Sharjah Media City (Shams) has entered into a memorandum of understanding with FANN (Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children) to enhance support for media and artistic talent in the region. The agreement was signed by His Excellency Rashid Abdullah Al Obaid, Director General of Shams, and Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of FANN, at the headquarters of Shams. The signing ceremony was attended by several officials and representatives from both organizations.

His Excellency Rashid Al Obaid highlighted that this agreement is in line with Shams’s vision to establish strategic partnerships within the content creation industry. He characterized the MoU as a significant step toward creating an integrated platform aimed at empowering young creators and facilitating opportunities within the media sector.

Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi expressed her excitement about the collaboration, noting that it represents a valuable addition to FANN’s programs, which are designed to discover and mentor future media professionals. This partnership further reinforces Sharjah’s status as a hub for creative youth.

The MoU specifies cooperation in several key areas, including providing sponsorship and media support for the Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth. It also includes promoting the festival through dedicated episodes of the “Shams Talk” podcast and hosting prominent figures from the media and arts industries. Furthermore, the agreement outlines plans for joint organization of specialized workshops in film and media production, as well as creating a platform for emerging talent in the UAE.

Additionally, the agreement will promote the Shams Studios project by sharing production company data with FANN. FANN will also benefit from the “Ghayah” package, which provides access to discounted media services and commercial licensing through Shams.

The MoU also encompasses initiatives aimed at fostering cultural and social values, with plans to launch media and community projects that promote innovation and cultural awareness in Sharjah. This effort seeks to strengthen the emirate’s social and creative fabric.

The memorandum is valid for five years from the signing date and includes an automatic renewal clause, ensuring ongoing collaboration between Shams and FANN.