. We’re excited to partner with SPC Free Zone to bring the UAE’s #1 smart corporate card to their clientele.”
The centrepiece of the event was an insightful panel discussion titled “Optimising Your Business for Growth” featuring Andreea Andron, B2C Sales Head at SPC Free Zone, and William Saad, General Manager of Alaan. Both panellists shared their expertise on the critical aspects of starting and managing a business in the UAE, particularly within the free zone environment. The discussion covered essential topics such as Growth Hacking, Financial Planning, Cost Management, Creating a Business Plan, Identifying the Right Target Audience, and Industry Trends and Forecasts.
Attendees had the opportunity to gain first hand advice from these commercial leaders, learning about the strategic considerations necessary for success in the UAE’s competitive market. The event highlighted the advantages of free zones in offering streamlined processes, supportive infrastructure, and access to vibrant business communities, which can significantly ease the challenges faced by new entrepreneurs.
This gathering reinforced SPC Free Zone’s commitment to supporting business development in Sharjah, creating meaningful opportunities for engagement and offering valuable networking opportunities within the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Beyond the panel, Chai with Alaan x SPC Free Zone served as a vital networking platform. Attendees engaged with like-minded peers, exploring potential collaborations and discussing ways to capitalise on emerging market opportunities. The event’s informal setting fostered open dialogue, allowing participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and build connections that could drive future business growth.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) recently participated in the 76th Frankfurt International Book Fair (FIBF). Their involvement aimed to explore partnerships with European and international publishers. SPC Free Zone showcased its specialised services for the creative industry, emphasising Sharjah’s role as a cultural and innovative hub. The event also highlighted investment opportunities in Sharjah’s creative sectors.
During the fair, SPC Free Zone presented its comprehensive services at the emirate’s pavilion. These include streamlined business setup, licensing processes, and advanced facilities for authors, publishers, and translators. Professionals from Europe and beyond showed keen interest in these offerings. This engagement paved the way for potential collaborations and knowledge exchange with key stakeholders from the UAE and global publishing sectors.
The free zone engaged in high-level discussions with international publishers about expanding into Middle Eastern markets through Sharjah. These meetings focused on Sharjah’s investment-friendly environment and SPC Free Zone’s extensive services. Currently, SPC Free Zone holds over 11,487 active licenses from 154 countries across various creative industry sectors.
Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, stated, “Our participation in the 2024 Frankfurt International Book Fair is a key step in fulfilling our mission to position Sharjah as a leading global hub for culture and creativity, under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.”
The event provided an invaluable platform for SPC Free Zone to engage with global industry leaders. It allowed them to showcase their state-of-the-art services and facilities while reinforcing support for professionals across creative industries. The goal is to enable these professionals to start and expand their businesses by leveraging Sharjah’s strategic geographic location.
Throughout the event, SPC Free Zone actively sought new collaboration avenues with stakeholders from both local and international publishing sectors. This effort aims to foster promising future partnerships that can benefit all parties involved.
The participation at FIBF was part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties between Arab and European publishers. It also aimed to cement Sharjah’s status as an international hub for culture and innovation while showcasing lucrative investment opportunities available within its creative industries.
Sharjah24: Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) concluded a successful participation in the 76th Frankfurt International Book Fair (FIBF) after exploring cooperation opportunities with European and international publishers and highlighting its specialised services catering to the creative industry to visitors and exhibitors. The participation, as part of the emirate’s pavilion at the global event, aimed to strengthen collaboration between Arab and European publishers, cement Sharjah’s status as an international hub for culture and innovation and showcase the lucrative investment opportunities it offers to the creative industries.
Comprehensive services to drive industry growth During its participation, professionals from Europe and beyond showed significant interest in SPC Free Zone’s publishing, printing, and distribution offerings, showcased at the emirate’s pavilion. The free zone presented its extensive services, including streamlined business setup, licensing processes, and advanced facilities tailored to support authors, publishers, and translators. Throughout the event, they actively explored new avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange with key stakeholders from the UAE and the global publishing sector, paving the way for promising future partnerships.
Strategic bilateral meetings SPC Free Zone engaged in high-level bilateral meetings with prominent international publishers, focusing on strategic expansion into Middle Eastern markets via Sharjah. Discussions highlighted the emirate’s investment-friendly environment and SPC Free Zone’s services and facilities, which currently has more than 11,487 active licenses from 154 countries across various sectors within the creative industries.
Bolstering Sharjah’s status as a global cultural hub Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of SPC Free Zone, said: “Our participation in the 2024 Frankfurt International Book Fair is a key step in fulfilling our mission to position Sharjah as a leading global hub for culture and creativity, under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The event provided an invaluable platform to engage with global industry leaders, showcase our state-of-the-art services and facilities, and reinforce the support we offer to professionals across the creative industries, enabling them to start and expand their businesses, in addition to tapping into regional and international markets leveraging the emirate’s geographic location.”
Advanced services and facilities Beyond fostering international partnerships, the SPC Free Zone plays a pivotal role in Sharjah’s economic diversification by creating job opportunities and advancing the UAE’s publishing sector. The free zone is home to many businesses that actively support the growth of the publishing industry and drive investment in creative sectors, reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a prime destination for global companies seeking to expand in the Middle East.
In a landmark effort to bridge entrepreneurial aspirations between the UAE and India, Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) is set to showcase its innovative ecosystem at the Startup Hub Expo India 2024.
This event, taking place from Jan.17th to 19th at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan expo centre, symbolises a significant stride in SPC Free Zone’s mission to nurture and empower the vibrant Indian startup community with its comprehensive range of services and global business insights.
The Startup Hub Expo India provides a strategic platform for SPC Free Zone to expand its global footprint while showcasing its innovative solutions and services.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit and explore the free zone’s dedicated booth to gain firsthand experience of the cutting-edge offerings, and engage with the onsite team for detailed insights, answers to queries, and the exploration of potential partnerships and collaborations.
Entrepreneurs and startups will also be able to schedule one-on-one meetings during the expo to discuss how Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone can tailor solutions to meet their specific needs and contribute to their business success.
Supporting Indian ventures: Within the diverse ecosystem of SPC Free Zone, Indian companies stand as the largest contingent, constituting a substantial portion of the registered businesses.
The SPC Free Zone has been instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for Indian entrepreneurs, offering them a strategic platform to establish and grow their ventures in the UAE. The streamlined company setup process, instant licences, competitive costs, and state-of-the-art infrastructure have been key attractions for Indian entrepreneurs, contributing to the Free Zone’s status as a preferred destination.
SPC Free Zone’s commitment to collaboration and innovation has fostered a thriving community where startups benefit from networking opportunities, industry expertise, and tailored support services.
This relationship has not only strengthened the Free Zone’s global presence, but also empowered Indian entrepreneurs to make significant strides in the publishing and related sectors within Sharjah and beyond.
In addition to attracting potential startups and investors, the Expo serves as a platform for SPC Free Zone to gain industry insights, stay updated on the latest trends, and foster collaboration with emerging entrepreneurs and industry stakeholders.
The Startup Hub Expo India, recognised as the largest startup exhibition in the country, will host over 350 startups across various sectors, including publishing, Smart Cities (ICT), Telecom, Fintech, Artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and EmbeddedTech.
This grand event offers unprecedented exposure, networking opportunities, and a chance for startups to validate their products and services in the market.
Participating in the Startup Hub Expo India 2024, SPC Free Zone demonstrates its commitment to fostering global business growth and innovation, particularly within the Indian startup ecosystem. With a comprehensive ecosystem that spans publishing, printing, media, e-commerce, and information technology, it offers over 1,500 business activities and licenses, providing a flexible and attractive environment for businesses of all sizes.
Success in business is often put down to a single, talented individual. But, as in many other areas of life, it’s more often the result of high-performing teams. As Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, said: “No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you’re playing a solo game, you’ll always lose out to a team.”
In my view, there is a great opportunity here for business owners in the UAE and GCC. We know diverse teams perform better, and there are few workforces more diverse than those in our region. The question is: are we leveraging this advantage?
One other point I also want to stress is that while recruiting the right people is crucial, developing a high-performance team is equally about creating an environment where they can learn, grow, and improve. So, in this article, I’ll give my take on whether we can say if great teams are hired or molded.
DEFINING THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TEAM
What constitutes a team? Fundamentally, it is the collective endeavor of individuals striving towards a common objective. A team is made up of interdependent individuals who are jointly accountable for results.
What makes it special is that a team possesses the potential to surpass the collective capabilities of its individual members. Whether we call this “team performance” or “team effectiveness,” we’re talking about how well the team fulfils its basic duties, and how it goes beyond them (such as working cross-functionally), as well as its ability to respond to changing demands– through learning and innovation.
When we look at the small startup teams –huddled around kitchen tables, or working away in garages– that later grow into tech giants, we often find a cross-functional team of developers, designers, and marketers working together seamlessly towards a shared goal. Even outside of business, we can find examples to help us think about our own organizations: in the early NASA space program Apollo 11, it took an estimated team of 400,000 people to make the moon landings possible.
In all cases, whether the team in question is large or small, what they share is that they are cohesive units that consistently exceed expectations, innovate, and adapt in the face of challenges. They exhibit exceptional levels of collaboration, communication, and accountability.
It’s been found that high-performing teams can lead to a 20%–25% increase in performance. In the context of the GCC region and UAE specifically, where rapid economic growth and fierce competition prevail, cultivating high-performance teams is critical for companies striving to stay ahead. Whether in finance, technology, hospitality, or any other sector, organizations that prioritize the development of such teams are better equipped to navigate uncertainties as well as capitalize on emerging opportunities.
To my mind, these are the key components of high-performance teams:
SHARED VISION AND GOALS High-performance teams are driven by a common purpose and clear, achievable objectives. Every member understands their role in contributing to the overarching mission, and they are committed to its attainment.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Open, honest communication is the lifeblood of high-performance teams. They foster an environment where ideas flow freely, feedback is welcomed, and conflicts are addressed constructively.
COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT Collaboration is ingrained in the DNA of high-performance teams. Members leverage each other’s strengths, support one another in times of need, and celebrate collective achievements.
CONTINUOUS LEARNING High-performance teams are not complacent. They embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement. They seek feedback, adapt to changing circumstances, and proactively identify opportunities for growth.
RESILIENCE AND AGILITY In the face of adversity, high-performance teams display resilience and agility. They remain adaptable, innovative, and unfazed by setbacks, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
A quick glance at the numbers tells you everything you need to know. Let’s start with what happens if your team isn’t high-performance. A 2024 market data report shows that around 46% of failed startups cited a lack of team competence as the primary reason. That’s almost half of failed startups claiming it all comes down to the team. Another study shows that 75% of teams struggle with dysfunctionality.
As I’ve mentioned, one area of optimism for business owners in the UAE –where teams are, by the nature of the workforce, exceedingly diverse– is that increasing diversity within teams can create a 50% enhancement in performance. This is according to a study, which also found that when team members are empowered and working well together, companies show a 6% higher net profit margin.
So, what does a high-performance team look like, and how can leaders nurture and sustain such teams? As Steve Jobs said, “The best ideas have to win, otherwise good people don’t stay.” So, trusting others, and having arguments that are focused on the task at hand and don’t get personal, is key. (Now, it’s debatable whether Jobs himself truly followed this, but you can’t argue with his success!) In short, if your teams are engaged, they will stay with your organization for the long run.
One question often debated is whether high-performance teams are hired or molded. My view is that the truth lies somewhere in between. While recruiting individuals with the right skills, mindset, and cultural fit is undoubtedly crucial, investing in their development and nurturing a conducive environment for collaboration and growth is equally essential.
To achieve this, leaders must adopt a holistic approach that combines strategic hiring with team-building initiatives. This may involve implementing rigorous recruitment processes to identify top talent, providing ongoing training and development opportunities, fostering a culture of trust and psychological safety, and establishing clear performance metrics and feedback mechanisms. Managers should aim to cultivate cohesion within teams by promoting inclusion and recognition, ensuring that all team members feel valued for their unique contributions.
So, developing cohesion within teams requires a proactive approach on the part of managers. They should recognize that social cohesion is dynamic and can evolve over time, and as such, having regular check-ins with the team is crucial to gauge feelings towards one another, and identify the need for new strategies. Plus, building trust and familiarity through team-building activities remains vital. Additionally, managers should facilitate a sense of belonging among team members by highlighting the value of their individual skills and personalities in contributing to the team’s overall success.
Building high-performing teams in the UAE requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes skillful recruitment, continuous development, and a collaborative environment. By recognizing the diverse cultural landscape of our region, I believe we can harness its unique strengths and unlock untapped potential. This means investing in team cohesion, trust-building, and inclusive practices to enhance productivity and cultivate a sense of unity and shared purpose. If you create a “best idea wins” environment, you will prove the maxim that a great team will always outperform even the most brilliant individual.
Home to more than 3000 Indian companies including publishers, retailers, and other businesses, SPC Free Zone is going to lead several meetings and networking opportunities to inform ecosystem players about the burgeoning prospects for expansion and growth that lie ahead of them when they choose Sharjah and SPC Free Zone as their regional gateway. SPC Free Zone’s participation in the NDWBF 2024 aligns with its mission to serve as a global hub connecting publishers from diverse regions with the lucrative opportunities, business-friendly policies and tax incentives available in the UAE.
A regional launchpad for the Indian and global publishing industry Through their dedicated booth at NDWBF 2024, SPC Free Zone will offer attendees a unique opportunity to explore the array of services and advantages it provides to publishers. From cost-effective licensing solutions to flexible office spaces and access to a vibrant publishing community, SPC Free Zone stands as an ideal platform for those seeking to establish or expand their presence in the competitive world of publishing.
India, with its rich literary heritage and deep-rooted interest in publishing, shares a symbiotic relationship with Sharjah, and SPC Free Zone has become a preferred choice for thousands of Indian companies taking advantage of the 1,500 business activities that the free zone offers through their fast and efficient registration.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has unveiled its latest offering — the “Instant Licence Service”. This comprehensive instant business licence has been developed to redefine the process of establishing businesses in Sharjah, offering a swift and cost-effective solution for business owners.
The service is a first-of-its-kind, encompassing a spectrum of essential components crucial for establishing and operating businesses in Sharjah. It is designed to expedite the business setup process, empowering entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and gain instant access to the thriving economy within the region.
The comprehensive service includes essential components such as the Business Licence, a Memorandum of Association (MOA), a Lease Agreement for securing office or business space within the SPC Free Zone, and a Share Certificate documenting ownership and 1 shareholder.
The service also includes a Certificate of Formation that validates the business entity’s existence and a Business Activity Certificate, which specifies approved business activities under the licence.
This instant licence also allows the flexibility to choose up to three licence activities from over 1,500 options spanning various industries and provisions for an unlimited number of visa quotas, streamlining the process for securing visas for key personnel within the company.
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone, said, “We adopt a clear strategy towards supporting the business environment in Sharjah and strengthening its status as an attractive global destination for investment. This strategy is embodied in studying the challenges of entrepreneurs, investors, and project owners in the region and providing comprehensive solutions for them, enabling them to advance their businesses from establishment to the development and growth stage.”
With this new offering, SPC Free Zone continues to position itself as a pioneer in supporting business ventures, aligning with the emirate’s vision of becoming a global hub for diverse industries.
A free zone in the UAE is offering instant business licences as it looks to help entrepreneurs start a company in the country.
Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) has unveiled its latest offering — the “Instant Licence Service”.
This comprehensive instant business licence has been developed to redefine the process of establishing businesses in Sharjah, offering a swift and cost-effective solution for business owners.
Instant business licence in the UAE
The service is a first-of-its-kind, encompassing a spectrum of essential components crucial for establishing and operating businesses in Sharjah.
It is designed to expedite the business setup process, empowering entrepreneurs to realise their ambitions and gain instant access to the thriving economy within the region.
The comprehensive service includes essential components such as:
The business licence
A Memorandum of Association (MOA)
A Lease Agreement for securing office or business space within the SPC Free Zone
A Share Certificate documenting ownership and one shareholder
The service also includes a Certificate of Formation that validates the business entity’s existence and a Business Activity Certificate, which specifies approved business activities under the licence.
This instant licence also allows the flexibility to choose up to three licence activities from more than 1,500 options spanning various industries and provisions for an unlimited number of visa quotas, streamlining the process for securing visas for key personnel within the company in the UAE.
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at the Sharjah Book Authority and Acting Director of SPC Free Zone, said: “We adopt a clear strategy towards supporting the business environment in Sharjah and strengthening its status as an attractive global destination for investment.
“This strategy is embodied in studying the challenges of entrepreneurs, investors, and project owners in the region and providing comprehensive solutions for them, enabling them to advance their businesses from establishment to the development and growth stage.”
With this new offering, SPC Free Zone continues to position itself as a pioneer in supporting business ventures in the UAE, aligning with the emirate’s vision of becoming a global hub for diverse industries.
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