His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and ruler of Sharjah, has authorised a series of media initiatives in Sharjah Media City (Shams).
These projects mark a significant advancement in the emirate's media infrastructure and set a new standard for the integration of government entities under the Sharjah Media Council.
These projects reflect the vision and interests of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and deputy ruler of Sharjah. They are supported and overseen by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, deputy ruler of Sharjah and chairman of the Sharjah Media Council.
He leads initiatives to unify and enhance government media efforts, transforming them into a more robust and effective system.
Global collaborations and advanced tech
H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi confirmed that approving the Shams project package reflects the emirate’s vision of developing a sophisticated media sector driven by innovation, global collaborations, and advanced technologies.
He pointed out that launching Shams Studios will boost the emirate’s capacity to attract leading production firms and content creators, offering a professional platform for local talent to enhance their skills and grow their footprint in the media industry.
He emphasised that investing in media means investing in people and identity. Sharjah is confidently advancing its efforts to enhance its global cultural and knowledge presence through responsible media, strategic collaborations, and a sophisticated system that fosters sustainable growth in this crucial sector.
The project will create the largest unified government media hub in the UAE and the region, consolidating media entities linked to the Government of Sharjah, including the Sharjah Media Council, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Sharjah Media City, Shams, which will serve as the hub's new headquarters.
The' Shams Studios” project aims to create the most advanced production hub in the region, featuring a complex with five major studios ranging from 1,500 to 3,400 square metres. These studios will serve film, drama, and content creators, complemented by specialised post-production facilities, including editing rooms, visual effects units, and sound design studios.
This setup will support television and cinematic productions to meet the highest international standards.
The approved projects also encompass the creation of an integrated government media business complex. This complex consolidates the Sharjah Media Council, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and media companies within Shams into a collaborative environment.
It aims to foster innovation, streamline production and broadcasting, and improve the efficiency of government communication.
Four specialised buildings
The complex will consist of four specialised buildings, each with a ground floor and four upper floors: one for the Sharjah Media Council, one for the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, and two designated for media entities and companies within Shams.
The development project involves constructing a new building for the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, equipped with modern technical infrastructure to enhance the Authority’s capacity to keep pace with advancements in broadcasting and production technologies.
This will improve its ability to produce a variety of high-quality content that represents the Emirate’s identity and message. The initial phase includes the administrative building, the news building, and the Sharjah Sports Channel facility.
Supporting Sharjah’s cultural and creative scene, the new initiatives include the Shams Creative Oasis, a state-of-the-art centre for artistic and educational activities.
It houses a modern theatre seating 700, along with spaces for community events, artistic performances, and training programmes—helping nurture young talent and offering an inspiring platform for creativity.
See also: Sharjah Museums: reaching new audiences online and in person
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
