Free zone dedicated to communication technologies launched in Kalba, named the Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone

The creation of a "Free Zone" for communication technologies (Comtech) has been announced by Sharjah. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree stating the launch of a free zone dedicated to communication technologies in the city of Kalba, named the "Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone".

The establishment of a "Free Zone" for communication technologies (Comtech) has been announced by Sharjah. The "Sharjah Communication Technologies Free Zone" was established in Kalba as a free zone devoted to communication technologies by Emiri Decree issued by Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council.

The zone possesses the requisite legal identity and capability to fulfil its objectives and wield its power. It answers to the Sharjah Communications Technologies Authority and has administrative and financial independence. Sharjah Ruler sets its precise location, boundaries, and overall area.

The Decree further mandated that the following English name for the zone be adopted: "Free Zone" for Sharjah Communication Technologies (Comtech). The Decree states that the zone wants to accomplish the following:

1. Contribute to the economic growth of the emirate and strengthen its position in the communication technology sector.

2. Create a desirable centre for collaborations, investments, and experts in communication technology.

3. Encourage and uplift the communication technology industry to improve the emirate's reputation in this field internationally.

4. Establish an atmosphere that is favourable to investment in future technologies, artificial intelligence, and technological change.

5. Support information centres, artificial intelligence institutes, and technological companies.

6. Foster scientific talent domestically and draw in foreign experts in communication technology.

The Decree states that the area should use the following authorities to carry out its goals, taking into consideration applicable federal and local laws: 

1. Creating regional laws, policies, and strategic plans by accepted norms and practices, then bringing them to the Council for relevant action. 

2. Ensuring the UAE's commitment to upholding international treaties and agreements in all relevant regional domains. 

3. Creating and putting into effect plans and policies for communication technology inside the emirate. 

4. Issuing permits to businesses wishing to extend communication technology-related land and maritime cables. 

5. Building data centres for local business operations.

6. Delivering administrative, technical, and skilled workers to businesses upon request, taking into account the specifics of their jobs and the terms outlined in the area.

7. Requesting administrative and technical help from the appropriate authorities and working with consultants, specialists, and specialised agencies on issues pertaining to its operations. collaborating on pertinent goals and competences in partnership with other authorities. 

8. Creating agreements, collaborations, and memorandums of understanding at the local, regional, and global levels; these must be approved by the Council. 

9. Purchasing, renting, and holding the mobile and immovable assets required to meet its responsibilities, as well as making investments in industries that are allowed by the relevant laws and regulations. 

10. Exercising any additional authority granted to the zone by the Council or the Ruler.

As per the Decree, the Chairman of the Sharjah Communications Technologies Free Zone is in charge of the zone. 

If required, the Ruler or the Council appoints a director for the zone, who is backed by a sufficient number of staff members and specialists in accordance with the organization's structure. The director has the power to manage the zone's operations and make crucial choices that are needed to achieve its goals. The director specifically has the following authority: 

1. Create a thorough policy for the zone and submit it to the President for Council approval. 

2. After the President gives his or her approval, supervise the programmes and projects that are carried out in the zone.

3. Create plans to guarantee that employment in the zone and for its workers will increase. 

4. After the Council gives its approval, draft the financial, administrative, and organisational norms and present them to the President for approval. 

5. Issue the required directives, decisions, and circulars while keeping an eye on the status of the work in the zone in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

6. Oversee the budgetary distributions from the region within the allotted allocations, adhering to the protocols in place. 

7. Form committees and specify the tasks and protocols they will follow. 

8. After getting approval from the Council and the President, carry out partnerships, agreements, contracts, and memorandums of understanding on behalf of the zone.

9. Take all necessary legal measures to ensure that the zone may operate within the legally allowed boundaries. 

10. Make suggestions for the organisational structure and bring them to the president for any required action. 

11. With the president's consent, designate staff members to oversee and run the zone and outline their roles. 

12. Work together with institutions, other free zones, and federal and local authorities/entities to achieve the zone's goals. 

13. In compliance with the present laws of the emirate, assign senior staff members in the zone some of the director's power.

14. Manage the zone's relationships with other organisations and represent it before the courts and government institutions. Any other person or organisation may be authorised by the director to represent the area before the courts. 

15. Send the president frequent reports on the zone's operations. 

16. Complete any additional responsibilities the president assigns you. 

The Decree specifies that the Emiri Decree, upon the president's request and the Council's approval, shall establish the organisational framework for the zone. 

The Decree encompassed measures pertaining to financial resources, the annual budget, exemptions, inspection powers, immunity from legal action, fees, fines, non-accountability for debt, enforcement, and publicity.