Sharjah

📺

Media and Broadcasting

Sections

Media and Broadcasting in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Sharjah, one of the seven emirates of the UAE, is a culturally rich and media-savvy city that plays a significant role in the country’s media and broadcasting landscape. The emirate is known for its emphasis on education, culture, and Islamic values, which are reflected in its media offerings. Below is a comprehensive guide to media and broadcasting in Sharjah under the category of communication.

1. Types of Media Available in Sharjah

Sharjah offers a diverse range of media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and online platforms. These cater to the multicultural population of the UAE, with content available in Arabic, English, and other languages such as Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam.

Television

  • Sharjah has a strong presence in the television broadcasting sector, with channels focusing on cultural, educational, and family-friendly content.
  • Sharjah TV: Operated by the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), Sharjah TV is one of the leading channels in the emirate. It broadcasts in Arabic and focuses on Islamic values, cultural programs, and local news.
  • Sharjah Sports TV: A dedicated sports channel that covers local and international sports events.
  • Al Wousta TV: A channel that highlights the heritage and traditions of the central region of Sharjah.

Radio

  • Radio is a popular medium in Sharjah, with stations broadcasting in multiple languages to cater to the diverse population.
  • Pulse 95 Radio: The first English-language radio station in Sharjah, offering a mix of news, talk shows, and entertainment.
  • Sharjah Radio: An Arabic-language station focusing on cultural, religious, and educational content.
  • Quran Radio: A station dedicated to Islamic teachings and Quran recitations.

Newspapers

  • Sharjah residents have access to a variety of newspapers, both local and national, in Arabic and English.
  • Al Khaleej: One of the oldest and most respected Arabic-language newspapers in the UAE, headquartered in Sharjah.
  • The Gulf Today: An English-language daily newspaper based in Sharjah, covering local and international news.

Online Platforms

  • Digital media is rapidly growing in Sharjah, with many traditional media outlets offering online versions of their content.
  • Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter are widely used by media organizations to engage with audiences.
  • Websites like Sharjah24 (a government-run news portal) provide up-to-date news and information about the emirate.

2. Major Broadcasting Companies in Sharjah

Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA)

  • The SBA is the primary media organization in Sharjah, overseeing television and radio stations in the emirate.
  • It was established to promote Sharjah’s cultural and educational values through high-quality media content.
  • The SBA operates Sharjah TV, Sharjah Radio, Pulse 95 Radio, and other channels.

Al Khaleej Publishing and Printing

  • A major publishing house in Sharjah, responsible for producing the Al Khaleej newspaper and other publications.

Bee’ah Media

  • Bee’ah, an environmental management company, has also ventured into media to promote sustainability and environmental awareness.

3. Licensing Procedures for Media and Broadcasting

If you are planning to establish a media or broadcasting business in Sharjah, you must adhere to the UAE’s strict licensing and regulatory framework. The process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Choose a Business Activity

  • Decide whether you want to operate a TV channel, radio station, newspaper, or online platform.
  • Ensure your business activity aligns with the UAE’s media laws and cultural values.

Step 2: Select a Free Zone or Mainland Setup

  • Sharjah Media City (Shams) Free Zone is a popular choice for media businesses. It offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified licensing procedures.
  • Alternatively, you can set up your business in the mainland, but this requires a local sponsor or partner.

Step 3: Apply for a Media License

  • Submit your application to the relevant authority, such as Shams Free Zone or the National Media Council (NMC).
  • Provide the required documents, including a business plan, passport copies, and proof of address.

Step 4: Obtain Approvals

  • Your application will be reviewed to ensure compliance with UAE media laws and regulations.
  • Additional approvals may be required for certain types of content, such as religious or political programming.

Step 5: Pay the Fees

  • Licensing fees vary depending on the type of media business and the location. For example:
    • A basic media license in Shams Free Zone starts at around AED 11,500 per year.
    • Additional costs may include office space, equipment, and employee visas.

4. Costs Involved

  • Media License: AED 11,500–50,000 per year, depending on the business type and scale.
  • Office Space: Shared office spaces in Shams Free Zone start at AED 15,000 per year, while private offices cost more.
  • Equipment: Costs for broadcasting equipment, cameras, and editing software can range from AED 50,000 to AED 500,000, depending on the scale of operations.
  • Employee Visas: Each visa costs approximately AED 4,000–6,000, including medical tests and Emirates ID.

5. Local Regulations

Sharjah’s media and broadcasting sector is governed by the UAE’s media laws, which emphasize the following:

  • Cultural Sensitivity: Content must align with Islamic values and respect the UAE’s cultural norms.
  • Prohibition of Offensive Content: Content that is defamatory, blasphemous, or politically sensitive is strictly prohibited.
  • Advertising Standards: Advertisements must be truthful, non-deceptive, and culturally appropriate.
  • Copyright Compliance: Media organizations must respect intellectual property rights and avoid plagiarism.

The National Media Council (NMC) oversees media regulations in the UAE and ensures compliance with these laws.

6. Cultural Considerations

  • Respect for Islamic Values: Media content in Sharjah must reflect the emirate’s Islamic heritage and avoid controversial topics.
  • Family-Friendly Content: Sharjah places a strong emphasis on family-oriented programming, avoiding explicit or inappropriate material.
  • Multilingual Content: Given the diverse population, media outlets often produce content in multiple languages to cater to different communities.

7. Notable Media Hubs and Facilities

Sharjah Media City (Shams)

  • A dedicated free zone for media and creative industries, offering state-of-the-art facilities and services.
  • Shams provides a supportive environment for startups and established media companies, with access to studios, editing suites, and co-working spaces.

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC)

  • A hub for publishing and printing businesses, SPC is the first free zone in the world dedicated to the publishing industry.
  • It offers facilities for book production, distribution, and digital publishing.

University City

  • Home to several universities with media and communication programs, such as the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the University of Sharjah.
  • These institutions contribute to the local media industry by producing skilled graduates and hosting media-related events.

Conclusion

Sharjah’s media and broadcasting sector is a dynamic and culturally rich industry that reflects the emirate’s values and diversity. Whether you are a media professional, entrepreneur, or consumer, Sharjah offers a wide range of opportunities and resources. By understanding the local regulations, cultural considerations, and available facilities, you can successfully navigate and contribute to this vibrant sector.