Council discusses future plans for energy and water sectors

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, along with his role as Chairman of the Energy Council, presided over the inaugural meeting of the Council on Wednesday.

The meeting took place at the Ruler’s Office and was attended by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Petroleum Department.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed extended a warm welcome to the members of the Council, expressing his congratulations on the trust placed in them by Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, in selecting them for membership in the Council. He wished them success as they work towards realising their future vision and goals, while also developing solutions that will ensure the sustainability of the energy sector.

The Council held discussions on the key steps necessary to achieve its objectives and define its competencies.

They focused on creating sustainable strategies and future plans for the energy and water sectors, emphasising the need for effective solutions that promote the use of alternative and renewable energy sources while also anticipating the sector’s future developments.

The Council emphasised the importance of collaboration and coordination between governmental and private sectors in the energy field. This effort aims to boost economic growth in Sharjah by diversifying energy sources and ensuring they are delivered with high efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, the Council highlighted the value of learning from the best international practices and models to leverage various experiences effectively.

The meeting was graced by the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the Deputy Chairman of the Petroleum Department; Saeed Al Suwaidi, the Chairman of the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority; Waleed Ibrahim Al Sayegh, the Director General of the Central Finance Department; and Hatem Diab Al Mousa, the Secretary General of the Energy Council.

Separately, Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed along with his role as Chairman of the Executive Council, welcomed Dr Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, at the Ruler’s Office on Wednesday afternoon. During the meeting, he emphasised the crucial role the Sharjah Consultative Council plays in enhancing government operations.

He highlighted how the council engages in constructive discussions regarding the policies of various government departments and draft legislation, as well as the importance of raising recommendations and proposals that address community needs and contribute to the advancement of governmental work. Moreover, the Crown Prince of Sharjah noted the ongoing collaboration between the Executive and Consultative Councils.

This partnership aims to fulfil the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah, by integrating the efforts of both councils to serve community interests and ensure the well-being and quality of life for all residents.

The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Consultative Council; Asma Rashid Bin Taliah, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Executive Council; and Ahmed Hamad Al Suwaidi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Sharjah Executive Council.

Recently, Sheikh Sultan chaired the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the Sharjah Ruler’s Office to review the progress of development projects across Sharjah. During its weekly session, the SEC discussed recent developments in government activities across Sharjah, examined reports from various government departments and entities, and received updates on ongoing development projects in different cities and regions.

In alignment with directives from Sheikh Sultan, to enhance the legislative framework of government systems, departments, and agencies within the emirate, the SEC reviewed several draft laws.

These drafts aim to incorporate legislative, administrative, financial, and social considerations while keeping pace with regulatory updates and the establishment of new oversight bodies.

The SEC directed these draft laws to the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) for further deliberation.

The reviewed draft laws included amendments to Law No (2) of 2021 concerning human resources for military personnel in Sharjah, reorganisation of the police and security forces within the emirate, and provisions on retirement pensions and end-of-service benefits for military personnel within regulatory bodies in Sharjah.