New recreation parks part of efforts to raise labour standards

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Sharjah is to embark on an development project to create parks and recreation areas for several of its key industrial zones. The initiative follows recommendations from Sharjah Labour Standards Development Authority (SLSDA), which coordinates with government agencies and private enterprises in the emirate towards continually raising local labour standards. The SLSDA objectives include developing employment best practices and procedures, facilities and associated services, including protecting workers’ rights.

Five landscaped recreational parks are planned: one park in Sharjah’s industrial zone 3,, one park in Industrial zone 12 and three parks in the new 14 million square foot (1.3m sqm.) Al Sajaa Industrial Oasis, near Sharjah International Airport. The new parks will include a variety of community facilities such as sports facilities, mosques, shops, cafes, administrative offices for municipal services and security.

A shopping and entertainment centre will also be constructed in Al Sajaa Industrial Oasis, in order to provide retail outlets, banks and other services for the zone. The complex is expected to include leisure facilities and a cinema. Announced a year ago by government investment authority Sharjah Asset Management, Saja’a is one of the largest industrial projects in the region and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

Sharjah has a wide range of initiatives aimed at developing its environmental, social, cultural and economic potential. The emirate has systematically implemented programmes and new projects to enhance health, safety and well-being over the past few years from improvements to transport infrastructure, to world-class environmental standards for waste management.

Sharjah joined the WHO Healthy Cities programme in 2012, to help foster innovation and change to promote public health, well-being and community resources. Sharjah city was officially accredited as the Middle East’s first WHO Healthy City in 2015. According to the WHO, a healthy city is one that continually creates and improves both physical and social environments.

Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) is targeting new growth from Sharjah’s manufacturing and industry and estimates that the contribution from the industrial sector to Sharjah’s GDP (gross domestic product) may grow from its current 14 percent to as high as 25 percent by the year 2025.

Source: WAM, SAM, SEDD