Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah. ARCHIVE

September 18, 2024, marks a significant milestone as Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, celebrates 50 years as ruler. Over the past five decades, Sheikh Hamad has transformed the emirate into a major regional and global hub, achieving sustainable development in key sectors like the economy, tourism, social development, and culture. Under Sheikh Hamad's leadership, Fujairah has undergone an economic boom. The emirate's ports have become some of the largest in the UAE, supporting vital projects such as the Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline. Fujairah’s port, known for having the second-largest bunkering hub and the third-largest storage hub globally, accommodated the transport needs of significant shipping companies with nine deep-water berths and a jetty for very large crude carriers. In 2023 alone, the port handled 5,000 containers, and the emirate’s oil refineries produced 4,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products. The tourism sector has also flourished under Sheikh Hamad's rule. Fujairah International Airport has become a crucial gateway for tourism and trade, while the emirate's natural resources, such as its quarries, have supplied materials for infrastructure projects across the Gulf region. In 2023, Fujairah's direct foreign trade imports reached nearly Dh2 billion, with about 22,000 business licenses issued, highlighting the emirate's growing economic footprint. Sheikh Hamad has been a staunch advocate of entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth, driving investments in small and medium enterprises. His initiatives have led to the issuance and renewal of 21,000 business licenses across various sectors. The emirate has also seen an expansion in its banking sector, with 14 banks now operating in Fujairah. Moreover, Sheikh Hamad's commitment to his residents' welfare is evident in the Fujairah 2040 Plan, focusing on enhancing housing, transportation, healthcare, and infrastructure. Cultural development is another cornerstone of Sheikh Hamad's 50-year legacy. He has transformed Fujairah into a cultural hub, earning the International Theatre Institute (ITI) Medal for his commitment to culture and humanism. Iconic landmarks like the 16th-century Fujairah Fort and Al Bidya Mosque attract numerous visitors, with the emirate’s historical sites welcoming 114,305 visitors in 2023. The emirate also boasts several higher education institutions and numerous healthcare facilities, ensuring a comprehensive framework for its residents' well-being. In sports, Sheikh Hamad has promoted various activities, turning Fujairah into a key player in the international sports arena. The Fujairah International Marine Club and Fujairah Martial Arts Club have been focal points, consistently achieving success and bringing international attention to the emirate. The hospitality sector has also thrived, contributing Dh573 million in revenue in 2023 from its 31 hotels, including 13 five-star establishments. ICA/Expat Media
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