Sharjah Ruler announces Communication Technologies Free Zone

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree to establish the Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone.

The decree states that a free zone dedicated to communication technologies would be established in the emirate's city of Kalba, with its specific location, borders and geographical area determined by the Ruler of Sharjah.

The facility's name will be adopted in English as: Sharjah Communication Technologies “Free Zone” (COMTECH).

According to the Decree, the free zone aims to achieve the following:

• Enhance Sharjah's position in communication technologies and contribute to its economic development.
• Establish an attractive hub for investments, partnerships and skilled professionals in communication technologies.
• Support and promote the communication technology sector to elevate the emirate’s global standing in this field.
• Create a conducive environment for investing in technological transformation, artificial intelligence, and future technologies.
• Aid technology firms, information centres and artificial intelligence institutions.
• Develop national talent in science and attract international professionals working in communication technologies.

It shall exercise the following powers:

• Formulating legislation, policies and strategic plans for the region in line with approved standards and practices, and presenting them to the Council for appropriate action.
• Ensuring compliance with international agreements and treaties in all regional areas as committed to by the UAE.
• Developing and implementing communication technology policies and strategies within the emirate.
• Granting licences to companies interested in engaging in marine and land cable extensions related to communication technologies.
• Establishing data centres for companies operating in the region.
• Providing technical, administrative and skilled personnel to companies upon request, based on the nature of their work and agreed-upon conditions within the region.
• Seeking support from relevant authorities for administrative and technical assistance, and collaborating with experts, consultants and specialised agencies in matters related to its work. Also, partnering with other authorities on relevant objectives and competencies.
• Formulating memorandums of understanding, partnerships and agreements at local, regional and international levels, subject to approval by the Council.
• Acquiring, leasing and owning movable and immovable assets necessary to fulfill its obligations, and investing in permissible fields according to applicable legislation and regulations.
• Exercising any other powers delegated to the zone by the Sharjah Ruler or Council.

The zone will be overseen by the Chairman of the Sharjah Communications Technologies Free Zone.

A Director will be appointed for the zone by the Ruler or the Council, and will be supported by an adequate number of employees and experts as per its organisational structure.

The Director holds the authority to administer the zone's affairs and make essential decisions to accomplish its objectives.

Sharjah Ruler establishes Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone#WamNews https://t.co/KJZLMgULMh pic.twitter.com/75SoKj95bh

— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) July 1, 2024