Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) launched the first Sharjah Summer, organised by 28 participants, to this date, from public and private sectors in the emirate.

The campaign planned to run from June 27 to September 8, 2017, includes a package of world-class events and fabulous promotions that aim to boost Sharjah's position on the world tourism map as a destination for family tourism.

The launch took place at a press conference held on Monday 12 June during a Sohour banquet held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Senior public sector officials, private sector personalities and media representatives attended the unveiling of the summer-long campaign.

SCTDA said the Sharjah Summer is one of the biggest events organised in the emirate. It includes many unique, quality activities that promote family tourism and boost Sharjah's status as a special tourist destination for all, in particular for the Arab Gulf region in all seasons.

SCTDA Chairman, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, told attendees, "What is special about this event is that it combines for the first time the endeavors of the public and private sectors under the umbrella of SCTDA." This is expected to boost joint efforts to promote Sharjah as a world tourism destination and attract more tourists during the summer holidays, he stressed.

Al Midfa went on to say that with the Sharjah Summer, the emirate adds a distinctive flavor to the events it hosts for residents and tourists alike.

The Chairman also pointed out that the quality festivals and events that the emirate has organised in recent years had positive incomes in enhancing its position as an important regional centre of culture, folklore shows and arts.

Al Midfa’ expected "the campaign to attract the Gulf market, one of the biggest exporters of tourists, to the emirate."

Al Midfa expressed appreciation of all the efforts taken to ensure the campaign success, saying all stakeholders are keen on working hand in hand to assist in planning enticing quality events, programmers and offers.

“Cooperation among all partners is of utmost importance to advance the tourism sector of the Emirate of Sharjah,” he said.

The Chairman said the Sharjah Summer brings together an array of entertainment, arts and cultural events and shows that suit all family members and ensure an invaluable and unforgettable stay in Sharjah during the summer vacation.

The campaign agenda includes a number of creative and educational programmers, workshops, and even trips to key places and sites in Sharjah, including Heart of Sharjah, Al Qasba, Al Majaz, Al Noor Island and many other attractions. Trips organized for the first time and for all age groups, can be planned for both amusement and educational purposes, he indicated.

Sharjah Summer gives tourists priceless shopping opportunities and tremendous promotional offers that include substantive discounts on hotel reservations, tickets and shopping centres, as well as gifts and prizes that help attract family tourism.

Sharjah Summer weekend nights are full of exceptionally entertaining programmes of theatre and cinematic shows that bring joy and excitement to the hearts of all family members.

These activities aim to seed positive values, develop artistic and creative taste and enhance the spirit of teamwork among children. In this way, the summer vacation is enriched and children gain entertainment and knowledge at the same time.

Partners in Sharjah Summer include concerned government institutions, shopping centres, travel agencies, airlines and other private sector entities.

Partners said that for their part, they pin high expectations and hopes on the campaigns potential to make the Emirate of Sharjah a destination for summer tourism, thus attracting an increased number of tourists from abroad.

The campaign, they said, strengthens public-private cooperation, especially as the emirate already has marked successes that have led to it being crowned a Capital for Arab tourism in 2015.

Sharjah Summer partners said they are certain that the campaign would boost the summer season, as it plans coordinated activities all over the emirate with an attractive, enjoyable and exciting campaign. Sharjah campaign partners indicated that the plans would prompt trade activities, assist the tourism sector and create entertainment for residents and guests in quality venues and shopping centers around Sharjah.