Sharjah Media City (Shams) concluded 2024 on a high note. It showcased impressive achievements that reaffirmed its regional leadership. These successes positioned Shams as a hub for media innovation and entrepreneurship.
With a 70% renewal rate for commercial licenses, Shams supported individuals from over 170 nationalities. Achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate, Shams generated over 18,000 jobs within its ecosystem. These accomplishments highlight the success of its sustainable growth strategy since its inception.
Diverse Events and Initiatives of Sharjah Media City
Throughout 2024, Shams organized over 40 activities. These included community events, workshops, international collaborations, and exhibition sponsorships. Each event highlighted its dynamic and creative spirit. For instance, the Arabic podcast “Hadith Shams” (“Shams Talk”) released 40 episodes. These episodes covered critical topics in media, entrepreneurship, and creativity.
Additionally, Shams launched the “Shams Award for Arabic Content.” This award celebrated excellence in Arabic content production. It encouraged creators to produce innovative work aligned with digital advancements.
Another notable program was the “Influencers’ Chamber.” This initiative debuted at the International Government Communication Forum. It aimed to empower content creators through workshops and interactive sessions.
Among its flagship events, the “Shams Creativity Festival” stood out. It attracted over 2,000 visitors and showcased 50 small and medium-sized projects. These projects featured work by entrepreneurs and creatives. Additionally, the “Shams Ramadan Festival” blended community and cultural activities throughout the holy month.
Shams also hosted the “Young Arab Media Leaders Programme.” This program equipped future generations for success in media-related fields.
Expanding Global Influence
On the international stage, Shams made a significant impact. It participated in prominent forums and exhibitions. At “MIPCOM 2024” in Cannes, it showcased its studio projects. This effort attracted global investment into Sharjah.
Furthermore, its “Writing Chamber” initiative nurtured media talent. It supported scriptwriting and won a bronze award in the “Best Communication Campaign in Arts and Entertainment” category. This recognition came at the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards.
Shams sustained its focus on innovation through several initiatives. For instance, it hosted specialized workshops on artificial intelligence (AI). These workshops were part of its “Create with Shams” platform.
In 2024, Shams hosted 29 eSports tournaments. These events engaged teams from the UAE and Gulf region, along with Emirati youth. Its “Shams Summer Programme” catered to over 100 children aged 6-16.
Sharjah Media City: Pursuit of Excellence
Rashid Abdullah Al Obed, Director of Sharjah Media City (Shams), reflected on these achievements. “We continue to innovate and excel, driven by our vision to establish a global hub for creativity and media,” he said. “Our 2024 accomplishments signify tangible progress toward this vision. They reinforce Shams as a leading center for media and creativity. These milestones reflect the visionary leadership that laid the foundation for our success. This inspires us to deliver unparalleled quality.”
Shams aspires to establish itself as a premier regional and global hub for media technology. It is underpinned by the belief that Emirati talent can achieve outcomes comparable to global standards.
