Sharjah recently hosted a high-level meeting with a delegation from the British Embassy at the House of Wisdom, organized by the Department of Government Relations (DGR). The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for enhanced collaboration in key sectors, including culture, education, and creative industries, aligning with Sharjah’s development goals for 2025.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, led the discussions alongside Edward Hobart, the British Ambassador to the UAE. During the meeting, Sharjah presented its planned government, community, and cultural initiatives for the upcoming year. The dialogue focused on identifying collaboration opportunities in shared priority areas and facilitating information exchange regarding the UK’s 2025 programmes.

In his remarks, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi emphasized that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, is based on the belief that culture and knowledge are vital for shaping strong international relations. He stated that Sharjah considers cultural and academic cooperation essential for building bridges of understanding between nations.

He added that the meeting with the British Embassy is an extension of this vision, reflecting a deep-seated belief that knowledge-based partnerships are foundational for engagement. These partnerships have contributed to a thriving cultural and intellectual movement within Sharjah, enriching its society and reinforcing its position as an international hub for research and education. The integration of Sharjah’s creative economy with its broader economic infrastructure enhances its ability to host impactful collaborations.

Delegates also discussed the potential for collaboration in higher education, specifically the development of joint academic programmes between British universities and institutions in Sharjah. These programmes would focus on media, engineering, and the humanities, further establishing Sharjah as a regional hub for knowledge and higher education.

Moreover, the dialogue included support for the creative industries through partnerships in arts, design, digital media, and content creation, with a particular emphasis on collaboration with the Sharjah Creative Quarter (SCQ). Established in January 2025, the SCQ aims to advance the emirate’s creative economy by organizing joint cultural initiatives, facilitating expertise exchange, and empowering cultural entrepreneurs.

This high-level meeting demonstrates a mutual commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation through strategic projects and initiatives designed to meet shared developmental and cultural objectives. It aims to create new pathways for institutional integration and knowledge exchange.