Sharjah is quickly becoming home to some of the coolest F&B and retail concepts. Sheraa and Alef Group are looking for the most exciting and innovative ideas to join our growing community.
We are looking for 4 F&B concepts and 4 retail home-grown brands to set up their new business in Sharjah’s latest destination, Al Mamsha. You provide the idea, we’ll provide the space.
Are you ready to grow your brand presence in Sharjah?
Cash prize to complete fit out of the space
in the Al Mamsha Food Hall
(Effective from first date of operation)
Technical support from industry experts to develop a proof of concept, business and operational plan
Facilitation of business registration and approvals
to complete fit out of the space
in the Al Mamsha Concept Store
(Effective from first date of operation)
Technical support from industry experts to develop a proof of concept, business and operational plan
Facilitation of business registration and approvals
A home-grown F&B brand with a new culinary twist
Previous experience running an F&B business, whether a restaurant, pop up or online business, is necessary
A home-grown retail brand with a creative concept or product, including but not limited to fashion, abayas, perfumes, home decor, gifts, handmade products, cosmetics, wearables and accessories, stationary and art. This can either be a new brand or an expansion of an existing brand.
Previous experience of running a retail business, online or offline, is necessary
Applications Open
Applications Close
Pitch Training and concept design monitoring
Pitch Day
Winners Announced
Alef Group is a leading real estate developer in UAE that builds premium-grade lifestyle communities, first-class destinations, and lasting experiences through strategic partnership and joint investments.
Al Mamsha is Sharjah’s newest destination and the first fully-walkable community that brings together modern living, retail, and leisure in an upscale pedestrian-friendly and tech-savvy environment.
With the collective mission to support homegrown creative concepts and businesses locally and in the MENA region, the 4th edition of the challenge has brought together key strategic partners from UAE public and private sector
The Access Sharjah Challenge: Al Mamsha, in partnership with Alef Group, empowers innovative, creative startups in both the F&B and Retail sectors to grow and develop in the emirate of Sharjah.
We’re looking for startups that have innovative, unique and creative concepts in F&B and Retail.
We are looking to work with startups that ….
First time home-grown local brand or an established F&B local brand with a new and unique F&B culinary concept
Active F&B outlet with traction or founder experience in the F&B sector
Home-grown brands and designers that have retail brands with innovative, creative concepts or products
Retail sector includes but not limited to: Fashion, abayas, perfumes, home decor, gifts, handmade products, beauty and cosmetics, wearables and accessories, stationary and art.
Active retail concept with traction or founder experience in the creative retail sector
Yes, but we will request submission of two separate applications
20th February, 2022
Following the application deadline, we will be reviewing all submissions internally with our partners based on the criteria mentioned. If you are shortlisted, you will be informed.
Up to 10 companies will be shortlisted. If you are one of them, you will receive an introduction to Al Mamsha and Sheraa, as well as tailored pitch training to prepare you for the final round.
Up to 10 companies will be shortlisted. If you are one of them, you will receive an introduction to Al Mamsha and Sharjah and tailored pitch training.
One Year Rent -Free - in Al Mamsha Food Hall
(Effective from first date of operation)
One Year Rent - Free in Al Mamsha Concept Store
(effective from first date of operation)
If you are a regional concept from outside the UAE, we recommend that the founder(s) be based in Sharjah for the duration of the fit-out and setup, which is typically 3 months.
Yes, 10 finalists will be expected to pitch in person in Sharjah. Exact details will be shared with the shortlisted applicants.
The 4 F&B and 4 Retail winners will be selected through a final pitch to a judging committee consisting of the partners and experts from both sectors.
Alef Group will assist with interior fit out by providing the following:
Alef Group will provide designated retail island space at the Al Mamsha Concept Store with the following:
