Development rooted in meaning and guided by heritage

December 10, 2025 / 3:43 PM

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

Sharjah 24: In today’s fast-moving world, development is often measured by the pace of construction and the grandeur of its projects. Yet, we believe what truly defines a nation’s progress is the intention behind its growth; the ideas we bring to life, the values we uphold, and the stories we tell through the spaces we create.

This has always been Sharjah’s approach. At the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), our mission has never been about chasing size or speed. It’s about creating destinations that carry meaning; places that reflect our heritage, our identity, and what we are building for the future.

Since its founding, Shurooq has committed itself to building something more profound than structures. Our vision is to weave a vision of progress that respects identity, prioritises community, and embeds sustainability at its very core. We believe these values are not a tagline but the very DNA of our work, a philosophy that ensures every project we undertake is built with the soul of the city in mind. Our developments are designed to be lived in, experienced, and remembered. We want people to walk through them and feel a connection; to heritage, to nature, to something deeper than a surface impression.

Environmental responsibility is not an afterthought; it is a fundamental pillar of our work,. From the beginning, we have made sustainability a core part of our vision. Our retreats are built with environmental sensitivity, our infrastructure supports long-term resilience, and our tourism strategies aim to protect the natural and cultural ecosystems they rely on.

Economic development is essential, but for it to be meaningful, it must enhance lives. That’s why our projects are built around people. We collaborate with small businesses, support local talent, and integrate communities into the destinations we create. This approach creates a development model that not only uplifts the economy, but also strengthens our social fabric

International interest in Sharjah continues to grow; and with good reason. Investors and travellers alike are looking for destinations that are rooted in authenticity and purpose. Progress takes many forms. For us, it looks like a family discovering Sharjah’s mountains for the first time, a visitor learning the story of Mleiha, or an entrepreneur launching a new venture in one of our landmark destinations. These experiences speak volumes about the kind of future we are building; one that is inclusive, resilient, and proudly local.

At Shurooq, development is never an end in itself. It is a tool to build meaning, inspire possibility, and reflect the values of a place that holds culture and community at its core. And in every decision we make, we carry this responsibility forward; with care, clarity, and confidence.

About the Author

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi holds an esteemed position as the President of the American University of Sharjah. Her Highness also serves as the Chairperson of several key organisations, including the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the Sharjah Book Authority, and the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. Additionally, Her Highness is the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group.
Her Highness is a member of the ruling family of Sharjah, the third-largest emirate by area in the United Arab Emirates.
Her Highness was listed as the 34th most powerful Arab woman in Forbes Middle East's 2014 ranking of the 200 Most Powerful Arab Women.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour earned a Bachelor of Science with honours in Archaeology and Anthropology from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology from University College London. She has also successfully completed publishing training courses at Columbia and Yale Universities in the United States.
Her Highness serves as the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the Sharjah Ladies Club, and she also holds the position of Chairperson for the Sharjah Child Friendly Emirate Campaign. Additionally, she leads the Organising Committee for the Knowledge Without Borders initiative.
In 2007, Her Highness established Kalimat, the first publishing house in the UAE dedicated to producing high-quality Arabic stories and books for children. Through this initiative, she aimed to enrich the literary landscape and inspire young readers with captivating tales.
Her Highness actively champions the integration of technology into education at both schools and kindergartens. She has spearheaded the expansion of Kalimat Group, which now includes “Horouf,” a dedicated institution aimed at fostering innovative use of the Arabic language in schools through smart applications.
In 2013, "Horouf" entered into a cooperation agreement with Samsung to supply handheld devices, smartphones, and related applications for use in schools and kindergartens.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour is the founder and honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association, which became a full member of the International Publishers Association in 2012.
In October 2014, she became the first Arab woman to be elected to the Executive Committee of the International Publishers Association.
She is also the founder and honorary president of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, the national branch of the International Board on Books for Young People.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi serves as Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Knowledge Without Borders initiative, launched under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote awareness within the community of the importance of reading and culture.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was honoured with the Sharjah Government Communication Award 2025 in the category of Distinguished Personality in Government and Strategic Communication.
In recognition of her contributions to Arabic literature, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour received the “Personality of the Year” award at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature in 2013, as well as the “Personality of the Year” award from the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence in the same year.
In 2014, she was honoured with the Arab Woman Award in the category of education.
She was also selected among the 200 most influential Arab women in the family business sector in 2014, ranking 34th on Forbes Middle East’s list, in recognition of her role in founding and leading Kalimat Group.
She was further awarded “Personality of the Year” in the Tourism Sector, a category launched for the first time by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, and presented to her during the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony in 2013.