Fahim Al Qasimi

In an interview with Entrepreneur Middle East, H.E. Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi (@fahimaq), Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (@dgr_shj) and the Higher Committee for Economic Integration in the Emirate of Sharjah, explains why institutional partnerships are central to Sharjah’s international engagement and how cities are taking on a greater role in shaping global cooperation. “As global challenges become more interconnected, cooperation is being driven not only through traditional diplomatic channels but also through partnerships between universities, research institutions, cultural organizations, businesses and local governments,” he says. In #Sharjah, H.E. Al Qasimi traces the foundations of this approach to the emirate’s sustained investment in culture, education, heritage and knowledge under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Established in 2014 to coordinate Sharjah’s international engagement, the Department of Government Relations brings these areas together by building #partnerships across sectors, he explains. "Modern international engagement cannot be viewed through a single lens. Relationships today are multidimensional," H.E. Al Qasimi states. "A partnership that begins through academia may later support innovation and investment. A cultural exchange can create opportunities for scientific research. Government dialogue often develops into broader networks connecting institutions, businesses and communities." Looking ahead, he believes cities will gain a competitive advantage by bringing different sectors together around shared goals. "Their influence will increasingly be measured by the strength of the networks they cultivate and their ability to facilitate meaningful collaboration across borders." mena.entrepreneur.com/leader…