Abu Dhabi’s Sharaka initiative settles all private sector dues from the government in Q1    

All eligible claims for government payments filed by private companies based in Abu Dhabi on the Sharaka platform by the end of Q1 have been settled, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has said.

Sharaka is an initiative of the Ghadan 21 Abu Dhabi government development accelerators programme which was set up in 2018. It enables private companies based in Abu Dhabi to file complaints and address grievances regarding outstanding dues.

As part of the economic stimulus package launched last year, the government fast-tracked the payment settlement process for all the claims submitted by private companies using Sharaka between March 2020 and March 2021 to 15 days instead of 30, a statement said.

The platform has supported private sector companies in sectors, such as infrastructure, safety, tourism, culture, health, community development, environment, education and manufacturing.

ADDED chairman Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa said the platform will provide long-term support for private sector partnerships with the public sector.

“This will increase the private sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP and enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a preferred hub for business and investment,” he stated.

He indicated that ADDED is currently working with the economic collaboration committee to study the challenges facing the private sector. The goal is to develop direct solutions, as part of Ghadan 21 and to alleviate the burden imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic since early 2020, he added.

Sharaka process

Application for claims can be submitted through the Sharaka platform via ADDED’s website or through a personal visit by the company’s owner or a designated representative to the Abu Dhabi Business Centre at ADDED’s headquarters.

To submit an application via the platform, there must be a direct contract between the company and the concerned entity excluding a third party or subcontractors.

Applications cannot be submitted for cases that have been referred to courts. Each application is reviewed within one working day and companies will be contacted to complete any added requirements.

Payments are prioritised according to several criteria including the payment delay period and any risk factors.   

The wider Ghadan 21 programme aims to ease doing business in Abu Dhabi and has introduced several new initiatives to boost development in the private sector, including the granting of an instant business licences and access to loans for SMEs.  

It includes plans to create 10,000 Emirati jobs, ease business licence requirements, support investment and speed up contract payments. 

Read: Abu Dhabi reveals nine new initiatives to boost the private sector