Sharjah has introduced BASE39, a new creative district developed by the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). The launch highlights Sharjah’s growing commitment to culture, arts, and innovation while creating opportunities for local and international talent. BASE39 is designed to nurture creativity, foster collaboration, and contribute to economic growth through a multidisciplinary approach.
The introduction of BASE39 comes at a significant time, as SPARK prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2026. Over the past decade, SPARK has evolved into a leading hub for technology and innovation, establishing strategic partnerships with global companies and attracting investments that have strengthened the city’s creative and technological infrastructure. BASE39 represents a bold expansion of SPARK’s vision to support and grow the creative industries in Sharjah.
A Hub for Multidisciplinary Creativity
BASE39 is envisioned as a dynamic platform that brings together artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and tech startups from diverse fields. These include digital arts, media, architecture, fashion, music, and interactive arts. The project emphasizes collaboration, offering a space where individuals from different disciplines can share ideas, inspire one another, and drive innovative projects.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK, emphasized the vision behind BASE39. She stated that creativity flourishes in environments where people feel empowered to imagine, collaborate, and innovate. BASE39 is intended to provide a physical and intellectual space where creative minds can meet, exchange ideas, and contribute to both cultural and economic development in Sharjah.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, explained that BASE39 extends Sharjah’s vision of building an interconnected environment that promotes creativity and innovation. He highlighted the importance of providing a platform that inspires youth, creatives, and entrepreneurs, and noted that as SPARK reaches its tenth anniversary, the launch of BASE39 reinforces its role as an incubator for bold ideas and a hub for exploring emerging technologies.
Facilities Designed for Future Innovators
BASE39 offers a variety of facilities to support innovation across multiple sectors. The district includes co-working spaces, design laboratories, audio-visual studios, exhibition areas, and fabrication labs created in partnership with SPARK’s SoiLab. These facilities provide resources and tools that help creatives transform their ideas into practical solutions and market-ready projects.
In addition to physical infrastructure, BASE39 also provides incubation programs tailored to startups in visual arts, media production, architecture, gaming, and digital innovation. By supporting early-stage ventures, the initiative encourages experimentation and the development of innovative products and services. It also empowers students, entrepreneurs, and professionals to test their ideas in a real-world environment while receiving mentorship and guidance from experts.
The opening ceremony for BASE39 was attended by a wide range of participants, including artists, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives from both public and private sectors. Guests had the opportunity to explore the district’s facilities and learn about the resources available for creative and technological development. The event also featured performances by students from the American University of Sharjah and an artistic showcase by Emirati artist ABRI, highlighting the district’s commitment to promoting local talent.
Strengthening Sharjah’s Creative Economy
BASE39 reflects Sharjah’s ambition to enhance its creative economy by providing an ecosystem that attracts both local and international talent. The initiative is expected to support small and medium enterprises while fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between artists, designers, and technology professionals.
The district aims to create strategic partnerships between academic institutions, government bodies, and private organizations. These partnerships will allow Sharjah to nurture new talent, encourage innovation, and develop solutions that have both economic and cultural impact. By integrating arts and technology, BASE39 is positioned to contribute to sustainable growth and strengthen the city’s reputation as a global cultural and innovation hub.
SPARK officials highlighted the importance of BASE39 in promoting collaboration and creativity during the launch event. By offering a platform where students and entrepreneurs can experiment, learn, and grow, the project supports the development of future-focused solutions that address both local and international challenges. The initiative also encourages knowledge sharing and provides a space where innovative ideas can take shape and flourish.
Empowering the Next Generation
BASE39 is more than a creative district; it is a platform that empowers students, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore emerging technologies and push the boundaries of traditional disciplines. By fostering collaboration among individuals with diverse skills and backgrounds, the project creates opportunities for innovation and the exchange of ideas that can lead to groundbreaking solutions.
The district’s focus on incubation and mentorship programs ensures that emerging talent has access to resources and guidance necessary for turning concepts into tangible outcomes. By encouraging experimentation and cross-disciplinary engagement, BASE39 helps participants develop practical skills and gain experience that prepares them for future careers in the creative and technological sectors.
The project also reinforces Sharjah’s position as a global hub for arts and culture. By integrating technology with creative practices, BASE39 highlights the importance of innovation in driving both cultural and economic development. This approach ensures that Sharjah remains at the forefront of emerging trends in creative industries while nurturing talent capable of contributing to long-term growth.
BASE39 and the Future of Creativity in Sharjah
BASE39 represents a bold step towards integrating culture, arts, and technology in a single ecosystem. The initiative provides a collaborative space for artists, designers, entrepreneurs, and technologists to experiment, innovate, and develop projects that have real-world impact. By creating a supportive environment for both established and emerging talent, the district strengthens Sharjah’s creative landscape and reinforces its global reputation as a hub for arts and innovation.
The initiative also demonstrates Sharjah’s commitment to building a sustainable and future-ready economy. By attracting international talent, supporting SMEs, and encouraging cross-sector collaboration, BASE39 contributes to a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem that promotes both creativity and entrepreneurship. It creates opportunities for individuals and organizations to develop skills, access resources, and implement innovative ideas that have cultural, social, and economic value.
As Sharjah continues to invest in its creative and technological infrastructure, BASE39 is expected to play a central role in shaping the city’s future. The district not only provides a platform for experimentation and learning but also encourages partnerships that strengthen the connection between academic institutions, government entities, and the private sector. These collaborations ensure that innovative ideas are supported and scaled, creating long-term benefits for the city and its residents.
BASE39 Creative District exemplifies Sharjah’s vision for a future where creativity, technology, and innovation coexist to produce meaningful impact. By offering a collaborative platform for diverse talent, the initiative empowers students, entrepreneurs, and creatives to explore new ideas, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to a thriving economy and cultural landscape. With this launch, Sharjah reinforces its position as a global leader in arts, culture, and innovation, paving the way for a creative, sustainable, and future-ready society.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – UAE-Kazakhstan Joint Committee Explores Cooperation in AI, Space, and Energy
