In line with the development strategy in the emirate of Sharjah to provide the ideal environment for industrial investors, Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) to provide a number of facilities and privileges related to electricity, gas and water supplies for investors in Al Saja’a Industrial Oasis.

The agreement is part of the governmental partnership in Sharjah for the purpose of boosting the investment environment and increasing competitiveness in fast-growing sectors, such as industrial, commercial and service sectors. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and diversify the national economy and ensure continuous prosperity and growth for the Emirate of Sharjah.

Strategically located on Emirates Road (E611), in close proximity to Sharjah International Airport and Al Hamriya Port, ASIO, one of SAM’s projects, stretches over an area of 14 million square feet and is comprised of 353 plots for light and medium industrial, mix use, some retail and a large accommodation plot. Plots in ASIO are available for sale to UAE Nationals, GCC and Arab residents as freehold investments. All other residents may apply for a 100-year Leasehold (Usufruct Right).

The signing ceremony was attended by HE Dr. Engineer Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority and HE Waleed Al Sayegh, Chief Executive Officer of Sharjah Asset Management who signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations in the presence of Mohammed bin Essa, Executive Director at Sharjah Asset Management, Abdelaziz Fikri, Senior Manager of ASIO and a number of Officials from both sides.

According to the agreement, both parties will facilitate the obtaining of electricity, water and gas services by the project’s investors, tenants and main developer. This includes permit issuance, bill payment, installation programmes and a timeline of electricity connection to each plot of land in ASIO in compliance with the voltage requirements of each plot of land.

HE Waleed Al Sayegh said: “ASIO offers an extraordinary investment opportunity for UAE Nationals, Arab and foreign investors in various industrial, retail and mix-use projects. It is poised to become one of the largest and most advanced industrial parks in the region. Through this MoU, we are looking forward to offering more facilities to help investors start up their businesses and projects rapidly from ASIO.”

He added: “ASIO offers world-class infrastructure, including a 14-kilometre-long network of roads, 162,000 sq ft paved footpaths, two KV 33 substations and 17 KV 11 substations, 104-KM long cables, 250 utility poles with eco-friendly LED lights and 102 fire nozzles.”

Al Sayegh highlighted that the services provided by SEWA are part of the ASIO’s excellent infrastructure. It will help investors to expand their business to serve the industrial and commercial sector in the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. In addition, this MoU supports the sustainable development plans which will be positively reflected on the GCC region.

 HE Dr Eng Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), stressed the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in the Emirate of Sharjah. Attracting more investors and providing them with the power supply and facilities they need, maintains Sharjah’s status as the most diversified economy in the region. He added: “We believe in the necessity of providing a safe and reliable power supply at reasonable rates for various business sectors because it encourage companies from all sectors to take advantage of the benefits provided by the emirate.”

He underscored the importance of integration between the public and private sectors to meet the needs of the overall development pursuits led by the Government of Sharjah and inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The Sharjah Government is striving to provide power as well as utilities to the farthest corners of the emirate.

He said that the SEWA will study the possibility of providing a water supply to all investors and tenants at Al Sajaa Industrial Oasis (ASIO) within one year from the date of submitting applications. SEWA will facilitate the process of obtaining Sharjah Municipality’s No Objection Certificate to connect the utilities. He added that the authority will provide ‘fast track power’ at specific rates to applicants, in accordance with the applicable regulations. 

Al Saja’a Industrial Oasis is one of the most groundbreaking and ambitious initiatives that adhere to Government of Sharjah’s development plans. By developing the industrial, real estate and commercial sector, ASIO meets the growing needs of investors and residents in the Emirate as well as the increasing demand for industrial investment from local, regional and international markets.