SHARJAH, March 30, 2015: HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has said that 2014 has beena truly outstandingyear for Sharjahwith the Emirate making strides on all fronts and witnessing massive celebrations marking its crowning as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 and its selection as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015. The year saw a number of new tourism projects and hotel facilities being launched to meet the demand of growing number of international guests and visitors.

This came in Al Nomans speech delivered at the Annual Staff Party of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authorityheld on Wednesday, March 25,which saw a number of the SCTDA employees being felicitated and rewarded for their achievements and excellence of contribution to the Authoritys success.

Held in the presence of HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and againstthe beautiful backdrop of the Heart of Sharjah, the theme of the SCTDA Annual Staff Party had been the Journey to the Past, celebrating the rich heritage, customs and traditions of the emirate. Speaking on the occasion, Al Noman lauded the sincere efforts and dedication of the SCTDA staff which havecontributed to the continuing successes of the Authority.

This has been an outstanding year and all of usas a team have put in a great deal of effort and hard work to achieve this success. At the same time, this adds to ourresponsibility to excel further in the year ahead, which is again a crucial year in many respects as the emirate is being celebrated as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015, said Al Noman. The SCTDA Chairman said that thesuccess the Authority and Sharjah have achieved translate the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the guidance His Highness has provided in various areas, especially inthe tourism sector, putting the emirate on the regional and global tourism map.

Al Noman pointed out that during the past year Sharjah has successfully participated in some of the worlds most outstanding travel and tourism events and exhibitions, showcasing the emirate as a leading global destination and strengthening its position in the global tourism market. On this occasion, Al Noman welcomed a number of SCTDA employees who have joined the team duringthe past year. He thanked all members of the staff for their continuing hard work over the past few years, stressing the need to strengthen the culture of excellence in the future. This years Annual Staff Party was special in many ways. Held in the celebrated Heritage Area of the emirate, the event shined the light on the emirates traditions and customs. It was also an occasion for lots of fun and games and contests and competitions among the staff. Besides popular cuisine, the event featured henna painting and other traditional and recreational activities.

It is worth mentioning that the SCTDA organises Annual Staff Party at the beginning of each year to celebrate the achievements of the Authority as well as its staff recognising their excellence and outstanding achievements. Various contests and games are held to promote team spirit, cooperationand camaraderie among the staff members.