Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem, Sheikha Bodour and other dignitaries pose for a group photo during the ceremony.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sharjah employs AI tech to issue trade licence within 5 minutes Sharjah has launched the world’s first trade licence issued entirely through artificial intelligence (AI), a groundbreaking step that enables entrepreneurs and investors to complete the entire licencing process in less than five minutes.

The initiative was launched on Wednesday at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2024) in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), Microsoft, and Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah; and Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, also attended the launch.

Sheikha Bodour being briefed during the ceremony in Sharjah. WAM

The upcoming service will initially be available through the Sharjah Investor Services centre (Saeed) and SPC Free Zone, enabling investors and entrepreneurs to obtain their trade licences in less than five minutes. The service will soon be extended to cover other free zones across Sharjah. This milestone positions Invest in Sharjah as the first investment promotion agency in the world to adopt AI technology for issuing trade licences, reinforcing its commitment to fostering cooperation and investment between regional and global markets.

Meanwhile, SPC Free Zone, a flagship initiative of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has also set a new benchmark by becoming the first free zone to implement AI-driven licensing, revolutionising business launch in the region.

Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, stated: “This agreement marks a transformative leap in Sharjah’s already attractive investment environment, positioning the emirate ever more strongly as a leading global destination for future-focused, innovative, and sustainable investments. By integrating AI technology, we are redefining an investment-friendly infrastructure, ensuring Sharjah stays ahead in attracting local and international businesses. Our new service sets a new benchmark for the global shift toward automating business processes and harnessing AI advancements.”

On his part, Naim Yazbeck, Microsoft UAE’s General Manager, said: “AI technology is revolutionising the business landscape in Sharjah, enabling a more efficient and innovative environment. By leveraging AI, we are not only enhancing operational efficiencies but also fostering a culture of innovation that drives economic growth and attracts global investments.  This transformative approach positions Sharjah as a leading hub for future-focused, sustainable business practices...”