Sheraa Convenes New Board To Elevate Sharjah As Regional Entrepreneurship Leader

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) has made a notable advancement in promoting entrepreneurship in the region. Under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sheraa, the newly appointed Board of Advisors convened to discuss strategic goals. The meeting highlighted Sheraa's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and establishing Sharjah as a key regional hub for entrepreneurship.

Sheikha Bodour expressed her optimism about Sheraa's future with the new board. She stated, "As we embark on this next phase of growth with our new board, I'm filled with optimism for Sheraa's future. We're privileged to be supported by such a highly accomplished group, whose expertise, dedication, and vision will further elevate Sheraa as the most dynamic regional hub for new business founders." She emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and sustainability within Sharjah's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The inaugural meeting was attended by Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, and Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa. They outlined the strategic agenda for the upcoming term. The session provided a platform for discussing Sheraa's current strategic positioning and offerings. Initial feedback was sought on advancing its mission of growing Sharjah's entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Minister Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri highlighted Sharjah's role in positioning the UAE as a global hub for entrepreneurship by 2031. He noted that the emirate's startup ecosystem strengths in future sectors are pivotal. The 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) ranked Sharjah 4th in the GCC and 7th in the MENA region's startup ecosystem rankings.

Sheraa has formed a 17-member Board of Advisors comprising visionary leaders from government, industry, academia, and the entrepreneurial community. Key figures include Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy; Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; and Asma bin Taliah, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Executive Council.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi expressed her gratitude for being part of Sheraa’s Board of Advisors. She said, "It's an honour to join Sheraa's Board of Advisors and have the opportunity to contribute to the UAE's thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem. I would like to thank Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for having me on onboard and commend her efforts in leading Sheraa to new heights." She emphasized that innovation and entrepreneurship could help forge effective climate solutions.

Sheraa’s Impact on Startups

Sheraa has trained over 18,000 entrepreneurial youth and supported more than 420 startups. This includes over 180 incubated ventures that have raised over $171 million in funding, generated over $248 million in revenue, and created well over 1,900 jobs. These efforts significantly contribute to the UAE’s national economy.

Minister Al Marri added that Sheraa supports enterprises through talent building, mentoring, startup incubation, and market access. These initiatives have greatly contributed to Sharjah’s success as an entrepreneurial hub.

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival

Sheraa’s flagship event is the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival which has enhanced Sharjah’s reputation as a premier talent hub. Over seven editions, it has attracted more than 30,000 changemakers from around the world.

The meeting included a comprehensive presentation led by Sara Al Nuaimi followed by strategic discussions among board members.

Dr. Amna Al Dahak also mentioned that she looks forward to projects offering climate-friendly solutions addressing challenges like clean energy and waste management.

The newly appointed Board of Advisors aims to drive innovation while ensuring startups thrive locally and globally.

With inputs from WAM