SHARJAH (WAM) — H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah,has issued an Emiri Decree re-organising Sharjah Media City “Free Zone”.
Pursuant to Emiri Decree No (11) of 2017, a free media zone under the name “Sharjah Media City” “Free Zone Corporation” will be established.
The new Decree states that the “Sharjah Media City” will enjoy legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and full legal capacity to be able to carry out its legal actions that ensure the achievement of the objectives it has been established for.
The “Sharjah Media City” will be an affiliate of Sharjah Media Council and its location and geographic borders will be specified according to a resolution by the Ruler. Its English abbreviation shall be “shams”.
According to the articles of the Decree, shams aims to develop and incubate talents and working human force in the media creative sector, lead regionally in education and media and creative training, augment and develop high quality media creative content, and provide fitting media and creative environment through founding an attractive and a sustainable city of world standard infrastructure and services and at considerable costs.
Enabling small and medium enterprises and establishments, as well as pioneers to be involved in media and creative sectors, and enhancing Sharjah’s reputation in the media and creative areas through highlighting the content locally, regionally and internationally, are among the other aims of shams.
The decree also specified the specialisations of shams.
The decree also stipulates that companies and institutions, as well as individuals and employees of shams be exempted from all taxes levied in the emirate including income tax, for 50 years renewable to one tenure or similar tenures by a decision from the chairman as of the date of commencement of work.
The Decree further stipulates that all implemented works in the city by companies, institutions and employees are not subject to the laws and rules implemented by municipalities, Department of Economic Development, government affiliated institutions, corporations or departments. Shams can benefit from or use any facilities or licensing services delivered by the stated bodies.
The chairman of shams issues a decision specifying fees payable against services delivered by shams including fines and measures that breach the provisions of this decree or any regulations or bylaws issued in this regard. The chairman is also authorised to issue financial and administrative regulations associated with shams.
This Decree rescinds Emiri Decree No (10) of 2016 concerning the establishment of “Sharjah Media City” “Free Zone”.
The Decree is effective from the date of its issuance, annuls any rules that contradict it, and will be published in the Official Gazette.