Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, witnessed the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between Sharjah Media City (Shams) and Sharjah Islamic Bank. This agreement is aimed at strengthening Sharjah's film and creative content industry.

According to Emirates News Agency, the signing took place during H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed's visit to the BRIDGE Summit 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The agreement was signed by Mohammed Abdullah, CEO of Sharjah Islamic Bank, and Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Director-General of Sharjah Media City (Shams).

The primary objective of the agreement is to introduce innovative financing programmes that empower filmmakers and media companies by leveraging Shams's production infrastructure. Initiatives such as Shams Studios, a significant future media project, are part of the plan to establish a comprehensive ecosystem positioning Sharjah as a hub for creative content.

The partnership aims to boost the media, economic, and creative sectors, contributing to the emirate's economic growth. It also seeks to enhance investor confidence in Sharjah's potential as a leader in film and television production. The agreement is a step towards developing future sectors and nurturing creative talent in the UAE.

Moreover, the agreement intends to create a cohesive media infrastructure supporting content creators through various production stages. It is also focused on establishing a sustainable financial system that aids creators, startups, and production studios. This will allow them to realize their visions with flexible financing solutions.

The partnership is expected to empower national and regional talents to transform their ideas into visual narratives, highlighting Sharjah's emerging role in the media and film industry. It promises a fully integrated production environment, complete with state-of-the-art filming facilities and specialized post-production spaces.