The SBWC booth is proving to be a hub for networking, allowing attendees — including investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs — to engage directly with the eight selected startups. This initiative, while enhancing visibility for these women-led ventures is also facilitating meaningful connections that can lead to partnerships and funding opportunities.

Among the eight startups featured are Al Rawi for Creative Content, which focuses on using emerging technologies for event management and AI research; Heuristic World, an EdTech company transforming the teaching of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence through a game-based learning platform; Itifaq, a legal tech startup automating legal research with AI; and Jawdaman, a mobile app that analyses food and cosmetic product compositions.

In the health tech sector, KosAI leverages AI to support chronic disease patients in managing their health appointments effectively; Luga AI stands out with its multimodal multilingual Arabic AI agent that enhances accessibility across various industries; The Soulhouette merges AI and traditional medicine to create wearable technology aimed at improving health outcomes for at-risk patients; and finally, Tapy addresses pressing global challenges with its Aman Watch — a device designed for individuals of determination that enables remote caregiving.

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, expressed her pride in the organisation’s participation at Expand North Star 2024, stating, “We stand at the forefront of an exciting chapter where women are representing themselves as leaders in technology and innovation. Through our dedicated booth and as the proud official sponsor of the ‘Women in Tech’ track, we were able to showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our members, and I am immensely proud of the eight startups representing us this year.”

Helping women in tech overcome funding challenges
A key highlight of SBWC’s participation this year is organising the Women in Tech Forum which featured an information-packed panel discussion titled “Access to Capital: Overcoming Funding Challenges for Women in Tech.” This panel hosted an impressive lineup of experts, including SBWC Advisory Council member Dr. Muna Al Dhabbah, founder of the “Hala Jari” app; Alena Yudina, founder of the EmTech metaverse; Alina Polyakova, founder of the Femtech startup Mamahood app; Ceylan Uren, co-founder of The Waste Lab; and Maria Ivanova, co-founder and CMO of Gingo Partners.

The discussion provided the audience with experienced and insightful perspectives on topics such as initial journeys and access to funding, building and leveraging networks, effective fundraising strategies, and alternative sources of funding and innovation, proving to be an invaluable resource during the global event.

Supporting innovative ideas and female-led startups
SBWC’s partnership with the event’s ‘Supernova Challenge 2.0’ further amplifies its commitment to supporting innovative ideas and startups. Notably, two startups from SBWC have qualified for the competition, with winners set to be announced on the final day of Expand North Star. Recognised as the largest startup pitch competition in the MENA region, the Supernova Challenge celebrates groundbreaking innovations that prioritise sustainability and social impact, serving as a launchpad for numerous aspiring businesses in past editions.

The challenge features an impressive total prize pool of $200,000, including a dedicated prize of $10,000 for the ‘Women in Tech’ category, proudly sponsored by SBWC. This track aims to elevate female entrepreneurs while also reinforcing SBWC’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in non-traditional sectors like technology and AI.

SBWC continues to pave the way for women entrepreneurs in technology and innovation, and by providing invaluable resources and opportunities for exposure at such significant events, it is able to empower individual startups while contributing to a more inclusive future within the global business community.

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The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of SBWC’s participation in the second edition of the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum in Belgium from September 22 to 26.

The MoU, signed by Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of Sharjah Business Women Council , and Yulia Stark, Founder and President of European Women’s Association, focuses on empowering women to engage in entrepreneurship and business to realise the Sustainable Development Goals. It also seeks to foster a safe, communal space for female founders where challenges and barriers to their engagement in entrepreneurship can be examined and addressed. The two sides will work towards providing opportunities for women-led enterprises to enhance their engagement in economic empowerment initiatives and highlight key governmental initiatives from both sides aimed at supporting women’s entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, the agreement commits both parties to work collaboratively to promote investment opportunities in their respective countries, address key areas of shared interest, and align these efforts with their overarching goals of fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.

In addition, the MoU specifies that each party will invite the other side to participate in seminars, conferences, and initiatives hosted by their respective organisations. This collaboration will extend to regional and international events across the EU, GCC, and MENA regions, enabling female leaders to engage with policymakers on sustainability and women’s empowerment. The agreement also provides for the nomination of distinguished speakers, mentors, and experts for training sessions. It also includes provisions for scholarships and participation in programs organised by either party or their partners.

Commenting on the new partnership, Mariam bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said: “The new partnership with the European Women’s Association marks a pivotal step in our mission to empower the council’s members. It stands as a clear testament to SBWC’s unwavering dedication to advancing their role in key economic sectors, strengthening their capacities, and driving the growth of their businesses and ventures. This MoU will profoundly impact, facilitating new knowledge and expertise with leading Belgian businesswomen and forging strategic connections, collaborations, and partnerships between Emirati and European women.”

She added: “This memorandum plays a critical role in realising our ambitions to position Sharjah as a global leader in entrepreneurship. It underscores the emirate’s significance as a gateway to Middle Eastern markets, highlighting the unique advantages and vast opportunities it presents to international partners.”

The MoU was signed following a panel discussion organised by SBWC during the Sharjah-Europe Business Women Forum, titled ‘Accelerating women’s economic empowerment through partnership’. The session featured the participation of Mariam bin Sheikh, Director of SBWC; HE Fatema Al Muqarrab, Director of International Relations Department at Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); Hala Audi, CEO of “Unizima” and representative of the Belgian Export Organization; Laurence Heyblom, Economic and Commercial Advisor at the Embassy of Belgium in Kuwait for Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, and moderated by Asma Hassouni, Director of the Media Office of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs in Sharjah, with speakers addressing key challenges and opportunities for women in business.

The speakers discussed the challenges businesswomen face when attempting to establish new partnerships and the ways to overcome them. They also highlighted several successful partnership models and their contribution to strengthening women’s economic roles. Additionally, they highlighted how to measure the success of these collaborations and their positive impact on economic empowerment.

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This strategic initiative aims to give talented women founders an exclusive international platform and provide them with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their innovative ventures, secure funding, and forge invaluable connections within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

An exclusive platform for the world’s leading startups
As the official partner in the ‘Women in Tech’ track for the 7th consecutive year, SBWC will select 8 exceptional women founders with cutting-edge startups in tech, AI, and other forward-thinking sectors to receive fully-sponsored participation at Expand North Star 2024.

This event hosted by GITEX Global and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is set to attract a global audience of investors, industry leaders, and potential partners, and the SBWC-sponsored startups will have the rare opportunity to present their groundbreaking ideas and solutions to this influential gathering, opening doors to investment, collaborations, and ultimately accelerating the growth of their female-led ventures.

The largest startup pitch competition in the MENA region
In addition to the Expand North Star 2024 platform, the SBWC-sponsored startups will qualify for the ‘Supernova Challenge 2.0’, where they will compete for a share of the $200,000 equity free prize pool. The Supernova Challenge is the largest startup pitch competition in the MENA region, celebrating innovative solutions in sustainability and social impact.

The competition is structured across several categories culminating in a $100,000 grand prize for the overall ‘Supernova Champion’, and SBWC have furthered their support of female-led startups by sponsoring a $10,000 prize exclusively for the ‘Women in Tech’ category. The Supernova Challenge finals will take place on the last day of Expand North Star 2024, allowing the selected startups to showcase their solutions to a global audience and compete for these life-changing cash prizes.

The key to driving societal success
Commenting on the upcoming opportunity for SBWC members, Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said, “At the Sharjah Business Women Council, we believe that empowering women with the right knowledge, skill sets, and connections is the key to driving societal success. By providing female entrepreneurs with an enabling environment and unlocking access to global platforms such as Expand North Star and their Supernova Challenge, we are opening doors to invaluable opportunities that will propel their innovative startups to new heights. Our comprehensive support for women-led businesses serves as a foundation for a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem where female founders can lead the charge in shaping the future.”

To be considered, applicants need to be SBWC members, and non-members can apply for membership at https://sbwc.ae/how-to-join. As participation is fully sponsored by SBWC, application is 100% free and the start-up must be UAE-based, founded or co-founded by a woman entrepreneur, and operating for under 5 years in the technology sector. Those wanting to apply can register using the following form: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/v6CsM0

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The series of round table discussions, scheduled to be conducted over the next one to two years, will cover various aspects of entrepreneurship and startups, while addressing challenges faced by business owners in the region. By bringing together leading industry experts, academic partners, government representatives, and stakeholders these discussions will dissect topics crucial to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Mariam bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, emphasised the importance of education and the potential of this initiative, stating, “The round table series represents another step forward in supporting and advancing business women within UAE’s sectors of enterprise. By facilitating discussions, gathering insights, and collaborating with key stakeholders, we aim to identify challenges and implement solutions that will empower both established and emerging entrepreneurs, particularly women.”

“The collaboration between SBWC and AUS reiterates our passion to drive positive change and support entrepreneurship through the power of knowledge exchange. We firmly believe that education is the cornerstone of empowering the female business community and we make sure to implement an educational aspect into everything we do. There is always room to grow, and we can learn a great deal from each other, and I am proud to have so many thought leaders participating in these discussions,” she added.

The inaugural round table session, titled “The Female Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in the UAE,” took a comprehensive look at the current business landscape for female business owners in Sharjah and other emirates of the UAE. This topic was selected following a collaborative survey by SBWC and AUS, with the aim of evaluating the entrepreneurial ecosystem and pinpointing areas for enhancement and possible improvement.

The roundtable featured a distinguished panel of speakers, including Ahmed Abu Eideh, CEO of Invest Bank; Dr. Hasnan Baber, Assistant Professor at the Department of Management, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at AUS; Dr. Jamal Maalouf, Assistant Professor at the Department of Management, Strategy, and Entrepreneurship at AUS; Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of School of Business Administration at AUS; Hessa Abdalla, Community Engagement Coordinator at Sheraa.

The list of speakers also includes Saeed Al Suwaidi, CEO of Ghanim Al Suwaidi Holdings; Meera Nofal AlMashwi, Senior Business Development Administrator at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation at Ruwad; Alya Hamad Taryam Al-Shamsi, SBWC Advisory Board Member; and Mai Sultan Bin Haddah, Head of the International Cooperation and Partnerships at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI); and Rashed Sawaqed, Project Development Advisor at Ruwad.

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Expansion in business: How local entrepreneurs can go global
Jennifer Blandos, founder of Female Fusion, a global professional network for business women; Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC); and Natasha Hatherall Shawe, Founder of Tish Tash PR Agency in Dubai, offered a broad perspective on the subject to moderator Reim El Houni, a TV media consultant and founder or Ti22 Films.

Blandos highlighted the importance of understanding market demand for successful international expansion. “Study the market, understand the demand for your product, and establish partnerships with local organisations,” she advised, underlining the role of digital platforms in facilitating global business without the necessity of physical offices in different countries.In contrast, Bin Alshaikh focused on the significance of community building and the support of a reliable team in different markets. “A great team is essential for success in various markets,” she said, noting the importance of a strong, value-aligned team for international expansion.

On the challenges and learning curves of operating in different countries, Shawe mentioned the variance in market strategies and the need for adaptation, saying, “Every market is different, requiring a unique approach.” Blandos shared her experiences with unforeseen challenges in various markets, while Alshaikh emphasised the importance of changing narratives and perceptions in international markets.

Technology plays a paramount role in communication and spreading team culture across different markets, the panellists agreed, especially for people-focused businesses. Blandos, whose business is tech-driven, shared her enthusiasm for digital tools that facilitate business scaling and efficiency.

Shawe reflected on her unexpected entrepreneurial journey, leading to the expansion of her PR agency across multiple countries: “I started as a freelancer, and now, 12 years later, we have offices in three countries and plans for a fourth”. Her strategy involved leveraging a mix of in-house and freelance professionals, and exploring new markets before establishing formal offices.

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Particularly beneficial to those who run cloud kitchens or aspire to start one, and fashion designers who want to hone their knowledge and skills of a variety of fabrics and how to manipulate them to bring their vision to reality must register for the workshops on SBWC’s smart app (SBWC), available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

Embark on your journey to cloud kitchen success
The first workshop ‘Fundamentals of Cloud Kitchen’ will be held on September 21 in Centro Hotel in Sharjah, and will be led by Akhilesh Bah, Founder and CEO of Malt & Salt Hospitality. Bah will take participants through an immersive journey, unlocking the secrets to running a successful cloud kitchen business. From demonstrating viable financial models and formats of food delivery, to menu planning and development, inventory management, operational structures, building efficient supply chain networks, Bah will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the basic fundamentals of running a successful cloud kitchen.

Become a successful designer with a more nuanced understanding of textiles
The second workshop on November 2nd, titled ‘Textile Workshop’, will take participants to Dubai Textile city. Organised by Designers Hub and led by Yasser Albeer, Senior Vice President of Yaser & Mayasa Fashion, the hands-on workshop will offer participating designers a nuanced understanding of the five principles that will help them manipulate fabrics to execute their designs and elevate their brand to a new level.

New, exciting opportunities for women to explore diverse sectors that rely on technology
Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said “We believe that constant upskilling and gaining latest industry knowledge are essential to business success. Therefore, SBWC continues to create new and exciting opportunities for women to explore diverse economic and industrial sectors that rely on cutting-edge technologies. We also guide them through various initiatives and activities that introduce female entrepreneurs to different forms of investment and equip them with the necessary information and tools to establish and manage their projects in these sectors. This aligns with the council’s vision and strategy to empower women and encourage their active participation in economic and social development.”

Ongoing workshops throughout the year
In March, the council organised a ‘Perfumery Workshop’ led by SBWC Board member Olympia T. Mascolo, Co-founder of Anfasic Dokhoon. Participants had the opportunity to learn the secrets of the perfume industry and the importance of scents in defining personality and mood. The council also organised ‘Money Talks’ workshop led by Latifa bin Haider, an Emirati entrepreneur, who shined light on ways to manage money and thrive financially through BAYTUKI.

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Both sides also discussed ways to foster mutual work dynamics and facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices to amplify the role of the exhibitions and events sector in supporting businesswomen.

The discussions took place during a meeting where HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, received HE Mariam bin Al Sheikh, Director of SBWC. The meeting was also attended by Khalil Al Mansouri, Director of Expo Khor Fakkan; Sultan Shattaf, Commercial Director at Expo Centre Sharjah; Marwan Al Mashgouni, Director of Government Communications at Expo Centre Sharjah; as well as other department directors from both organizations.

The gathering touched on key economic, commercial, and cultural exhibitions held annually at Expo Centre Sharjah and its associated centres. It referred to the impactful presence of female entrepreneurs in various exhibitions, highlighting their successful participation in the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show and the “Jewels of Emirates Show.”

Al Midfa applauded SBWC’s efforts in empowering women to achieve leadership roles across different sectors, especially in the economic field. He stressed that Expo Centre Sharjah is committed to providing comprehensive support to Emirati women in the exhibitions and conferences sector. Given the variety of specialized events hosted by Expo Centre Sharjah, there are ample opportunities for SBWC and female entrepreneurs in diverse fields to participate.

For her part, Mariam bin Al Sheikh lauded Expo Centre Sharjah’s proven expertise in the exhibition industry and its top-notch organizational and technical practices.

She affirmed that the SBWC anticipates a wide horizon of collaboration with the Expo Centre, a partnership expected to bolster joint efforts towards empowering women to enhance their performance and broaden their businesses.

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With the announcement of fully sponsoring eight unique ventures by women entrepreneurs in the technology sector at the fastest-growing global startup event, SBWC is furthering its mandate to create fresh, strategic opportunities for female-owned and led startups in non-traditional fields to get noticed by industry leaders and highlight the value of their groundbreaking ideas and innovation on a leading platform for global players.

Selection criteria
Applicants need to be SBWC members. Non-members must apply for membership to be eligible for the selection process. The start-up must be UAE-based, founded or co-founded by a woman entrepreneur and should have been in operation for less than five years.

Interested candidates should send their company and founder profiles for review to membership@sbwc.ae before August 31.

Get global exposure and be noticed by ecosystem leaders
Selected startups will benefit from a fully sponsored participation at North Star Dubai 2022, October 10 – 13, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The four-day event is strategically staged next to GITEX GLOBAL, which means participants will be able to leverage the opportunity to showcase themselves to 400+ big ticket investors, learn from industry gurus, and fast-track their growth by networking with corporate buyers as well as government representatives.

Most importantly, all eight startup profiles will be considered for the review process of the prestigious Supernova Challenge pitch competition, which awards cash prizes of $200,000 split across various categories, including a $10,000 prize sponsored by SBWC in the Best Female-led Startup category.

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC

“Historically, technology has been a male-dominated industry, and SBWC has been an active part of a global drive which is changing this reality by pushing for more inclusion and diversity in the sector. The UAE and Sharjah are known globally for being a vibrant hub of entrepreneurial excellence and it is through our continued and strategic efforts to showcase the talent, passionate work and ideas of women on prestigious global platforms like North Star 2022 that we empower women to turn their aspirations into successful careers as entrepreneurs. I, therefore, encourage all the dreamers and disruptors out there to grab this unique chance to show the world’s top entrepreneurial minds that they have what it takes to revolutionise the future of the tech industry,” said Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC.

“Through this sponsorship initiative, our ultimate goal is to eliminate the prospective participant’s hassle of buying expensive exhibitor spaces or go through the registration process on their own, to be able to fully concentrate on showcasing their ideas, products and services,” she added.

The SBWC Director confirmed that the council will be holding a series of expert one-to-one business consultations, guiding both aspiring and established ecosystem players as well as business owners to foray successfully into the UAE’s highly competitive markets, consolidate their ventures by making the right connections and establish long-term success.

For more information and details on how to participate under the SBWC sponsorship umbrella, contact: membership@SBWC.ae or M: 055 123 7292

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The MoU builds on the joint vision of the two entities in attracting top tier businesses to Sharjah and strengthening the status of the emirate as a fertile ground for businesses to thrive and scale.

As strategic partners, SBWC and Sheraa aim to boost the ecosystem by jointly executing high-impact programmes and initiatives to support women-led startups through greater access to business-building resources. Together, both entities will offer an inclusive community that female founders can tap into through support programmes, competitions and networking events.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBWC, and Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, signed the MoU, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

In line with SBWC’s vision of driving full integration of women in the local economy, the MoU aims to help unlock the female entrepreneurial potential that exists within the UAE with tailored support from Sheraa.

The MoU reflects SBWC’s holistic sustainable approach in supporting businesswomen at different stages of their careers and builds upon Sheraa’s mission to cultivate a world-class entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sharjah and the UAE. Under the terms of the MoU, women business owners at SBWC and Sheraa will have access to a range of tailor-made services to develop globally competitive, sustainable companies. By collaborating on mutually relevant events, programmes and competitions and facilitating speaking opportunities for both partners, amongst others, the MoU will further strengthen efforts to provide women a strong platform to nurture and grow their entrepreneurial skills.

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The initiative builds on SBWC’s holistic sustainable approach in supporting businesswomen at different stages of their careers, and members will benefit from expert-led hands-on guidance to realise their ambitions and grow their business ventures.

‘Mentor Monday’ consists of a series of one-to-one sessions, held on the last Monday of each month in SBWC’s offices. SBWC members will receive personalised advice for their individual queries based on the area of expertise of the chosen mentors of the month. SBWC members can pre-book their preferred time slot for each ‘Mentor Monday’ session lasting for three hours.

SBWC’s registered members can also access more than 20 inspiring and well-established mentors for consulting sessions through chat and video calls via the SBWC App.

The ‘Mentor Monday’ initiative will debut on February 28 with two seasoned business leaders, Peggy Li and Akhilesh Bal, who will share strategies for business and leadership excellence, brainstorm solutions, and offer guidance in their respective areas of expertise.

Peggy Li, Managing Partner at SPS: Affinity, has over two decades of experience working at a senior level, controlling operations, and driving business performance including working in Michelin Star restaurants and the luxury hospitality sector across Europe and Asia. She has a proven track record of successfully managing large-scale projects, identifying efficiencies, creating sales/marketing strategy, developing the brand, and maintaining Key Performance Indicators. Peggy Li is a specialist in China market development and has successfully devised strategies for both inbound and outbound marketing.

Akhilesh Bahl, Founder of Malt & Salt Hospitality, has over two decades of experience in the Middle East market in industries ranging from hospitality, real estate, strategic marketing and knowledge management. He is a specialist in starting, launching, and successfully operating F&B businesses, and in ramping up and streamlining operations and profitability of new and emerging ventures. Holding a master’s degree in Business Administration from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chausees, Paris, Akhilesh Bahl is adept at understanding new trends, creating unique concepts, and implementing ideas.

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