Sharjah Hosts EU Ambassadors To Expand Partnerships Across Culture, Education And Innovation

Sharjah hosted a two-day visit by Heads of diplomatic missions from European Union countries and the European Union Delegation to the United Arab Emirates, focused on strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation. The mission explored Sharjah’s model in culture, education, research, and innovation, and examined future areas for joint work with European partners.

During the visit, discussions highlighted how Sharjah’s creative economy, academic sector, and innovation ecosystem support wider development goals. Delegates examined ways to deepen institutional links, exchange expertise, and design joint programmes that align with the interests of both sides, especially in knowledge-based growth, investment opportunities, and community-focused initiatives across key sectors.

The official programme stretched over 15 and 16 December 2025 and combined formal meetings with field tours. Activities were designed to give EU ambassadors first-hand insight into Sharjah’s cultural assets, research platforms, and economic zones. Each engagement underlined Sharjah’s intention to create long-term channels for cooperation with European Union Member States.

The visit opened on 15 December 2025 with a welcome reception at The Chedi Al Bait Hotel. Delegates then travelled to Mleiha, where they attended the official ceremony marking the inscription of Al Faya on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first day ended with a gala dinner bringing together EU Heads of Mission and Sharjah officials.

On 16 December, the delegation toured Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, also known as SPARK, to review the emirate’s support systems for research, development, and entrepreneurship. The schedule continued with an internal EU Heads of Mission meeting at the House of Wisdom, followed by an official lunch and a closing visit to Sharjah Free Zone focused on investment and trade prospects.

The mission consisted of 17 ambassadors and senior representatives from EU countries. Participating envoys were accredited to the UAE and represented a wide geographic spread across the European Union. Their collective presence underlined shared interest in expanding dialogue with Sharjah at diplomatic, economic, and knowledge levels.

Key ambassadors on the visit included representatives from Austria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, and Luxembourg. The European Union Delegation to the UAE also joined, reflecting institutional engagement from Brussels alongside bilateral country representation.

Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of DGR, officially received the delegation and led the talks. Discussions focused on developing partnerships that match Sharjah’s strategy of building effective bridges with international institutions. The agenda included cultural cooperation, educational exchange, innovation projects, and economic opportunities that could support shared priorities.

Commenting on the visit, Sheikh Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director of DGR, said, "The visit by Their Excellencies the ambassadors, EU Heads of Mission, and senior European diplomats to the DGR reflects Sharjah’s international standing and the strength of its close relations, particularly with European Union Member States, which are built on mutual respect and a shared vision for cooperation. This visit is particularly significant as it opens new horizons for expanding future partnerships across multiple sectors. Drawing on Sharjah’s successful experience in culture, education, and building a knowledge-based economy, we look forward to translating this engagement into practical programmes and joint initiatives that further enhance institutional coordination and broaden cooperation in ways that serve shared priorities and deliver lasting impact for communities and future generations."

Sharjah EU diplomatic cooperation and long-term prospects

The mission is viewed as an important stage in Sharjah’s engagement with European Union Member States. It reflects a mutual wish to extend dialogue and refine institutional coordination in fields of common concern. Through such high-level exchanges, both sides seek to create more space for joint projects, knowledge exchange, and collaborations that support long-term development goals.

The closing meeting at Sharjah Free Zone highlighted potential investment, trade, and economic cooperation opportunities for European firms. Combined with visits to UNESCO-listed heritage, SPARK, and the House of Wisdom, the programme presented a broad picture of Sharjah’s cultural, educational, and business environment, reinforcing interest in continued structured engagement with European partners.

With inputs from WAM