Sharjah Leads AI-Driven Business & Finance Transformation
The Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) has introduced a revolutionary trade name issuance service that uses artificial intelligence technologies. This marks a substantial leap in the department’s digital transformation journey, aiming to enhance service quality for both individuals and businesses. The initiative reshapes traditional procedures and streamlines operations, significantly reducing the time and effort previously required for trade name registration through SEDD’s channels.
This new service reflects SEDD’s ambition to redefine the experience for beneficiaries by relying on AI to analyze the commercial activity and offer name suggestions that are both creative and compliant with regulations. The technology offers a user-friendly interface, drastically shortening transaction times and minimizing human error.
Innovation Supporting Entrepreneurial Growth and Identity
SEDD’s vision extends beyond operational improvement. Through the implementation of the AI-based trade name issuance service, the department seeks to offer innovative solutions that align with business identity and entrepreneurial aspirations. By generating trade names that better reflect business goals, the service not only saves time but also adds strategic value.
This innovation supports the wider goal of positioning Sharjah as a forward-thinking hub for artificial intelligence and smart governance. In doing so, it also encourages entrepreneurship by offering a more seamless and intelligent interface for registering trade names.
Core Benefits of the AI-Based Solution
The AI-powered service provides a host of benefits that revolutionize the traditional approach. One of the most notable is its ability to reduce the processing time of trade name issuance by up to 98 percent. This immense leap in efficiency helps eliminate unnecessary steps, making business registration easier and more convenient.
Additionally, the system uses AI to deliver personalized name suggestions that align with the user’s activity and preferences. The result is a faster, more intuitive process that reduces administrative friction and enhances operational efficiency. The integration of generative AI technologies into core processes ensures that the service remains robust, dynamic, and adaptive.
Leadership Perspective: Sharjah’s Digital Future
SEDD Chairman, Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, praised the service as a qualitative shift in customer service delivery. He emphasized that it is built on a unified, intelligent platform offering an integrated digital experience that adapts to customers’ evolving needs across various sectors. The service is a product of careful design focused on flexibility, responsiveness, and technological foresight.
According to Al Mahmoud, this AI-driven initiative is central to SEDD’s mission to strengthen the emirate’s digital infrastructure. He explained that it leverages modern technologies to facilitate business creation and attract investments. By enhancing both the efficiency and the flexibility of the emirate’s business environment, the platform sets a new benchmark in customer satisfaction and operational excellence.
Digital Commitment Reinforced by Technical Leadership
Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi, Director of SEDD’s IT Department, reaffirmed the department’s long-standing commitment to technological innovation. He highlighted that this new AI-powered service is a part of SEDD’s broader digital transformation strategy aimed at embracing the latest technologies and reshaping the future of public services in Sharjah.
Al Naqbi stressed that the platform was created in alignment with global digital trends, reflecting a deep understanding of the growing need for streamlined services. It was designed to keep pace with fast-evolving technological advancements while offering citizens and residents smarter access to essential government services.
Flexible Infrastructure Built for Future Demands
The emphasis on flexibility is one of the service’s most compelling features. With a modular infrastructure designed to integrate new technologies as they emerge, the platform ensures that Sharjah’s digital services remain future-ready. The interface provides efficient communication between customers and government systems, paving the way for smarter interactions and improved user satisfaction.
This infrastructure allows SEDD to update, improve, and expand services as the needs of the business community evolve. It’s part of a wider commitment to modernize government services without compromising accessibility or reliability.
Sharjah Finance Department Launches ‘Shj3’ AI Assistant
Further solidifying Sharjah’s digital transformation, the Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) recently introduced a new AI-powered virtual assistant named “Shj3.” This milestone aligns with the emirate’s ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline government financial services. Developed by “Tahseel,” the virtual assistant is designed to offer secure, user-friendly support and payment services via multiple channels.
The launch event took place at SFD’s headquarters and was attended by high-ranking officials including Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the SFD, and Huda Al Yassi, Director of the Financial Systems Department. Several department heads and specialists were also present to witness the debut of this next-generation digital solution.
Strategic Vision Behind the ‘Shj3’ Platform
Speaking at the event, Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi explained that “Shj3” is a manifestation of SFD’s forward-looking approach. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, the platform aims to simplify complex financial procedures, reduce processing times, and improve transparency in service delivery.
He noted that this development underscores Sharjah’s role as a trailblazer in adopting smart solutions, helping to elevate the overall quality of life while making government operations more responsive and efficient. It opens new doors for transforming how users interact with financial services.
Symbolism in Naming and Technological Integration
The name “Shj3” was deliberately chosen to reflect Sharjah’s digital identity. “Shj” stands for Sharjah, while the number “3” symbolizes the emirate’s strategic economic, geographic, and digital dimensions. Together, they represent a holistic vision for future governance, where digital infrastructure plays a central role in shaping public services.
The AI assistant seamlessly integrates with existing financial systems and provides intelligent responses to user queries. It also enables instant support for payments, account updates, and service requests. Through this platform, SFD ensures a unified and accessible financial service experience for individuals and businesses alike.
Sharjah’s Broader Digital Transformation Ecosystem
The launch of AI-driven services by both SEDD and SFD is part of Sharjah’s broader push toward digital transformation. The emirate is actively reshaping its governance structure with a focus on efficiency, accessibility, and innovation. These initiatives are designed not only to modernize the infrastructure but also to redefine the user journey across government touchpoints.
Sharjah’s transformation is unique in that it combines technology with local identity. Every step—from naming to implementation—is closely tied to the emirate’s goals for sustainable growth, economic diversification, and excellence in public service.
A Unified Vision for a Smarter Sharjah
What ties these developments together is Sharjah’s unified vision for digital governance. Whether in economic development or financial services, the aim is consistent: deliver smarter, faster, and more accessible services that empower users. AI isn’t just a tool in this strategy—it’s a key enabler of the future government landscape in the emirate.
Sharjah’s investment in AI technologies, smart interfaces, and user-driven service models reinforces its status as a leader in innovation within the UAE and the wider region. These tools not only improve day-to-day administrative tasks but also support long-term planning for sustainable growth.
Building the Digital Foundations of Tomorrow
Both the trade name issuance service from SEDD and the “Shj3” platform from SFD are not isolated projects—they are part of a calculated move toward integrated, AI-powered governance in Sharjah. Together, these initiatives point toward a future where services are intelligent, seamless, and tailored to user needs.
The success of these platforms showcases Sharjah’s dedication to excellence, adaptability, and innovation. Through these smart initiatives, the emirate is laying down a robust digital foundation for years to come, ensuring that individuals and businesses alike can thrive in an environment designed for growth, responsiveness, and efficiency.
