Sharjah’s community development department reinforces commitment

Sharjah’s Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD) has recently crossed significant milestones along its journey of providing quality services to the emirate whilst meeting both customer and regulatory requirements, with its acquisition four of ISO certifications.

The government department in Sharjah behind key surveys, including the Sharjah Census, the Emirati household survey ‘Tahdeeth’ and the recently announced survey on ‘Sharjah citizens’ view on wedding expenditure’, DSCD has been using world-class statistical expertise and data gathering systems to guide and fuel Sharjah Government’s human and infrastructure development strategies with real-time knowledge and statistical information.

DSCD applied for four ISO certifications, namely, the ISO 9001, which is the international standard for a quality management system (QMS); the ISO 27001, which requires an applicant to prove that their information security management systems are in compliance with the certification’s technological, operative, procedural, human and environmental benchmarks; the ISO 56001 Innovation Management System Guidance Standard – a tool that audit’s the applicant’s innovation efforts against the certification’s benchmark to validate their innovation services; and finally, the ISO 10004, which provides guidance for the definition and implementation of monitoring and measurement processes of customer satisfaction.

Commenting on DSCD’s success in being awarded these accreditations, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of DSCD, said: “The process to attain these internationally recognised best-practices certifications in across a variety of operational process, was rigorous to say the least, but DSCD’s thorough performance protocols led by the innovation and expertise of our staff and our uncompromising commitment to quality, propelled us towards the finish line. DSCD’s dedication to not only demonstrate its ability to consistently provide services that meet global standards in the statistical and data generation field, but to demonstrate our willingness to aim for continuous improvement are reflected in the certifications we have received.”

“Our emirate’s leadership has always acknowledged the importance of statistical data in guiding the development and advancement of societies and peoples, and these new achievements have offered DSCD’s senior leaders, researchers, surveyors and data gathering teams a fresh impetus to continue playing the roles that make them key contributors to Sharjah’s journey of comprehensive, human-centric, diversified and sustainable development,” added DSCD Chairman. Meanwhile the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) revealed that the upcoming season of ‘Sharjah Summer Promotions 2021’ is to kick off on 8 July and is set to last until Aug.26.

The most important shopping and tourist event on the chamber agenda offers fantastic activities, fun events, valuable prizes, and amazing discounts that cater to the visitors and residents of the emirate.

“Sharjah Summer Promotions is one of the most important events organised by the Chamber and has established itself as one of the most successful shopping events in attracting visitors and shoppers across the UAE, said Mohamed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General, SCCI.

He added: “Through this event, we aim to enhance the leading position and role of the Emirate of Sharjah, spotlight its economic, social, cultural, and tourist status, and revitalize the commercial movement in local markets. This contributes to strengthening the investment, supporting the activities and events of the private sector, and achieving the economic vision of the emirate as per the directives of its wise leadership.”

He noted that this season of Sharjah Summer Promotions is a wonderful opportunity for shopping malls and retail stores to woo the largest number possible of shoppers and visitors by offering fabulous deals, exciting discounts, and valuable prizes.

Al Awadi called on all retailers and shopping centers in the emirate to confirm their registration so that they make the most out of the high spending rates expected.

Hana Al Suwaidi, Head of the Festival and Exhibitions Department, SCCI, said: “This year’s Sharjah Summer Promotions is ready to welcome visitors and shoppers via a lot of fun activities and amazing activities that meet the aspirations of Sharjah population of all ages.

Al Suwaidi added this is part of the Chamber’s efforts to promote the emirate’s status in the festivals organisation sector because of their positive impact on advancing the retail sector in Sharjah. She lauded the cooperation of the shopping centers sectoral business group and its contribution to organizing a new season of the promotions.