Vision Planning Themes Speakers Abstracts Programme Committee Logistics Sharjah Patron Commerce Biographies Events SBU Links	Commerce in Sharjah
	Sharjah was recognized by UNESCO as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998 and is also well known as a major commercial hub of the region. Commerce and culture, modern and traditional have been blended into Sharjah's strategic development planning, resulting over the last four years in a 12% annual industrial growth rate. The networking which began in earnest in 1995 has now established itself. The synergy between the apex bodies in the ports, the Free Zones, the airport, the freight forwarders and agents and most importantly through the offices of the proactive Sharjah Chamber of Commerce has moved Sharjah into the universally acknowledged position of being the region's leading industrial base. Heritage and culture are highly valued in developing commerce, demonstrated by deliberate efforts to preserve and conserve, restore and renovate historic old buildings. Even as business grows, the protection and preservation of the past provides a sobering and balancing counterpart which meets up to the challenges of sustainable development. The architecture of even modern constructions blends with the culture of the past creating an old world ambiance that very few urban cities have maintained. The souks retain their history, the facades reflecting the best of the past. The Sharah Fort, the Islamic Museum, the Heritage Museum, the Science Museum, the multiple leaming centers, the majlis, the royal palaces, all contribute to the Emirate's status as a culturally vibrant city.
Design and Implementation by michael:rill