Sharjah’s Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, recently concluded a two-day visit to Shanghai, China, underscoring the emirate’s growing interest in potential collaborations across media, sports, and technology. The visit, completed on Saturday, included tours of the Shanghai Film Studios and Film Park, as well as the Shanghai Football Club Stadium.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed’s visit to the 800,000-square-metre Shanghai Film Studios and Film Park in Chedun Town focused on the facility’s capabilities. The studio complex boasts four professional studios ranging in size from 800 to 3,000 square metres, a substantial costume warehouse, and comprehensive production support services. The delegation received a presentation detailing these resources, alongside demonstrations of emerging technologies impacting the film industry.
A key focus of the studio tour was the integration of artificial intelligence into filmmaking. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed observed examples of AI technologies being utilized to reduce production costs and accelerate timelines, including the creation of three-dimensional characters and the precision of visual effects without traditional filming methods. The delegation also toured sound recording rooms, image quality control facilities, and editing suites, gaining insight into the studio’s post-production workflow.
The visit highlighted advanced cinematic technologies such as “Green Chroma” technology and underwater filming techniques. The Shanghai Film Park itself showcased diverse filming locations, including a meticulously rebuilt section of “Babeling Well Road” and the “Zhejiang Road Bridge,” designed to replicate historic architectural styles. A classic car exhibition, a valuable resource for period productions, was also part of the tour. The delegation experienced the park’s atmosphere via a train modeled after those used in the 1930s.
The following day, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed visited the Shanghai Football Club Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000 spectators. The tour included an examination of the stadium’s media facilities and a visit to the Shanghai Football Club Museum. Wang Shuwei, General Manager of the Stadium Operations Centre, provided information on the club’s history, achievements, and championships.
Discussions at the stadium centered on the club’s history and achievements, as well as the technological infrastructure supporting its operations. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was briefed on the club’s use of advanced digital systems for archiving events, matches, and tournaments, and interactive touchscreens for fan engagement. The delegation also reviewed the stadium’s giant screens displaying key achievements, photographic materials, and match videos.
The stadium’s embrace of technology extends to fan engagement and operational efficiency. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was informed about the club’s communication strategies through a dedicated smart app, digital platforms, social media live broadcasts, and interactive stadium games. The delegation learned about the stadium’s implementation of AI-enabled facial recognition for entry and exit, on-pitch monitoring, and data management systems.
The visit concluded with an exchange of gifts and commemorative shields between Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed and representatives from the Chinese side. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise in sports, media, and technical management, content creation, and film production.
The delegation accompanying Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed included Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Rashid Abdullah Al Oubad, Director General of Sharjah Media City (Shams); Salem Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Alia Bu Ghanem Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; and Hessa Abdullah Al Hammadi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council.
