Empowering Change: Investing in People, Planet, and Place with Shurooq

Sharjah’s Shurooq: How Strategic Investment is building a Sustainable Future

Sharjah, UAE – Under the guidance of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Sharjah Investment and Progress Authority (Shurooq) has become a blueprint for harmonizing economic growth with cultural preservation and environmental responsibility. The authority’s success isn’t accidental; it’s rooted in a strategic vision that prioritizes lasting value for both residents and visitors.

“Each of our key sectors – real estate, hospitality, arts and culture, and leisure – was selected for its capacity to deliver lasting value,” explains Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq. this holistic approach, inspired by His Highness Sheikh dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, shapes every decision and fuels sharjah’s vibrant, resilient future.

Shurooq distinguishes itself by enabling entrepreneurship rather than competing within it. Instead of simply accelerating startups, the authority builds strategic destinations that boost visibility and accessibility. Currently, over 600 businesses operate across Shurooq projects, including 87 SMEs and nearly 300 women-led enterprises. Partnerships with organizations like Sheraa and the Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator streamline investor support and lower barriers to entry, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Al Qaseer calls this approach “enablement through infrastructure.”

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How does Shurooq’s focus on “place” contribute to the overall impact investment strategy?

Understanding Shurooq’s Impact Investment Philosophy

Shurooq, meaning “sunrise” in Arabic, embodies a new dawn for impact investing. This isn’t simply about financial returns; it’s a commitment to generating positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside profit. Shurooq distinguishes itself through a holistic approach, focusing on three core pillars: people, planet, and place. This framework guides their investment decisions, ensuring alignment with enduring development goals and long-term value creation. Key terms related to this approach include ESG investing,sustainable finance,and responsible investing.

Investing in People: Human Capital Development

shurooq prioritizes investments that empower individuals and communities.This translates into several key areas:

Education & Skills Training: Supporting initiatives that provide access to quality education and vocational training, especially for underserved populations. This includes funding for STEM education,digital literacy programs,and entrepreneurship training.

Healthcare Access: Investing in companies and organizations that improve access to affordable and quality healthcare services, focusing on preventative care and addressing health disparities. This often involves supporting telemedicine, mobile health clinics, and healthcare technology.

Fair Labor Practices: shurooq actively seeks out businesses committed to fair wages, safe working conditions, and employee well-being. They champion ethical sourcing, supply chain openness, and worker empowerment initiatives.

Financial Inclusion: Providing access to financial services, such as microfinance and affordable credit, to individuals and small businesses excluded from conventional banking systems. This fosters economic empowerment and community development.

Protecting the Planet: Environmental Sustainability

Recognizing the urgent need for environmental action, Shurooq directs capital towards solutions that mitigate climate change and protect natural resources. This includes:

Renewable Energy: Investing in solar power, wind energy, hydroelectric power, and other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting regenerative agriculture practices, organic farming, and agroforestry to enhance soil health, conserve water, and reduce the environmental impact of food production.

Circular Economy Solutions: Supporting businesses that embrace the principles of the circular economy,focusing on reducing waste,reusing materials,and recycling resources. This includes investments in waste management technologies and sustainable packaging.

Conservation & Biodiversity: Funding initiatives that protect biodiversity,conserve natural habitats,and promote sustainable resource management. This encompasses wildlife conservation, forest restoration, and marine protection.

Strengthening Place: Community-Focused Development

Shurooq understands that thriving communities are essential for long-term sustainability. Their investments in “place” focus on building resilient and equitable communities:

Affordable Housing: Supporting the development of affordable housing options to address housing shortages and ensure access to safe and stable homes. This often involves community land trusts and innovative financing models.

Local Infrastructure: Investing in essential infrastructure,such as transportation,water,and sanitation systems,to improve quality of life and support economic growth. This includes smart city technologies and sustainable infrastructure projects.

Community Revitalization: supporting initiatives that revitalize distressed neighborhoods, create economic opportunities, and foster community pride. This can involve historic preservation, arts and culture programs, and local business development.

Sustainable Tourism: Promoting responsible tourism practices that benefit local communities and protect natural and cultural heritage. This emphasizes ecotourism, cultural tourism, and community-based tourism.

Shurooq’s Due Diligence Process: Impact Measurement & Reporting

Shurooq doesn’t just invest in impact; they meticulously measure and report on it. Their due diligence process goes beyond traditional financial analysis to include a comprehensive impact assessment. This involves:

1. Defining Impact metrics: Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with the investment’s intended social and environmental outcomes.
2. Data Collection & Analysis: Gathering data to track progress against these KPIs,using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
3. Impact Reporting: Transparently reporting on the investment’s impact to stakeholders, including investors, beneficiaries, and the public. This often follows frameworks like the Global impact Investing Network (GIIN)‘s IRIS+ system.
4. Continuous Improvement: Using impact data to refine investment strategies and maximize positive outcomes.

Benefits of Investing with Shurooq

Choosing Shurooq as an investment partner offers several advantages:

Financial Returns: Demonstrated ability to generate competitive financial returns alongside positive impact.

Positive Social & Environmental Impact: Directly contribute to solving pressing global challenges.

Risk Mitigation: ESG factors are increasingly recognized as material financial risks,and shurooq’s approach helps mitigate these risks.

Reputational Enhancement: Align your investment portfolio with your values and enhance your organization’s reputation.

* Long-Term Value Creation: Invest in sustainable businesses and communities that are built to last.

Real-World Example: Supporting Sustainable Agriculture in