Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, chaired on Tuesday the weekly meeting of SEC at the Ruler’s Office.
The council discussed a number of issues related to developing government work and providing pioneering services to all citizens and residents of Sharjah, in addition to support the development projects in all tourism, economic, social and cultural sectors in the city.
As part of the council’s keenness to follow up the performance of the vital sectors in the emirate and develop plans, the council reviewed the two reports on the performance of the aviation and travel sector through the annual achievements for 2021, for the Department of Civil Aviation and the Sharjah International Airport Authority.
According to the annual reports, the aviation sector with all its components has witnessed remarkable growth due to the pioneering policies adopted in to the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic through business continuity measures, providing incentives, continuing to strengthen and building partnership relationships with all partners, and the start of the gradual recovery phase.
Passenger traffic witnessed a 50% growth compared to 2020, in addition to a 44% growth in air cargo traffic, to an increase in the issuance of commercial licenses related to the aviation, travel and tourism sectors.
The annual reports included the fruitful agreements and partnerships concluded by the Department of Civil Aviation and the Sharjah International Airport Authority to enhance their business with key partners, open new destinations and receive more companies and travelers.
The year 2021 included the implementation of several initiatives that enhanced the work environment in the aviation sector and provided more services to travelers by developing Sharjah International Airport facilities and procedures by making use of modern technologies.
The reports included certificates and awards obtained during the year 2021, in addition to qualifying human cadres through academic programmes, courses and workshops, participating in specialised conferences, and strengthening relations through regional and international exhibitions.
The council reviewed the economic situation report for 2021, which included the main indicators related to business licenses, the movement of the industrial sector, digital and electronic services, commercial protection and foreign investment.
According to the report, 2021 witnessed a growth in the issuance of commercial licenses by 50% and an increase in the renewal rates of licenses by 5%, according to all types of commercial and professional licenses, household approval, e-commerce, and others.
According to the economic report, the index for issuing industrial business licenses increased by 73% due to the stimulating economic environment for the industrial sector. The report also included commercial protection efforts through dealing and solving 98% of the complaints submitted.
The report included digital and electronic services provided by Sharjah Economic Development Department that keep pace with digital transformation and provide the best services to investors and entrepreneurs.
