SHARJAH: The Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) has greenlit the commencement of the 'Middle Line Project', aimed at improving water drainage infrastructure in the emirate. Chaired by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the meeting sanctioned the first phase of this significant development, which includes extensive work to manage rainwater and groundwater. According to Emirates News Agency, the SEC meeting, held at the Sharjah Ruler's Office, was attended by key figures, including H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi. The project involves extending the main water drainage line by 4.9 kilometers at a depth of 20 meters, with an estimated cost of AED 400 million. It will also feature the construction of two pumping stations in Al Soor and Al Ghubaiba and the installation of main connection lines to integrate existing networks. Additionally, 11 inspection rooms will be built, facilitating connectivity across 13 areas and five main roads. The SEC also announced a series of decisions impacting Sharjah's governance and development. Fahd Ahmed Al Khamiri has been promoted to Director of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), following his tenure as Director of the Registration and Licensing Department. Furthermore, a new regulatory framework for real estate development projects was introduced, mandating a bank guarantee account to safeguard various stakeholders' interests, effective from May 1, 2025. In health governance, the SEC established the Supreme Medical Committee for Retirement, led by Dr. Abdulaziz Saeed bin Butti Al Muhairi, with a team comprising medical and legal experts to oversee retiree health assessments. The council also approved a one-year extension on a 50 percent discount for industrial licenses, supporting the emirate's industrial growth, which has seen a 16 percent increase in issued licenses, propelled by favorable investment conditions and government incentives.