Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the two-day event will host impactful keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and a plethora of immersive activities, all housed within 10 specially curated zones and 5 engaging stages, each designed to cater to the diverse interests and sectors within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Due to popular demand, SEF 2025 has brought back its theme “Where We Belong” building on its reputation as the ultimate gathering for visionaries and change-makers; and its status as the biggest entrepreneurial event in the region. Tickets for SEF 2025 are now available on the festival’s official website at https://sharjahef.com/.

Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, stated, “Under the visionary leadership of our Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) proudly stands as the region’s largest and most impactful entrepreneurial gathering. Powered by Sheraa, SEF 2025 convenes a global community of bold changemakers to reimagine possibilities, ignite conversations, and drive sustainable growth. With a legacy of over 30,000 attendees since inception, SEF continues to cement Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for entrepreneurship and innovation”.

Sheraa CEO, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi stated, “As the largest entrepreneurial gathering in the region, SEF serves as a powerful platform for growth and connection within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through our dedicated zones and themed stages, our festival effectively gathers thought-leaders, change makers, and the next generation of innovators, facilitating an environment where pioneering ideas can thrive and create an impact. We are committed to empowering entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and redefine what’s possible, while showcasing innovative solutions that will ultimately shape the future. Together, we harness our collective potential to drive meaningful change and elevate the entrepreneurial spirit within Sharjah, the region, and the world.”

Connect with like-minded individuals at SEF’s 10 immersive zones
Creating highly specialised zones at SEF 2025 aligns perfectly with the theme of “Where We Belong,” facilitating an enriching environment that empowers attendees to explore their passions and connect with like-minded individuals. These zones aim to cultivate a sense of belonging, facilitating meaningful connections that can lead to collaborations, partnerships, investment, and lifelong friendships. The tailored content aims to enhance learning opportunities, ensuring that participants walk away with actionable insights relevant to their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Impact Zone at SEF 2025 will serve as the festival’s main stage, hosting inspirational keynote speeches and engaging discussions with leading entrepreneurs, while offering exclusive VIP experiences that elevate the event. This vibrant hub will set the tone for the festival, ensuring a powerful and memorable experience for all attendees.

The Creative Zone and stage will ignite imagination, bringing together leaders within the thriving sector hosting talks and skill-building workshops with renowned global and regional creators as well as activation booths and podcast rooms. The Startup Town will provide a conducive space for emerging entrepreneurs to connect with investors and mentors on the Founder Stage and exclusive networking opportunities at the dedicated Investors Lounge. The SOUQ will celebrate local products and F&B brands, creating a lively marketplace atmosphere for visitors to explore home-grown businesses and connect with local artisans. Additionally, the SEF Academy will offer expert-led workshops tailored for all levels of entrepreneurs, taking attendee skills and proficiency to the next level. The Sustainability & Wellness Zone and stage will focus on eco-forward innovation and holistic well-being, while the newly added Made in Sharjah zone will highlight the incredible local talent within the Sheraa ecosystem as well as having a dedicated Community Stage to platform outstanding businesses within the emirate.

The Artist’s Alley will also be a new addition giving local artists an exclusive platform to showcase their work, and SEF Eats will feature delicious offerings from homegrown brands showcasing the very local flavors. Additionally, the International Pavilions will bring leading global entrepreneurship ecosystems to Sharjah, providing networking opportunities with international thought-leaders and delegations.

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Commenting on the leadership changes, Sheikha Bodour said: “As CEO, Najla demonstrated exceptional leadership which has driven Sheraa towards remarkable success. Her promotion to Vice-Chairperson reflects her many achievements and her unwavering commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Sharjah.”

Sheikha Bodour also introduced Sara Al Nuaimi as the incoming Chief Executive Officer. “Sara joins Sheraa with an impressive track record across multiple industries, bringing a wealth of experience and a dedication to driving impactful initiatives. We are confident that her innovative mindset and dynamic leadership style will usher Sheraa into a new era of growth.”

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center was launched in January 2016, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with a mission to develop a world-class entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sharjah and to nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Through a range of entrepreneurship programs, Sheraa has upskilled over 18,000 aspiring entrepreneurs and incubated over 180 impactful ventures. To date, these ventures have raised over $171m in investments. Sheraa’s portfolio has an impressive 71% survival rate and includes eight successful startup exits. Moreover, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival has cemented the emirate’s reputation as a talent convener, attracting over 30,000 changemakers from around the world over the past seven editions.

Following this announcement, Sheikha Bodour expressed optimism about Sheraa’s future. “Today, Sheraa is stronger than ever. This strategic transition is the natural next step in our journey. With our strengthened leadership team, we will reinforce Sheraa’s position as a leading platform for entrepreneurs and enhance Sharjah’s standing as a beacon of creativity, knowledge, and innovation.”

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Commenting on their role within MoE’s delegation, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, stated, “This prestigious event provides an unparalleled platform to present Sharjah as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and for our entrepreneurs to showcase their cutting-edge solutions while engaging with international investors, industry leaders, and like-minded innovators from around the world. We are deeply committed to nurturing the growth of startups in Sharjah and empowering them to scale their businesses globally. By participating in VivaTech, we aim to put the spotlight on the incredible talent and potential that exists within our emirate, while also fostering cross-border collaboration and accelerating the growth of our SMEs.”

Showcasing Sheraa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem
Participating startups from Sheraa’s ecosystem covered a diverse range of sectors, showcasing innovative solutions in data analytics, ed-tech, food & beverage technology, virtual and augmented reality, sustainability, software development, and IoT technology.

DataFirst had the opportunity to showcase their data-driven technology developed to help clients build new revenue streams and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Their analytics solution, ‘Flow’, was specifically designed to increase revenue and operational efficiency which will be greatly effective for food & beverage operators. Fifthwall, a Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) creative agency, presented their holistic support to clients across various technology platforms, with a strong focus on data-driven strategies and marketing.

Specialising in fostering programming skills and advancing smart device development through the use of open-source development boards for educational purposes and project implementation, Remal IoT proved to be a great attraction for software and hardware enthusiasts. Candam Technologies impressed visitors with logistics solutions demonstrating their EU-patented technology to enable easy and affordable ‘Return and Earn Schemes’, while AR Engineering, a pioneering software development company, attracted visitors in the Ed-tech sector with their digital content and immersive learning experiences.

Cross-border collaboration and entrepreneurial growth
As part of their agenda at VivaTech 2024, the UAE delegation engaged in several enriching activities to foster cross-border collaboration and entrepreneurial growth. Through visiting a number of French and European business incubators, they were able to gain valuable insights into innovative projects while enabling the participating Emirati entrepreneurs to expand their knowledge and expertise in developing small and medium-sized enterprises. The agenda also included productive meetings between these UAE based SMEs and their French counterparts, joined by a large group of investors and venture capitalists. These interactions aimed to establish fruitful partnerships in emerging economic sectors and cutting-edge technologies, creating new avenues for growth and innovation.

Additionally, the delegation held a series of bilateral meetings with senior officials from French government agencies specialising in entrepreneurship, further strengthening the strategic ties between the UAE and France.

Viva Technology 2024 features an impressive lineup of notable speakers from various sectors, ensuring a rich dialogue on the future of technology. Some of the key figures include Elon Musk, Bernard Arnault, John Kerry, Serena and Venus Williams, Linda Yaccarino, and Christel Heydemann, representing prominent companies and organisations such as SpaceX, Tesla, X, LVMH, Orange, Shopify, as well as many others.

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Through a strategic vision, the CoEs will empower startups to spearhead development and growth in the four key sectors through strategic partnerships. Providing market access facilitation and impactful assessments, the initiative aims to revolutionize the support system for startups and catalyze a dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sharjah.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, declared the launch of the Centers of Excellence as a testament to Sheraa’s resolute commitment to driving impactful transformation, stating, “In line with the visionary goals of the UAE and Sharjah, our aim is to embed sustainability as a fundamental pillar in the entrepreneurial domain, serving as a dynamic force propelling national economies. The CoEs aim to be a potent catalyst empowering founders, nurturing innovation, and providing the resources needed to turn visions into reality.

Strategic partnerships with essential stakeholders
Sheraa has forged strategic partnerships with essential stakeholders to bolster the CoEs, encompassing collaborations with the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest In Sharjah), the American University of Sharjah (AUS), and the University of Sharjah (UoS)  as overarching partners across all four centres.

Each centre is aligned with key partners to maximize its impact. The Manufacturing CoE is championed by the Ministry of Industries and Advanced Technology and has on board the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Emirates Development Bank (EDB) to support startups with market access and financing. The Creative Industries CoE is championed by the Ministry of Culture. The EdTech CoE partners with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, and the Sustainability Center is championed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, as well as BEEAH Group and Sharjah Sustainable City.

The CoEs will leverage industry-specific experts to serve as mentors and advisors to founders and collaborate with corporate entities to support these startups through incubating solutions, implementing strategies, and offering paid contracts. This approach will empower founders to effectively address challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

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Inspiring the next generation
Commenting on their participation, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa stated, “The global platform of Web Summit Qatar presents an ideal opportunity to showcase Sharjah’s reputation as a prime destination for founders and the comprehensive capabilities of our supportive ecosystem. We remain committed to fostering a thriving environment where aspiring entrepreneurs can translate their dreams into impactful realities, and by sharing the inspiring stories of our startups and the invaluable resources we offer, we hope to ignite a spark of passion and empower the next generation of innovators to leave their mark on the world.”

Showcasing Sharjah’s entrepreneurial spirit
Through its immersive booth at the inaugural Web Summit Qatar 2024, Sheraa showcased their supportive ecosystem and various programmes and initiatives as well as providing a platform for four exceptional startups that are creating an impact in their respective industries of EdTech, the Creative Economy, and Manufacturing.

Skyvertise is an aerial advertising drone technology startup from Sharjah. They create captivating drone light shows, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional event experiences. Their unique “Text to Drone Show AI” technology translates ideas into precise aerial formations, enhancing creativity and safety. Additionally, Skyvertise’s SkyTruck, the first mobile drone nest, enables flexible, rapid deployment of shows. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Skyvertise transforms the airspaces into a canvas for creativity, ensuring that messages not only capture attention but leave a lasting impact.

Eyouth is one of the leading EdTech startups in the MENA region with a vast user base of over 2 million learners across 300 different careers, facilitating over 450,000 job placements for their graduates. Their commitment to facilitating continuous learning, skill development, and industry-relevant education positions EYouth Learning as a key player in advancing the educational landscape.

AR Engineering focuses on creating Extended Reality (XR) experiences, offering digital solutions in industries. Their services include an all-in-one cloud-based procedure delivery platform for educators and engineers, AR Academy for educational institutions, guided sessions for training and onboarding, digital twinning for content creation, and tailored XR solutions for businesses. The company was also recently inducted into the Aerospace Xelerated Programme for its fourth cohort, led by Boeing and run in partnership with the Tawazun Council of the UAE.

Remal IoT specialises in developing innovative Internet of Things (IoT) boards and tools, enabling users to learn, explore, and create in the field of IoT. Their offerings include various IoT boards like Shabakah, Nabd, and Atlas, each designed for specific applications such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Mesh, and Low Energy applications. Operating in and around the Manufacturing sector, Remal IoT empowers individuals and companies to create cutting-edge, locally-made tech products.

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True to tradition, the festival, organised by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), is set to empower the next generation of change-makers as 12 visionary entrepreneurs compete for a share of the impressive 200,000 AED prize pool.

Sheraa CEO, Najla Al Midfa stated, “As we gear up for SEF 2024, the Startup Pitch competition continues to shape the narrative of entrepreneurship. This competition drives innovation and ambition within our ecosystem at Sheraa, encapsulating collaboration, learning, and growth. Our mission is to foster an environment where ideas flourish, and aspirations materialise, driving progress in the entrepreneurial landscape.”

Supporting entrepreneurs in a diverse number of industries
The high-stakes competition offers a chance to secure a 50,000 AED grant in 4 industry-specific tracks supported by sponsors committed to propelling innovation and excellence in their sectors. In each track, startups have a unique opportunity to articulate their plans with precision and leave an indelible mark on investors, the audience and the panel of seasoned judges. 

• The Tourism Track, designed to revolutionise the tourism sector and sponsored by Sharjah Tourism and Commerce Development Authority, provides a platform for startups with innovative solutions in travel and hospitality.
•  The Creative Economy Track, supported by Sharjah Media City (SHAMS), is focused on the intersection of creativity and business emphasising the economic impact of creative enterprises.
•  The Impact Track, proudly sponsored by Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), will allow startups active in the sustainability, social impact or education industry led by women entrepreneurs to showcase their visionary startups.
•  The Tech Track, sponsored by Emaar, is tailored for startups at the forefront of technological innovation and will provide a launchpad for groundbreaking ideas within the rapidly evolving industry.

As the region’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship, SEF is set to go bigger with its revolutionary approach in 2024. Featuring nine curated zones aligned with SEF 2024’s key pillars of ‘Impact’, ‘Founders’, ‘Community’, and ‘Creativity’, this festival is a platform for founders, investors, and industry leaders to connect, learn, and collaborate on the latest opportunities, shaping the future of the local ecosystem.

In the lead-up to SEF 2024, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts are urged to seize  this unique opportunity. Join the movement, seize the moment, and be part of the transformative journey where innovation, collaboration, and dreams converge to shape the future of entrepreneurship. For more information and to register for the Startup Pitch, visit https://sharjahef.com/apply//.

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Supporting entrepreneurship through the power of long-term partnerships
Arada’s dynamic partnership with Sheraa exemplifies the power of long-term alliances in entrepreneurship and is strengthened as a Legacy Partner for SEF. They will assert their participation through the festival’s ‘Impact Zone’, which will host SEF’s main ceremonies and serve as a platform for global and local speakers throughout the 2-day festival. Aligned with SEF 2024’s theme, “Our Shared Canvas,” the Impact Zone offers insights into diverse entrepreneurial sectors, spotlighting entrepreneurs as leaders driving societal and global change.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, lauded Arada’s consistent support for the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) and Sheraa’s initiatives. “Arada’s commitment is part of our festival’s success, symbolizing the strength of collaborative efforts in fostering the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” she also noted Arada’s contribution beyond real estate, mirroring SEF’s aim to inspire and connect innovators. She highlighted their commitment to sustainability, marked by the Sharjah Sustainability Award in 2019, aligning with SEF’s goal of promoting a sustainable future through entrepreneurship.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said: “Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival is one of the region’s most important and powerful events, promoting innovation, collaboration and ideas that are designed to boost local economies. This long-term partnership with Sheraa is in line with Arada’s own commitment to create engaged, empowered and dynamic communities that have the ability to realise the potential of future generations.”

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The event comprises 5 exclusive zones and 4 stages, within these dedicated zones, SEF 2024 will host more than 200 activities including discussions, pitch competitions, performances, creative workshops, investor-investee networking sessions, and more. These specialised areas will present boundless opportunities for entrepreneurial engagement and innovation for the entire ecosystem and have been strategically designed around key streams of ‘impact,’ ‘founders,’ ‘community,’ and ‘creativity,’ offering founders, VCs, tech leaders, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers a vibrant platform to connect, learn, ideate, and scout the next big opportunity.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, stated, “We have put a great deal of thought and effort into creating a truly immersive and empowering experience for all that will attend SEF 2024. Under our overarching theme of “Our Shared Canvas,” SEF 2024 will encapsulate the essence of collaborative innovation and collective impact; As it serves as a powerful metaphor, illustrating how the diverse strokes of individual and collective efforts come together to create a positive sustainable ecosystem of entrepreneurship.”

Registration for SEF 2024 is now open at https://sharjahef.com/.

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Initiated in October of this year, the program received an overwhelming response with over 1,000 applicants from the region and the world, culminating in the awarding of three exceptional teams whose innovative projects were pitched in front of an international audience at the MOE’s Pavilion at COP28, promising to make lasting contributions to a greener future.

The 3 winning teams, namely, EcoSat; Golden JoTree; and AIN by TYAR, were  awarded with an equity-free grant of AED 50,000 each, allowing them to further develop their concepts and become market ready. This accolade also propels these teams into a 16-week Accelerator program, a critical juncture where their innovative ideas will be nurtured to fruition by Sheraa and their Experts-in-Residence (EiRs).

EcoSat – Revolutionising climate monitoring
EcoSat, a visionary project utilising satellite imagery and AI models to monitor pollutant sources globally, aims to play a crucial role in the fight against climate change by pinpointing emissions affecting air quality and public health. Their groundbreaking approach to accurate emissions tracking lays a crucial foundation for proactive solutions to combating air pollution.

Golden JoTree – Local solutions for international markets
Golden JoTree is aiming to generate revenue through locally sourced jojoba oil production and distribution to elevate the UAE’s position in the market. Their concept plans to implement innovative agriculture techniques that improve soil quality while enriching the entire supply chain and industry.

AIN, by TYAR – Nurturing sustainable agriculture
AIN, by TYAR, introduces an innovative self-sustained smart irrigation system powered by artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies. With the ambitious goal of reducing water consumption in UAE agricultural activities by 15% by 2028, AIN provides concise summaries to users via a user-friendly mobile app, revolutionising water management in agriculture.

Commenting on the successful outcome of the program, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa said, “Through this Ecopreneurship Program, we are nurturing solutions to create a future where innovation seamlessly integrates with sustainability, enhancing Sharjah’s dynamic  entrepreneurial landscape. At Sheraa we are dedicated to cultivating a vibrant ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs, and encourages sustainable business practices. We are confident that the concepts refined through this initiative, and the individuals behind them, will serve as prime examples of what is possible when eco-conscious innovation receives support and guidance. In the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, our presence at COP28 was a resounding affirmation of our dedication to addressing global challenges, where purpose-driven ventures spearhead efforts to construct a sustainable and resilient future for all.”

A journey equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to prosper
The Ecopreneurship Program supported entrepreneurs through a transformative journey, beginning with a dynamic 10-day Boot Camp in October at Expo City, Dubai, fostering creativity and innovation.

The top five shortlisted teams awarded equity-free grants of AED 25,000 each, progressed to the 6-week Pre-Accelerator at Sheraa Hub. Here, they gained invaluable insights into goal setting, customer discovery, product development, and go-to-market strategies.

The momentum surged onto the global stage at COP28, where the five winning startup ideas pitched to a global audience. Three teams emerged as overall winners, each securing equity-free grants of AED 50,000.

These winning teams now advance to a 16-week Accelerator at Sheraa HQ in Sharjah, guided by Experts-in-Residence, to turn their sustainable solutions into a ready to launch business. Participants competed for a total of AED 275,000 in grants, highlighting the program’s commitment to empowering eco-conscious entrepreneurs.

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Amongst the five participating startups, Candam Technologies and GFP won Sheraa’s Access Sharjah Challenge 2023 earlier this year benefiting from AED 500K worth of POC implementation support and expansion in Sharjah.

Candam Technologies offers a groundbreaking solution that aids waste management through affordable tech-driven Return and Earn initiatives that offer efficient identification and sorting of various packaging materials, and contribute to a circular economy.

Homegrown startup, Green Future Project, has delivered exceptional work in designing a comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for ESG reporting and sustainable practices, enabling businesses to monitor, reduce, and offset their carbon footprint in real-time.

They are joined by three more startups, Kyma, Manhat, and Leukeather, who bring unique perspectives to sustainability. Kyma introduces an eco-friendly surface cleaner in tablet form, promoting reusing and refilling spray bottles. Manhat focuses on sustainable water technologies, utilising naturally evaporating water to address water and food security. Leukeather presents a vegetal leather alternative, demonstrating the potential for sustainable and ethical fashion.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, expresses pride in these startups, stating, “Sheraa is not just an incubator; it’s a catalyst for transformative ideas. We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to shape a sustainable future. The startups showcased at COP28 exemplify the impact that can be achieved when innovation meets purpose. We are not merely supporting businesses; we are shaping a legacy of positive change. Sheraa is honoured to be at the forefront of this journey, empowering startups that go beyond profit, aiming for a triple bottom line: people, planet, and prosperity”.

“To aspiring change makers and innovators, Sheraa stands ready to empower your journey. Join us in creating a sustainable future through entrepreneurship,” Al Midfa added.

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