AUS’s oversight will now be replaced by an independent board of directors under Emiri Decree No. (9) of 2023. Chaired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, that will manage and represent the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Free Zone Authority
In a move that Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) Chairperson and President Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi says will boost the UAE’s knowledge economy and status as an entrepreneurial haven, SRTIP is to fuse with the Sharjah Oasis for Technology and Innovation (SOTI).
Under the merger, to form an independent Free Zone Authority (FZA), SRTIP will absorb SOTI and combine the organizations’ resources and expertise. The structure of SRTIP, consequently, will change to reflect the new FZA’s form and function.
While cementing the UAE’s position as a global destination for business and entrepreneurship, this advancement will further unlock the considerable potential of Sharjah’s technology and innovation sectors.
With oversight from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) enterprise program, it has operated as a ‘triple helix’ collaboration between industry, government, and academia since the establishment of SRTIP in 2016 by an Emiri decree.
AUS’s oversight will now be replaced by an independent board of directors under Emiri Decree No. (9) of 2023. Chaired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, that will manage and represent the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park Free Zone Authority.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “Merging SRTIP and SOTI and formalizing SRTIP’s role as an independent free zone authority means we can make bigger strides in our mission to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem and develop the knowledge economy in Sharjah and the UAE. Under the stewardship of AUS, SRTIP has been hugely successful in enhancing Sharjah’s standing as an innovator in the technology sector. It has created an attractive and dynamic business environment for more than 2,000 companies specializing in advanced innovative technologies, which have invested more than $100 million in their research. The time is right to reach higher and underscore Sharjah’s position as a leading global destination for innovation, business, and entrepreneurship. The establishment of a diverse and experienced Board of Directors to guide and support the vision of SRTIP is an important step on that path.”
The new board of directors will comprise industry leaders and experienced entrepreneurs with relevant knowledge and experience to guide SRTIP towards its future mission.
They include:
● Prince Khaled bin Waleed bin Talal, Founding Chairman, KBW Investments, Founder and CEO of KBW Ventures
● Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, Founding Partner of Soma Mater
● Dr. Abdelaziz Saeed Obaid Bin Butti Almheiri, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority and Chairman of 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, 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.
● Mudassir Sheikha, Co-Founder and CEO of Careem
To ensure the smooth leadership transition, senior officials from University of Sharjah, AUS and SRTIP are also invited to join the new Board of Directors, namely:
● Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah
● Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah
● Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO, Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP)
For the long-term growth of the organization, the four-year membership of the Board will help establish a clear vision.
With the expectations of internal and external stakeholders, members will assist in overseeing SRTIP’s day-to-day operations and supporting the alignment of its strategic goals. By developing marketing outreach and partnerships and ensuring its long-term sustainability, they will also work to enhance its global credibility.
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