In brief
Under the theme "We Are All Partners in Innovation" the Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) has started its Innovation Month 2026. The agenda includes practical workshops, interactive experiences and AI demonstrations designed to build future‑ready skills and translate ideas into practice. Director Badr Al Ali emphasized that innovation is now a necessity in government and a shared responsibility for all staff.
In the heart of Sharjah, the finance department announced the launch of Innovation Month 2026, a month‑long initiative set to run throughout November. The program is aimed at its own employees, who will participate in a series of workshops, interactive activities and AI demonstrations designed to foster a culture of innovation within the department.
The initiative forms part of the broader UAE Innovates programme, which seeks to embed innovation into daily operations across public institutions. By offering hands‑on opportunities for experimentation, the Sharjah Finance Department hopes to build future‑ready skills within its workforce and translate creative ideas into tangible improvements in performance.
According to the department’s announcement, the agenda will feature a diverse range of sessions, from practical workshops that address workplace challenges to knowledge‑sharing events that showcase new technologies. The activities are intended to empower staff to explore innovative solutions, develop new competencies and apply them directly to their roles.
"Innovation in government is no longer an option associated with specific initiatives or occasions. It has become an institutional necessity, driven by the accelerating pace of development and society’s expectations for more efficient and effective services," said Badr Al Ali, Director of Corporate Development and Excellence Office at the Sharjah Finance Department. Badr Al Ali
"At the Sharjah Finance Department, we are committed to creating a working environment that gives employees the confidence and opportunity to share their ideas and experiment with new solutions. We believe that meaningful progress begins with people, and that ideas emerging from everyday work have the potential to bring about significant improvements in performance and the quality of outcomes."
Al Ali added that the theme for this year, "We Are All Partners in Innovation," reflects the department’s belief that creativity is a shared responsibility. Every employee is seen as an active participant in driving positive change, bringing together diverse expertise and capabilities to transform the institutional culture.
The launch event, held in Sharjah’s administrative centre, highlighted several key objectives. First, the department aims to strengthen employees’ ability to harness knowledge and modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve working methods. Second, it seeks to create an environment that encourages experimentation and learning, moving innovation from a theoretical concept to an integral part of everyday practice.
Program Highlights and Expected Outcomes
The month‑long program will feature workshops on data analytics, process automation and digital transformation, allowing staff to apply new tools to streamline operations. Interactive sessions will let participants test AI prototypes designed to enhance decision‑making and service delivery.
Beyond technical skills, the department will also host knowledge‑sharing events that bring together internal experts and external partners. These sessions are intended to spark cross‑departmental collaboration, fostering an ecosystem where ideas can be shared freely and refined through collective expertise.
All activities are structured to translate innovative ideas into practice, with the ultimate goal of enhancing institutional performance and delivering higher quality outcomes to citizens. By embedding innovation into its core processes, the Sharjah Finance Department aims to create a sustainable culture that adapts to changing demands and sets a benchmark for public sector transformation in the UAE.
The department announced that the Momentum, the recurring theme for future Innovation Months, will revolve around building future‑ready skills and strengthening the capacity of staff to drive continuous innovation. With the launch of Innovation Month 2026, every employee in the Sharjah Finance Department is now a partner in the journey toward smarter, more efficient public services.
