SHARJAH: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued an Emiri Decree for the establishment and organisation of the Sharjah Design Centre (SDC). The decree mandates the creation of a centre with legal personality and full authority to carry out its mission and functions, ensuring its financial and administrative independence under the Government of Sharjah's ownership.
According to Emirates News Agency, the decree specifies that the main headquarters of the Sharjah Design Centre will be situated in the Sharjah Creative Quarter within the University City of Sharjah. The centre may expand to other cities and regions in the emirate as directed by the Ruler. The centre's objectives include celebrating culture, creativity, and innovation in prototype design and manufacturing in the UAE and the region, supporting economic growth through design, and promoting sustainable leadership in this sector.
The decree outlines the centre's competencies, such as launching sustainable initiatives, forming collaborations, organising exchange programmes, and providing educational opportunities. It also includes creating platforms for developing creative sectors and engaging in commercial activities to promote the centre's products. The centre will offer spaces for private studios, co-working areas, and exhibition spaces, and seek technical and administrative support from specialised agencies in the emirate.
The decree stipulates that the centre will be managed by a director appointed by the Ruler. The director will be responsible for approving and overseeing the centre's general policy, operations, financial and administrative regulations, and internal systems. Additionally, the director will handle contracts, represent the centre in legal matters, and approve its budget and organisational structure.
The decree also makes provisions for financial resources, final provisions, fee exemptions, executive decisions, and the enforcement and publication of the decree.
