SEF 2026 International Pavilion Connects Sharjah With Global Startup Ecosystems

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 will return on 31 January to 1 February at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, with the International Pavilion set to mark a new phase in global engagement. The dedicated zone is designed to link Sharjah with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovation ecosystems that are increasingly assessing the emirate as a base for expansion and long-term growth in the UAE.

As a central feature of the 9th edition of SEF, and supported by Emirates NBD, the International Pavilion will host country-led delegations, international startup clusters, and ecosystem partners in one location. The space aims to turn cross-border conversations into practical outcomes and give international founders direct access to the networks, infrastructure, and institutions that can support business setup and scaling in Sharjah.

At the core of the International Pavilion will be the Sharjah Pavilion, which will act as a unified gateway for startups exploring entry into the emirate. The Sharjah Pavilion will bring together key government entities, free zones, mainland authorities, real estate offices, the ICP, and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, known as Sheraa, positioned as the first believer and anchor hub for the ecosystem.

Through this integrated arrangement, international founders will be able to access clear and practical guidance on company formation, licensing, residency procedures, real estate options, and growth routes. The Sharjah Pavilion is designed to send a straightforward message to startups: they can obtain the information, support, and connections required to establish operations in Sharjah and start scaling from their first day in the emirate.

Commenting on the role of the International Pavilion, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: "Sharjah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has reached a stage where international founders are actively considering the emirate as a place to build and grow. The International Pavilion reflects this momentum by bringing global stakeholders together in one environment, making it easier for startups to understand the opportunity, navigate the process, connect with the ecosystem, and take confident steps toward establishing and scaling their businesses from Sharjah."

Financial sector backing will come from Emirates NBD, which will support the International Pavilion as a strategic partner. Hamad Zayed, Group Head of Business Banking, Emirates NBD, commented: "Emirates NBD is pleased to partner with SEF 2026 on the International Pavilion, an initiative that aligns perfectly with our strategic focus on empowering businesses and driving economic growth. We recognise that the future of business is borderless, and through this platform, we are committed to providing international founders with practical guidance, seamless access to Sharjah’s regulatory and business landscape, and meaningful connections that accelerate growth and scale for startups in Sharjah."

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival International Pavilion global participation

SEF 2026 will feature international startup clusters from Egypt, the Maldives, and Canada, alongside startups drawn from additional markets worldwide. This broad participation is expected to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a gateway for entrepreneurship and cross-border collaboration, while enabling exchange between regional and global ecosystems and highlighting the emirate’s role in supporting internationally minded founders.

Organised by Sheraa under the theme "Where We Belong," the 9th edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival will bring together founders, investors, creatives, and ecosystem leaders from around the world. Across two days of dialogue, networking, and immersive experiences, the event and the International Pavilion are set to underline Sharjah’s growing appeal as a practical base for startup expansion and collaboration.

With inputs from WAM