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SEF 2025 to host 300+ leaders from 45 countries across technology, finance and business development

Technology & Innovation: Mo Gawdat will explore innovation and will bridge the gap between human potential and technological advancement. Social Impact: Ammar Kandil, Plestia Alaqad, and Sahar Rasti share powerful narratives of courage, storytelling, and breaking societal boundaries. Media and Digital: Mohammed Saeed Harib, Shelly Frost and Maaz Sheikh will showcase how digital technology is revolutionizing communication and entertainment and insights into entrepreneurial leadership in the media industry. Products, Services, and Personal Branding: Noha Nabil and Charlie Wright will illustrate the power of unique personal narratives and transforming passions into successful brands. Creativity and Lifestyle: Hadil El Khatib and Diaa Allam will merge wellness, cultural traditions, and artistic expression into entrepreneurial journeys. Business Development and Commerce: Mohammed Al-Hakim, Rashid Alabbar, Ali Mokhtar, and Noor Sweid are set to provide strategic insights into regional expansion, leadership, and venture capital.

SEF 2025’s Startup Pitch Competition to offer AED 700,000 in grants and funding for bold ideas and innovative solutions

Applications are now open to all founders worldwide until January 26, 2025 at https://sharjahef.com/pitch-track/. The competition will focus on four tracks: EdTech, Sustainability, Creative Industries, and Tech & Industry 4.0. Based on the applications received, 16 visionary entrepreneurs will be shortlisted and compete for a share of the AED200,000 prize pool live at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival from 1-2 February. The AED 700,000 is divided into AED 200,000 in grants and up to AED 500,000 in funding Winners will also benefit from free flight tickets provided by Air Arabia.

Nominations now open for SEFFY Awards 2025: Celebrating entrepreneurial innovation and excellence

Nominations are open to all UAE based entrepreneurs, mentors, corporates, and other ecosystem contributors until January 19, 2025. Participants can self-nominate or nominate others, ensuring a broad representation of talent and excellence. A distinguished panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on impact, innovation, and commitment to growth. Submit nominations at https://sharjahef.com/seffy-awards-2025

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 doubles its scale: 300 global leaders, 60+ activities, and 10 dynamic zones redefine innovation

10 specially curated zones and 5 impactful stages cater to a diverse range of industries SEF 2025 will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops and interactive sessions, and artist showcases “Investor Lounge” provides an exclusive space to connect with 100 potential investors “The SOUQ” zone will feature 24 local brands and 14 F&B

Leading entrepreneurs reveal AI’s future impact and how women can lead the global expansion of local businesses at SEF 2024

The two-day Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 hears from: Abdallah Abu Sheikh, founder of AstraTech and CEO of Botim platform who highlights how the use of AI can pave the way for an inclusive and efficient future by transforming technology and employment. Top female entrepreneurs, who reveal key strategies in embracing technology and value-aligned teams to drive international business expansion.

Consistency, quality and strong bonds are the key drivers of success in the UAE’s dynamic F&B landscape, experts opine at SEF 2024

The two-day Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 hears from: Hatem Mattar, Samer Hamadeh and Fatma Alkhoori, who say running a successful venture in the long run is about the art of balancing innovation with reliability. Bait Maryam’s mother-daughter duo Salam Dakkak & Nada Darraj; and Mama Rita cloud kitchen’s Jessica Kahawaty, who highlight the role of family ties in successful food ventures.

Surmounting the impossible and resilience are the secrets of successful entrepreneurship, say top app founders

The two-day Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 organised by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) hears from: Chris Barton, the founder of music recognition app Shazam, who transformed the “crazy idea” well before its time into a phenomenon that changed music discovery forever Abdulmajeed Alsukhan, co-founder and CEO of the BNPL app Tamara, credits creative strategy and serendipitous timing - and overcoming personal challenges - in building a legacy

Sharjah and the UAE are behind every young dreamer: SEF 2024 opens with powerful encouragement by region’s top leaders 

The road behind Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center’s HQ receives name change in celebration of their efforts to support and nurture startups in the Emirate and the region. With over 200 distinguished speakers from 15 countries, SEF 2024 is one of the most powerful showcases of entrepreneurial prowess in the region. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the street behind Sheraa HQ is named ‘Innovation Avenue’. HRH Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud: Plethora of opportunities for the youth to lead the region’s gaming and Esports sectors. H.E Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi: A festival like SEF bolsters national efforts to create top opportunities for them to succeed and contribute to a shared future. Najla Al Midfa: If I could give you only one piece of advice, it would be this: just start. H.E. Mohammad AlAbbar: We have to beautify our cities, and Sharjah is the greatest example of that. SEF 2024 is a truly global gathering of 100+ award-winning startups hailing from across the world.

Revolutionary educational reforms for shaping entrepreneurship and the future workforce recommended at SEF 2024

The two-day Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 organised by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) hears from Luminaries in the field of education ignite discussions on redefining education, advocating for critical thinking, creativity and a shift towards empowering future entrepreneurs Education service providers emphasise a blend of online learning, real-world skills and early STEM exposure for girls, to chart a course for an innovative, resilient future in education

Tourism sector visionaries discuss building a ‘destination of choice’ with the UAE’s young entrepreneurial community at SEF 2024

Timeless cities with a strong recall is a culmination of multilayered factors and multifaceted efforts; experts said as they lead inspiring talks and engaging fireside chats at the SEF Community Zone SCTDA Chairman Khaled Jassim Al Midfa inspires progress towards a global hub for entrepreneurship, tourism, and sustainability. Fireside chat explores strategies for crafting a narrative in the global tourism industry, featuring renowned documentarian and Youtuber Joe Hattab, and adventure tourism success story Muatasam Al-Aulaqi.

Access 30+ investors, 150+ industry leaders, 200+ activities at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival’s curated zones & stages

200+ activities including discussions, pitch competitions, performances, creative workshops, and more The ‘Impact Stage’ Powered by Arada, will serve as the key platform for 150+ global and local speakers. The ‘Startup Town’ Powered By EMAAR, will feature 100 exhibiting startups as well as the ‘Founder Stage’, where the anticipated ‘Startup Pitch’ competition will be held. The lively heart of the festival, the Creative Zone will host over 15 renowned performers & entertainers on the Creative Stage.

Sheraa & Arada announce a nationwide competition call to identify and empower UAE’s next fashion prodigy

An impact investment initiative designed by Sheraa & Arada to scout the next generation of modest wear and home-based brands based in Sharjah or looking to expand in the emirate Contest targets UAE-based designers and university students who need to send their applications before September 21 Selected candidates will receive pitch training by Sheraa’s expert mentors; winner will be offered a showcase opportunity at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2023 Winner will be offered a 3-month rent-free stand at the Artal boutique in Sharjah & review and advisory support by Arada, a leading real estate developer in the UAE

Winners of ASC 2023 announced at Sheraa Sustainability Forum for building breakthrough startups towards a greener future

Access Sharjah Challenge endorsed by UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, showcases visionary startups in partnership with BEEAH Group and Sharjah Sustainable City Spain’s Candam Technologies wins for affordable tech-driven innovation in waste management; and UAE’s Green Future Project wins for a SaaS solution that will enable businesses to achieve their net-zero goals. Winners receive exclusive commercial deals worth AED 250,000 each, as well as participation in UAE's Year of Sustainability initiatives, leading to COP28 ASC 2023 winners were announced at the Sheraa Sustainability Forum, which heard from HE Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Acting Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; HE Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Tunaiji, Chairman, Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO BEEAH Group, and other visionaries leading the local and global sustainability movement.

Sheraa’s ‘Access Sharjah Challenge’ spotlights the 10 breakthrough startups reshaping sustainability from 8 nations

Innovative and visionary solutions set the stage for a greener future through challenge endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and partnered with BEEAH Group and Sharjah Sustainable City Rigorous scouting and shortlisting process showcases innovative entries received from around the world Startups undergo an immersive program with experts, winners to be announced at Sheraa Sustainability Forum on 20th June. Successful startups to receive exclusive commercial deals valued at AED 250,000.

Unleashing the Power of Innovation: The Access Sharjah Challenge ignites a sustainable revolution

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) empowers entrepreneurs to drive sustainable change in Sharjah and the world at large Recognising World Environment Day on June 5th, Sheraa continues to set an inspiring example for all The Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) has received hundreds of entries from more than 22 countries The challenge has global reach spanning 7 regions of Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, South America and Australasia ASC 2023 aligns within the “We Are the Emirates 2031” vision

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) noted that the UAE’s 50th National Day represented the culmination of five glorious decades of national achievements in every field including innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainability, economy, quality of life, and more. These stellar accomplishments reflected the visionary and forward-looking leadership of the UAE, she further noted.

Sheraa’s Access Sharjah Challenge paves the way for a new era in UAE’s creative economy

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Youth, recently launched the Access Sharjah Challenge, an integrated platform that connects digital startups to relevant public and private entities in Sharjah and across the UAE, with the aim of contributing to the development and growth of the nation's creative economy.

Opening Corporate Minds to Open Innovation

There are two sides to the following scenario. The first is that of a huge, possibly transnational corporation (let’s creatively call it Company A). This company has made a name for itself in its field, and has been a staple choice for consumers for years now.

It’s “Game On” in the Middle East

The video game industry has evolved far beyond the stereotypes it’s usually associated with - think basements, junk food, and multiple screens and consoles.

The Power of Empathy in Business

The world of business and finance has long had a reputation for  being cutthroat, competitive, and lacking in values that do not immediately add to the bottom line.

Keeping the Pace During Ramadan

With the onset of the Holy Month of Ramadan comes shorter working hours, more time dedicated to prayer and contemplation, and - with the changes to one’s sleep schedule - more naps.

Saving the Planet Without the Capes

With rising sea levels and temperatures, melting ice caps, and record-breaking weather patterns, we are finally realizing that the Earth is a finite resource.

Broadening Horizons with Travel and Tourism

Imagine you were planning a trip. You’d probably start by looking up viable destinations online, then checking flight dates and ticket prices on comparison sites like Tajawal.

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