Made In Sharjah Zone Showcases Local Innovation At SEF 2026 Across Food, Retail And Creatives

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival SEF 2026 will return from 31st January to 1st February at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, with the Made in Sharjah Zone spotlighting local founders and products. Held under the theme Where We Belong, the festival expects over 14,000 attendees and more than 300 global entrepreneurs and investors.

The Made in Sharjah Zone marks its ninth edition as a key feature of SEF 2026, designed to showcase homegrown entrepreneurial success stories. The space highlights locally developed innovations, consumer products and creative ideas, giving founders direct access to festival visitors and reinforcing Sharjah’s broader support for enterprise and innovation.

Backed by Bank of Sharjah and the Sharjah Business Women Council, the zone provides a founder-led programme that blends retail, storytelling and live engagement. Visitors will experience interactive showcases, themed activations and practical workshops, creating a setting where entrepreneurs present products, test concepts and connect with investors, mentors and the wider community.

Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Sheraa, said the initiative supports Sharjah’s economic vision by offering a dedicated stage for local businesses and products, and by nurturing long-term growth in the emirate’s startup scene. Sheraa also co-develops several products within the zone, linking founders with resources and creative guidance.

Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of the Sharjah Business Women Council, said, "Our partnership with Sheraa reinforces our commitment to supporting women-led businesses as key contributors to Sharjah’s economy, helping founders transform ideas into action and integrate fully into Sharjah’s and the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem." Bank of Sharjah underlines a similar message through its festival involvement and support.

Mohamed Khadiri, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Sharjah, said, "The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival is a key platform for shaping innovation and enterprise in the UAE. Our participation reflects our belief in partnerships that turn ideas into impact and strengthen Sharjah’s position as a hub for forward-looking entrepreneurship." The bank’s backing reinforces the festival’s regional relevance.

The zone will present Sharjah-inspired products co-created by Sheraa and local founders, including a strategy-based board game developed with Ali Al Bastaki, a limited-edition fragrance produced with a Sharjah-based perfumery, and a festival-only Sharjah coffee blend crafted for SEF 2026. These collaborations link local culture with contemporary consumer interests.

Collaboration remains central to the Made in Sharjah Zone concept, with founder partnerships driving exclusive offerings across food, retail and creative sectors. The D.R.E.A.M Portal, led by Ali Al Bastaki, provides workshops and mentoring using the Dream, Refine, Explore, Aesthetic and Make framework, helping participants shape ideas through structured creativity and guided experimentation.

Sharjah-based brand Waggish will introduce a special merchandise collection for SEF 2026, while Uncle Sam and Ethr will jointly unveil Aseeda Cups Ice Cream, a festival-exclusive concept inspired by local flavours and visual identity. Free public workshops, organised with The Workshop in a dedicated area, will encourage hands-on skills, practical learning and wider community engagement throughout the event.

With inputs from WAM