SCCI Invites GCC Private Sector Participation in Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Collaborates with FGCCC
Faizan Hashmi | Published September 07, 2026
SHARJAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – 07th Sep, 2026) The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in partnership with the Federation of GCC Chambers (FGCCC), has extended an invitation to private sector companies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to register for the Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award, a component of the 2026 Sharjah Excellence Award.
Organized annually by SCCI under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Excellence Award recognizes outstanding institutional performance.
The localization category honors companies demonstrating a measurable commitment to hiring and developing national talent. It evaluates their ability to attract, train, and integrate nationals across executive, leadership, technical, and other roles.
Over 50 GCC companies and institutions have participated in recent years, representing sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, food, retail, and healthcare.
The award offers a common evaluation framework to assist participants in assessing their performance, identifying areas for improvement, and comparing employment practices across the region.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Chair of the award’s board of trustees, stated that the collaboration with FGCCC amplifies the category’s regional impact and fosters the exchange of effective approaches to national talent development. He added that the initiative encourages companies to evaluate their readiness and performance in employing nationals, thereby enhancing workforce effectiveness and economic competitiveness across GCC nations.
Sheikh Faisal bin Abdullah Al-Rawas, Chairman of FGCCC and Chair of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), highlighted the coordination among GCC chambers on shared development priorities. He emphasized national talent development and increased private sector participation as vital for long-term economic competitiveness.
Nada Al Hajri, General Coordinator of the Sharjah Excellence Award, noted that the growing participation in the Sharjah Gulf Localisation Award reflects the increasing awareness among GCC countries of the strategic significance of investing in national talent and establishing sustainable workforce practices that encourage citizens’ involvement across diverse professional domains.
Registration for the 2026 edition opened in July and will continue until January 2027.
In addition to the localization category, the program includes the Sharjah Gulf Excellence Award, Sharjah Excellence Award, Sharjah Entrepreneurs Award, Sharjah Small and Medium Enterprises Award, Sharjah Social Responsibility Award, Sharjah Entrepreneurs with Disability Award, and Sharjah Best Security Standards Award.
