SEF 2025 Unveils Three New Zones To Foster Entrepreneurial Excellence In Sharjah

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is enhancing its role as a global innovation hub by introducing three new zones. These additions aim to foster creativity and collaboration among entrepreneurs worldwide. The festival, organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), will take place on 1-2 February, 2025, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park under the theme ‘Where We Belong’.

The Made in Sharjah Zone, supported by Shurooq, Bank of Sharjah, and SWBC, highlights local entrepreneurial talent. This zone showcases over 50 startups and speakers like Chef Meera of Heeb, gaming entrepreneur Hamad Al Shamsi, and YouTuber Mohammed Al Kaabi. It also features workshops, interactive installations, and retail pods celebrating Sharjah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SWBC, stated: "The Made in Sharjah Zone celebrates the achievements of Sharjah’s entrepreneurs, particularly women, fostering a thriving ecosystem for creativity and collaboration." This zone aims to inspire networking and share success stories within the community.

The SEF Academy offers free workshops and masterclasses to enhance skills for both emerging and seasoned entrepreneurs. This initiative focuses on hands-on learning experiences that are crucial for personal growth and professional development. Participants can expect to gain valuable insights from industry experts through these educational sessions.

Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, mentioned that the festival's new zones are designed to strengthen Sharjah’s entrepreneurial landscape by fostering meaningful interactions and driving growth. The SEF Academy plays a vital role in achieving this goal by equipping participants with essential skills.

Networking Spaces for Visionary Minds

The SEF Vault is another significant addition to the festival. Powered by Emirates General Petroleum Corporation (Emarat), it includes an exclusive lounge and a leadership suite for VIPs and speakers. This space provides a unique opportunity for influential guests to network and collaborate on innovative ideas.

Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Emarat, emphasised their commitment to nurturing talent by creating spaces where visionary minds can collaborate effectively. The SEF Vault is designed to facilitate such interactions among leaders in various fields.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah, affirmed their support for initiatives promoting innovation and sustainable development. The bank's involvement in SEF underscores its dedication to fostering an environment conducive to creative thinking and sustainable practices.

The festival addresses diverse needs by combining personal well-being with professional excellence. It aims to create a holistic experience that supports entrepreneurs in achieving their goals while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

With inputs from WAM