Sharjah introduces support measures for tourism business: payment deadline extensions and installments

The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has announced a number of assistance measures for tourism sector enterprises in the emirate. These initiatives include extending utility payment deadlines, waiving certain fees, and providing flexible payment options.

Goals of the Support Program

This program aims to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of the emirate's tourism sector, as well as create a more attractive environment for potential investors.

Key Measures for Businesses

Among the key measures is the provision of an additional one-month period to settle utility bills. Tourism enterprises will also be able to pay consumption bills in installments, and disconnection penalties will be waived for three months.

Additional Benefits and Conditions

New options for bill servicing have been introduced: deposits for new utility accounts can be paid in four equal installments. Furthermore, tourist facilities are exempt from plan approval fees for three months. Projects can receive extended utility connection periods without additional charges.

Support for Various Types of Facilities

The collection of service charges for inactive meters in hotels and tourist facilities will be suspended. Investors are given the option to disconnect utilities in unoccupied apartments. Enterprises can also pay electrical maintenance permit fees through installments.

Financial Assistance from SEWA

For three months, SEWA will cover bank transfer commissions when paying utility bills through banking channels. Dr. Hussein Askar, Director of Customer Service Department, noted that all these measures are designed to support the tourism business, increase service flexibility, and strengthen Sharjah's position as an attractive destination for tourism investment.

www.khaleejtimes.comJuly 7, 09:28

Saudi Arabia launches new visa service for tourist packages with flights and trip planning

Saudi Arabia has introduced a new 'tourist package visa' service that allows travelers to obtain a visa as part of a comprehensive tourism offer, thereby simplifying the process of planning and booking the entire trip.

Composition of Tourist Packages

This service enables the booking of packages that combine various components of travel: air travel, accommodation in licensed tourist lodging, and electronic visa processing. Additionally, clients can add various activities, excursions, and events to the package.

Thanks to this innovation, tourists no longer have to independently handle visa applications and book trips separately. Providing visa services within a package will allow service providers to offer customers a more seamless experience and create more attractive and integrated tourism offerings, encouraging visitors to extend their stay.

Pilot Phase and Sector Transformation

Access to this service for applicants will be available through accredited tourism and travel service providers of the general category in specific pilot markets. The pilot phase of the program requires compliance with several operational conditions, including the readiness of digital platforms, as well as ensuring 24/7 technical support and visitor communication services.

The new service reflects a broader transformation in the sector aimed at facilitating travel, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, providing a more comprehensive tourism experience, and expanding opportunities for the world to discover the Kingdom and its diverse destinations. This service is part of a series of programs launched by the country in recent years to improve tourist access and enhance the quality of their stay, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.

These initiatives also include the e-tourist visa, visa on arrival, transit visa, and others. Thanks to some of these measures, the Kingdom welcomed over 29 million foreign tourists in 2025.

www.khaleejtimes.comJuly 6, 14:49

Sharjah Airport prepares to receive three million passengers in the summer season

Sharjah Airport is preparing for the start of the peak summer travel season in the UAE, expecting to handle around three million passengers and conduct approximately 19,000 flights during this period.

Airport Operational Plan

The airport announced that it has implemented a comprehensive operational plan aimed at ensuring smooth passenger movement during this period and maintaining the highest standards of safety and security. It emphasized that it is fully prepared to cope with the expected increase in passenger traffic thanks to enhanced coordination among all operational teams and support services, including performance monitoring to maintain operational efficiency.

Recommendations for Travelers

Airport guests were advised to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled departure to avoid crowds and queues at check-in. They were also reminded to verify the validity of all required travel documents and familiarize themselves with baggage handling rules before traveling. Furthermore, the 'Home Check-In' service is available in the emirate, allowing passengers to complete travel procedures from home.

Airline Stance

The airline stated that Sharjah Airport continues to enhance its readiness and develop services to meet the growing demand for travel. This confirms its commitment to providing a convenient and efficient travel experience while supporting the sustainable growth of the aviation sector in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Peak Season in the UAE

The peak summer tourist season, which runs from late June to August, has prompted other airports in the country to prepare for the influx of passengers following the resumption of flights to near-normal capacity due to the regional war. Dubai International Airport expects July 12th to be the busiest day of the season, anticipating 225,000 travelers. In the first half of July, the airport forecasts processing about three million passengers through its terminals.

Zayed International Airport, in turn, demonstrated daily record growth, accepting 93,000 passengers from June 26th to June 30th.

www.khaleejtimes.comJune 29, 16:27

Sharjah Police announce 50% reduction in fines for three months

The Sharjah Police announced a package of incentives and fee reductions on Monday aimed at supporting businesses and strengthening the emirate's economic environment. These measures were adopted in accordance with the decision of the Sharjah Executive Council. The package includes a 50% reduction in fees for renewing commercial licenses, as well as a 50% decrease in violation fines. Additionally, there is a 50% reduction in the fee for subscribing to security systems. Businesses will also benefit from a 20% reduction in the mandatory training fee for company programmers. These benefits will be valid for three months from the date the decision comes into force, helping to strengthen Sharjah's position as a leading investment destination.