Ibra – North Sharqiyah has introduced prestigious development awards aimed at fostering innovation and promoting sustainable growth throughout the governorate. The awards were unveiled on Thursday under the patronage of H E Dr Mahad bin Saeed Baowain, Minister of Labour, in the presence of Mahmoud bin Yahya al Dhahli, Governor of North Sharqiyah.

The awards are set to position the governorate as a regional hub for creative development, reflecting its commitment to advancing economic and cultural infrastructure.

Zubaida Salim al Shidhani, Spokesperson for the governorate, underscored the significance of these awards in strengthening North  Sharqiyah’s long-term growth. She emphasised that the awards would leverage local talent to cultivate a competitive environment, stimulate collaboration across sectors and create opportunities for innovation. The awards aim to build a foundation for sustainable development by inspiring both public and private sectors to contribute to the governorate’s prosperity.

In line with the vision of an ‘Innovative Economy’, the development awards will focus on three key areas. The Architectural Innovation Award is aimed at revitalising vital sites in the wilayats of Ibra, Bidiya, Al Mudhaibi and Sinaw. This award seeks to transform these areas into attractive tourist destinations by blending traditional heritage with modern architecture, while also boosting the local economy through the use of underutilised land.

The second category – Institutional Excellence of Government Institutions – seeks to motivate public sector organisations to improve service delivery and implement innovative projects that enhance efficiency and productivity. This category aims to elevate the performance of government institutions, ensuring these contribute effectively to the governorate’s development goals.

The third category – Community Contribution and Volunteer Work – will encourage individuals and volunteer groups to create and implement sustainable initiatives that strengthen social ties and foster collaboration across various sectors. This category aims to inspire community-driven projects that promote social cohesion and contribute to the overall well-being of the governorate. Launch of these development awards marks a significant milestone in North Sharqiyah’s vision to become a leader in innovation, sustainability and economic growth, aligning with broader national goals for progress and prosperity.