Ruwad Trains 461 Entrepreneurs And Finances Seven New Projects In Sharjah

The Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects (Ruwad), part of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), reported financing seven new entrepreneurial projects in Q3 2025. These projects received direct funding totalling AED1.19 million. Additionally, Ruwad expanded its membership with 135 new projects and renewed memberships for 108 projects in their second and third years, while 52 projects extended their memberships into the fourth and fifth years.

Ruwad's initiatives have significantly contributed to the local economy by fostering innovative national talent. Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of SEDD, highlighted that Sharjah's entrepreneurial environment is thriving due to the determination of Emirati youth. He commended Ruwad for supporting sustainable development and creating quality job opportunities through its various programmes.

Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, emphasised the foundation's commitment to enhancing its financing, advisory, and training services. She noted a noticeable increase in both the number and value of government contracts secured by entrepreneurs. "We are witnessing tangible growth across all our services," she stated.

In terms of sector distribution among new members, 67 projects were in the commercial sector (50%), 66 in the professional sector (49%), and two in the industrial sector (1%). Male entrepreneurs represented 64% of new memberships, while female entrepreneurs accounted for 35%. Since early 2025, Ruwad has welcomed 372 new projects into its network.

Amina Mohammed, Director of Training, Research and Events at Ruwad, reported that 21 training programmes were conducted in Q3 2025. These programmes benefited 461 entrepreneurs over a total of 105 training hours. Since January 2025, a total of 45 training sessions have been held, benefiting over 1,121 entrepreneurs across 292 hours.

The training focused on essential skills such as small business management, financial literacy, taxation, and entrepreneurship development. Furthermore, during this period, thirty projects secured government contracts valued at AED1.57 million through partnerships with local entities.

Membership Renewals and Financial Support

Ruwad's membership renewals reached a total of 293 projects this year. These renewals were exempt from all government fees. Additionally, 143 projects extended their membership into the fourth and fifth years with a benefit of a 50% fee exemption.

The cumulative total of funded projects now stands at sixteen with a combined value of AED3.86 million. This includes fourteen directly financed projects and two indirectly financed through Sharjah Islamic Bank. The Project Financing Committee convened twice during Q3 to evaluate applications.

Visibility and National Initiatives

Ruwad also increased its visibility through social media campaigns and participation in national initiatives like The UAE: The Entrepreneur Capital of the World campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. These efforts aim to empower SMEs and youth entrepreneurs through forums and exhibitions.

The foundation's activities align with Sharjah’s policies to support economic incentives that encourage entrepreneurial growth within the emirate. By providing comprehensive support services to entrepreneurs, Ruwad continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Sharjah’s economic landscape.

With inputs from WAM