The third Arab Financial Forum for the Sharjah Award for Public Finance opened in Tangier, Morocco. The event, centered on Arab financial cooperation, was organized by the Sharjah Finance Department (SFD) and the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO). It gathered ministers, senior officials, and financial experts from across the Arab world under the theme “Distinguished Experiences in Developing Public Finance.”
The forum has become a key platform for exchanging ideas and expertise among Arab nations. It aims to strengthen Arab financial cooperation through dialogue and shared experiences. Moreover, the gathering promotes innovative models in public finance and encourages the adoption of international best practices in financial governance.
During the opening ceremony, several Moroccan officials participated. These included representatives of Dr. Amal El Falah El Saghrouchni, Minister Delegate for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, and Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Economy and Finance. Their presence reflected Morocco’s strong commitment to financial innovation and regional collaboration.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nasser Al Hatlan Al Qahtani, Director General of ARADO, highlighted that 13 Arab countries were represented this year. He said the forum offers a vital platform to showcase successful Arab experiences in public finance. Furthermore, he stressed that collaboration among policymakers and experts fosters innovative fiscal policies that drive regional development.
In his remarks, Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Award for Public Finance, emphasized that sound financial management ensures stability and supports growth. He added that such forums create valuable opportunities for coordination and shared learning. Additionally, he praised the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, for encouraging transparency and knowledge-sharing in financial management.
Later, Waleed Al Sayegh, Director General of the Sharjah Finance Department, presented Sharjah’s experience in performance-based budgeting. He explained that this system links spending decisions to measurable outcomes, boosting efficiency and accountability. According to him, Sharjah’s approach represents a major step toward aligning development goals with real-world results.
Al Sayegh also noted that successful budgeting requires strong leadership, ongoing training, and data-driven decision-making. He urged Arab governments to create frameworks that link strategies with performance outcomes to achieve long-term fiscal sustainability.
Throughout the sessions, participants shared experiences, discussed fiscal reforms, and explored ways to enhance spending efficiency. As a result, the forum reinforced the importance of Arab financial cooperation in building transparent and results-oriented financial systems.
Experts believe the discussions in Tangier will shape a unified Arab roadmap for modern financial management. In conclusion, the event ended with optimism for deeper regional integration and continued innovation in the Arab financial sector.
