Ruwad Honours Nine Winning Groups At Business Stars 13 In Sharjah

The Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD) concluded the thirteenth edition of its "Business Stars" initiative with strong student participation and notable sales results. The programme, linked to the Sharjah Economic Development Department, brought together school and university projects focused on practical entrepreneurship and market-based learning.

The 2024 round of "Business Stars" ran from 5 December to 25 December within Suburbs Festival 14 at Al Qarain Park 5 in Sharjah. A total of 120 students took part, forming 60 teams drawn from a wide range of schools and universities across the UAE.

Student projects at "Business Stars" generated AED180,000 in sales during the latest cycle. Looking at accumulated performance from 2018 to 2025, total sales from all participating student enterprises reached AED972,837, reflecting consistent commercial activity by young entrepreneurs over several consecutive editions.

Key figures from the "Business Stars" initiative are shown below in tabular form for clarity on annual and cumulative performance across the programme period.

The closing ceremony, overseen by Amina Mohammed, who is responsible for Training, Research, and Events at RUWAD, focused on recognising standout teams. Three groups from basic education, with students aged 10 to 15, received honours. Another three groups from high school and university levels, aged 16 to 21, were also commended.

Among older students, the projects Simple Sip, Al Rawnak, and Sugar Bakery were highlighted for their creativity and business focus. In addition, three teams of young girls from Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, working alongside school students, were recognised for initiatives titled Crafted by Stars, Alam Al Rawnak, and J&M Design.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to all participating groups at "Business Stars," not only the winning teams. This step underlined the value placed on active participation and learning. The recognition aimed to encourage students to continue exploring entrepreneurship and to refine their ideas beyond the festival setting.

Business Stars entrepreneurship culture and RUWAD objectives

Amina Mohammed expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm shown by all student teams during the thirteenth edition of "Business Stars." Amina Mohammed emphasised that participants presented innovative entrepreneurial projects and used their talents and creativity to promote an entrepreneurial culture within their communities and educational environments.

Amina Mohammed also noted that "Business Stars" is designed to move student initiatives closer to real commercial practice. The initiative seeks to help students develop viable businesses, support their readiness to launch successful ventures, and contribute to community development and wider economic growth in the UAE.

With inputs from WAM