Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 To Feature Over 300 Global Leaders From 45 Nations

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is set to host its 8th edition, featuring over 300 influential figures from more than 45 countries. This event will take place on the 1st and 2nd of February 2025. Attendees can expect insights from notable speakers like Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Princess Lamia bint Majed Saud AlSaud, Wim Hof, Mo Gawdat, and Ammar Kandil.

Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi has played a pivotal role in establishing Sharjah as a hub for contemporary art and culture. Her leadership at the Sharjah Art Foundation bridges creativity with commerce, offering entrepreneurs unique perspectives on integrating artistic innovation into business strategies.

HRH Princess Lamia bint Majed Saud Al Saud is a key figure in philanthropy and leadership. As Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies, she has impacted countless lives through initiatives focused on global development and cultural exchange. Her keynote at SEF 2025 will inspire attendees to incorporate meaningful impact into their entrepreneurial ventures.

Wim Hof, known globally as "The Iceman," has redefined human potential through his methods of endurance and cold exposure. His presence at SEF 2025 aims to challenge conventional boundaries and encourage a holistic approach to personal and professional life.

Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Alphabet’s ‘X moonshot factory,’ is renowned for his expertise in technology and mental wellness. As an international bestselling author, he will provide insights bridging human potential with technological advancement, offering a blueprint for impactful ventures.

Ammar Kandil co-founded YES Theory to inspire people to step out of their comfort zones. His mantra, "Seek Discomfort," empowers entrepreneurs to embrace courage as a foundation for success. Palestinian journalist Plestia Alaqad uses storytelling to drive change and foster connection.

Entrepreneurial Success Stories

Sahar Rasti, the first Emirati female shipmaster and CEO of SJR Group, exemplifies resilience in maritime services. Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of FREEJ, shares his success in pioneering new pathways for regional animation. Shelly Frost fosters local talent through The Fridge's culturally inclusive platforms.

Maaz Sheikh will discuss building STARZPLAY into a successful streaming platform valued at $420 million. Noha Nabil transformed her brand into a household name by leveraging personal branding strategies effectively.

Innovative Approaches in Business

Niki Skene empowers individuals with strategies to stand out in crowded markets through curated global inspiration tours. Charlie Wright founded Humantra to address dehydration with science-backed solutions while expanding market reach.

Hadil El Khatib blends tradition with modern wellness through matcha expertise. Artist Diaa Allam inspires resilience by combining calligraphy with mural art to promote cultural pride in business.

Strategic Development and E-commerce Expansion

Mohammed Al-Hakim brings strategic development expertise as President of Crypto.com’s UAE operations. Rashid Alabbar discusses e-commerce opportunities as co-founder of SIVVI.com. Ali Mokhtar shares insights on managing investments over $40 million at Beltone Venture Capital.

Noor Sweid rounds out this group as founder of ‘Global Ventures,’ fostering tech growth in emerging markets. These leaders demonstrate strategic thinking's power in achieving sustainable success at SEF 2025.

The theme "Where We Belong" encapsulates SEF 2025's mission to foster a community of dreamers and doers through keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, startup showcases, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities—making it an unmissable event for entrepreneurs seeking growth.

With inputs from WAM