SEC sets up permanent panel for Faya Research Grant

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), chaired the Council’s meeting on Tuesday, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council. The meeting was held at the Ruler’s Office.

Review of government work and public policies

During the meeting, SEC discussed a number of general topics related to the progress of government work, and reviewed the public policies of government departments and authorities and their role in achieving the vision and strategy of the Emirate of Sharjah.

Formation of Permanent Scientific Committee for Al Faya Research Grant

The Council issued a decision on the establishment and formation of the Permanent Scientific Committee for Al Faya Research Grant in the Emirate of Sharjah, which shall be affiliated with and operate under the supervision of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

The decision stipulates that the Permanent Scientific Committee for Al Faya Research Grant shall be chaired by Issa Abbas Hussein Yousif, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, with the following members:

1. Khuloud Mohammed Al Houli Al Suwaidi, Director of the Tangible Cultural Heritage Department at the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, Vice Chairperson.

2. Dr Sabah Abboud Jasim, Adviser to the Sharjah Archaeology Authority.

3. Dr Nicholas Conard, Head of the Department of Early Prehistory and Quaternary Studies, Dean of Studies and Director of the State Museum of Prehistory at the University of Tübingen, Germany.

4. Dr Adrian Parker, expert in palaeoenvironmental studies at Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom.

5. Dr Knut Bretzke, Head of the German Archaeological Mission in the Emirate of Sharjah.

6. Kagosi Mamlui, Executive Director of the National Heritage and Conservation Commission in Zambia.

The decision also outlined the committee’s objectives, competencies, meetings, term of membership, and other legal provisions.

Approval of agricultural land licensing mechanism

SEC approved the mechanism for licensing agricultural land in the Emirate of Sharjah. The initiative aims to support farm owners and encourage productive agriculture by providing tailored service packages and necessary facilities, and by granting official licences to conduct agricultural production activities in the emirate under a clear framework. This mechanism ensures the activation of the role of relevant partners, farmers’ compliance with the highest standards of quality and food safety, and the enhancement of agricultural investment opportunities and local production.

Draft law on regulating the use of drones

The Council discussed a draft law regulating the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) in the Emirate of Sharjah, in line with the development and leadership of the aviation sector in the United Arab Emirates. SEC directed that a number of remarks be incorporated into the draft law before referring it to the Sharjah Consultative Council.

Review of Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work achievements

The Council reviewed a report on the achievements of the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, which included the award’s strategic plan aimed at strengthening competitiveness in voluntary work, promoting the culture and values of volunteering in society, and achieving institutional excellence in the award’s performance.

The report showed that the number of entries reached 292 submissions competing across 14 award categories. It also highlighted growth in participation and an expansion in categories to include various segments and fields of volunteering, such as veteran figures, entities, supporters, volunteer teams, students, suburbs, and initiatives.

Earlier, the Council reviewed the strategic pillars for developing the organic honey sector in the Emirate of Sharjah, including best practices and benchmarking at the local, Gulf, and global levels.

The review also covered partnerships and responsibilities with other government entities, the project’s general objectives, licensing procedures, and the implementation roadmap.

SEC approved a licensing mechanism for beekeepers and site usage, aimed at regulating beekeeping activities in accordance with specific requirements. The mechanism seeks to support and empower beekeepers to obtain licences, benefit from government and financing programmes, protect local bee species from diseases and pests, enhance food security through high-quality local production, and reduce violations and irregular practices.