Latest news with #ACRES


Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah reinforces its position as a regional hub for realty investment
Business Bureau, Gulf Today Preparations are progressing swiftly for the upcoming edition of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition, 'ACRES 2026' which is set to take place from January 21st to 24th, 2026. The event is attracting significant attention from both government and private sector entities involved in Sharjah's real estate sector. As part of the lead-up to this major event, the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Leaders event management company, convened an extensive coordination meeting. The session brought together officials and representatives from key strategic partners to review developmental plans and proposals aimed at enhancing the exhibition's readiness. Enhancing the Experience for Visitors and Exhibitors In this regard, Abdulaziz Rashid Al-Saleh, Director of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, stated: 'The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition (ACRES) serves as a strategic platform that reinforces Sharjah's position as a regional hub for real estate investment. It provides an optimal environment for knowledge exchange and the introduction of the latest sector's innovations.' 'Through our current preparations, we are working diligently to elevate the experience for both visitors and exhibitors by leveraging advanced digital services and fostering impactful partnerships—reflecting the emirate's commitment to excellence and sustainability.' Al-Saleh further added: 'We are fully committed to ensuring that the upcoming edition is a true embodiment of Sharjah's vision for digital transformation and real estate transparency. We are mobilizing our technical and human resources to deliver an exhibition aligning with the emirate's stature and contributing meaningfully to sustainable economic growth.' Saeed Ghanem Al-Suwaidi, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the exhibition's strategic importance, stating: 'At the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we recognize the vital role that specialised exhibitions play in driving economic advancement. Therefore, 'ACRES 2026' is an ideal platform for showcasing high-quality projects and attracting substantial real estate investment. We are focused on delivering a more comprehensive and distinguished edition by nurturing public-private partnerships and offering an engaging platform that caters to diverse investor and visitor profiles.' The goal is to deliver an outstanding edition that resonates with the emirate's ambitions and fulfils the expectations of stakeholders across the real estate sector. These initiatives align with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department's rapid strides in digital transformation, marked by the rollout of smart, cutting-edge services that streamline procedures and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, these developments significantly enhance the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, creating an ideal setting for the presentation of innovative real estate solutions. An edition that elevates the emirate's ambitions and aligns with the aspirations of investors and exhibitors Intensive preparations are underway for the launch of the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition 'ACRES 2026' this January. The upcoming edition is poised to build on the accomplishments of its predecessor, which solidified ACRES' reputation as one of the region's premier specialised real estate platforms. The previous event created a dynamic and interactive environment that brought together leading real estate developers, entrepreneurs, and key decision-makers. It played a pivotal role in invigorating the market and strengthening investors' confidence in the emirate. In addition, the exhibition offers a prime opportunity for companies to promote their projects and unveil their latest developments to a wider audience of investors and stakeholders. Offering a Range of Smart Real Estate Services 'ACRES 2026' is expected to witness significant participation from both government and private entities. The event will also feature a variety of smart real estate services and a rich programme of accompanying events designed to stimulate dialogue on the future of the real estate industry. It will also explore prospects for growth and development across local, regional, and international markets. Meanwhile the Emirate of Sharjah recorded strong performance in its real estate sector during May 2025, with total trading value of Dhs5.5 billion across 8,415 transactions in various areas of the emirate. The total traded area of sales transactions reached 13.2 million square feet, which reflects the continued strength and strategic development of the emirate's real estate market.


Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Intensive preparations are underway for launch of ACRES 2026 this January
Meeting the evolving aspirations of investors and exhibitors. As part of the lead-up to this major event, the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Leaders event management company, convened an extensive coordination meeting. The session brought together officials and representatives from key strategic partners to review developmental plans and proposals aimed at enhancing the exhibition's readiness. The goal is to deliver an outstanding edition that resonates with the emirate's ambitions and fulfills the expectations of stakeholders across the real estate sector. These initiatives align with the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department's rapid strides in digital transformation, marked by the rollout of smart, cutting-edge services that streamline procedures and improve operational efficiency. Additionally, these developments significantly enhance the experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, creating an ideal setting for the presentation of innovative real estate solutions. A new edition building on past success The upcoming edition is poised to build on the accomplishments of its predecessor, which solidified ACRES' reputation as one of the region's premier specialised real estate platforms. The previous event created a dynamic and interactive environment that brought together leading real estate developers, entrepreneurs, and key decision-makers. It played a pivotal role in invigorating the market and strengthening investors' confidence in the emirate. In addition, the exhibition offers a prime opportunity for companies to promote their projects and unveil their latest developments to a wider audience of investors and stakeholders. Enhancing the experience for visitors and exhibitors In this regard, His Excellency Abdulaziz Rashid Al-Saleh, Director of the Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department, stated: 'The Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition (ACRES) serves as a strategic platform that reinforces Sharjah's position as a regional hub for real estate investment. It provides an optimal environment for knowledge exchange and the introduction of the latest sector's innovations. Through our current preparations, we are working diligently to elevate the experience for both visitors and exhibitors by leveraging advanced digital services and fostering impactful partnerships—reflecting the emirate's commitment to excellence and sustainability.' Driving the Emirate's sustainable economic development Al-Saleh further added: 'We are fully committed to ensuring that the upcoming edition is a true embodiment of Sharjah's vision for digital transformation and real estate transparency. We are mobilizing our technical and human resources to deliver an exhibition aligning with the emirate's stature and contributing meaningfully to sustainable economic growth.' Attracting real estate investment His Excellency Saeed Ghanem Al-Suwaidi, Chairman of the Representative Committee of the Real Estate Sector Business Group at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the exhibition's strategic importance, stating: 'At the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we recognise the vital role that specialised exhibitions play in driving economic advancement. Therefore, 'ACRES 2026' is an ideal platform for showcasing high-quality projects and attracting substantial real estate investment. We are focused on delivering a more comprehensive and distinguished edition by nurturing public-private partnerships and offering an engaging platform that caters to diverse investor and visitor profiles.' Offering a range of smart real estate services 'ACRES 2026' is expected to witness significant participation from both government and private entities. The event will also feature a variety of smart real estate services and a rich programme of accompanying events designed to stimulate dialogue on the future of the real estate industry. It will also explore prospects for growth and development across local, regional, and international markets.


RTÉ News
6 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
Warning over increased risk to endangered birds' nests from dogs
Conservationists are warning of an increase in recent weeks of the nesting sites of endangered breeding waders, such as the curlew, being destroyed by dogs. Breeding waders are among the most endangered bird species in Ireland. The most famous of them - the curlew - has seen 98% of its population lost since the 1980s. One of the few remaining habitats for the curlew, and other endangered ground-nesters like the oystercatcher, is around Lough Ree near Athlone. The habitat there is looked after by the Breeding Waders EIP project, which aims to secure existing breeding wader populations and support population recovery. Conservationists working in the area say there has been a rise in incidents of loose dogs chasing the endangered birds and disturbing their nests. Senior Project Manager Owen Murphy said the team has increasingly seen "human activity causing significant disturbance to these birds. "Disturbance can come in in a variety of different formats, from walking dogs off leads to camping in the wrong place, to driving across sensitive areas. "These birds feel unsettled, they don't feel safe, they see humans and dogs as predators, and so therefore they're inclined to abandon areas that have too much human activity," he added. The issue is a nationwide one, despite conservation efforts, including under the ACRES scheme. Part of the Government's €1.5 billion ACRES climate scheme funds 20,000 farmers to help provide habitats for endangered waders. However, Fergal Monaghan, Programme Director with ACRES, said the benefits of that work "can be put at risk by carelessness, particularly by dogs running off the leash". "We would ask people to keep their dogs on a leash, or ideally, don't bring dogs to sensitive areas - wetlands, bogs and heat and coastal areas - particularly between the months of March and August," he added. Mr Monaghan said "it's not being done maliciously, but a dog doesn't even have to catch a bird to do real damage, and it can drive birds away. "Earlier this year, we've lost the breeding population of lapwing at Bunduff lake in Sligo. Unfortunately, that problem is mirrored up and down the country, and we just ask people to be careful during the nesting season in these high-value areas, to keep dogs on a leash or ideally leave them at home." It is a criminal offence to wilfully disturb with the nesting site of any bird in the country and conservationists are asking members of the public to be mindful of the risk to these birds when in and around their habitats.


Agriland
11-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
DAFM: ‘Most complex' ACRES cases to be finalised this month
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has reiterated that the 'most complex' payment cases under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) will be dealt with this month. This is according to the latest update from the department which shows that a total of almost €494.8 million has been paid to ACRES participants as of Monday (June 9). Just under €246.3 million is in respect of participation in the Scheme in 2024, while almost €248.5 million relates to participation in 2023. ACRES is the €1.5 billion flagship agri-environmental scheme provided under Ireland's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027. However, the scheme has been the subject of intense criticism due to the delay in payments being issued to farmers. Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Martin Heydon has previously expressed his frustration around the delays. ACRES According to DAFM, balancing payments in respect of participation in the ACRES scheme in 2024 commenced on May 15, 2025. The most recent payment run of June 6 paid €278,732 to a further 603 participants. This brought the total paid in balancing payments in respect of 2024 to almost €34.6 million, to 45,715 farmers. The department said that this means that almost 85% of all participants are up to date with payments. Advance payments, in respect of participation in the scheme in 2024, were made on June 9 to 37 farmers, with those payments amounting to €151,671.66. This payment run brought total 2024 Advance payments to almost €211.8 million, paid to 49,350 farmers, or over 91% of all ACRES participants. However, DAFM acknowledged that advance payments in respect of scheme participation in 2024 have still to be made to 4,680 ACRES participants across tranches 1 and 2. Of these 4,680 participants, 837 are also awaiting their balancing payment in respect of 2023, as that must be paid before the 2024 advance payment may be made to them. DAFM added that advance payments for 2024 will continue to be made on a weekly basis. Payments In relation to participation in ACRES in 2023, balancing payments were made to 112 farmers on June 9 totalling €91,130/ This brought the total paid in respect of participation in ACRES in 2023 to just under €248.5 million, paid to 43,955 participants, or over 98% of participants. A total of 837 farmers have yet to receive their final payments for 2023. Of these, 600 have already received an interim payment of either €4,000 or €5,000, respectively. The department said that in many instances, this will cover the entire amount of the payment due. DAFM said that it is continuing to progress the contracts awaiting final payment in respect of 2023 and/or advance payment in respect of 2024, 'with the most complex cases to be finalised in June 2025 at the latest'. Balancing payments in respect of participation in ACRES in 2024 have now commenced, the department added. Delays According to DAFM, the issues which are impacting on the making of payments in respect of each year are primarily: Contract and ownership / partnership issues; Issues with scorecards (incorrect score, scorecards not submitted, alignment of scorecards with data from the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS); Alignment of ACRES data with 2024 BISS information. 'The department is actively resolving the remaining issues through, for example, the development of the required IT functionality and the investigation of issues associated with specific contracts. 'The non-submission to date by participants, or by their ACRES advisors on their behalf, of certain returns also impacted on the making of advance payments to them in respect of 2024,' the department said.


Agriland
05-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
Scorecards for ACRES 2025 payments sent to advisors
Scorecards for lands for results-based payments under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) have been sent out to ACRES advisors this week. The department has also provided an updated version of the ACRES scorecard guidance document, which provides information to advisors on the way in which the lands concerned should be surveyed, and on the completion of the relevant scorecards. Advisors are being reminded that, for the scores submitted to be deemed valid and used in the determination of ACRES payments for 2025, they must be submitted by an approved ACRES advisor who has completed mandatory in-field scorecard training in 2025. Courses to provide this training are currently being provided, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said. There is also a specific introductory, basic scorecard training course being provided for those advisors who did not attend a mandatory ACRES scorecard training course in 2024 (for example, where an ACRES advisor has only been approved as such since summer 2024). When completing the Scrub/Woodland scorecard on the AgriSnap photo app, advisors should only select either section A1-S (Scrub) or A1-W (Woodland), depending on the habitat type present. Advisors should also ensure that only the relevant section is completed. Entering information in both sections A1-S (Scrub) and A1-W (Woodland) will result in an inaccurate score and subsequently a delay in payments to farmers. All scorecards – both Co-operation Project (CP) results-based scorecards and scorecards for general actions – for each holding must be submitted within 14 days of initiating the first scorecard. The last day for submission of all scorecards to the department is August 31 each year, according to the specifications of the ACRES programme. Once an ACRES scorecard has been submitted in full, it will not be possible to make further changes to the scorecard and it cannot subsequently be amended. Advisors are being told that it is therefore essential that they are 'fully satisfied' that scorecards are correct at the time of submission.