Sharjah: The ninth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026) commenced at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) with H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), inaugurating the event. The two-day festival focuses on long-term economic development, institutional leadership, and the role of entrepreneurship in supporting resilient economies.
According to Emirates News Agency, SEF 2026 is organized by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) under the theme 'Where We Belong'. The event is expected to draw more than 14,000 attendees, including founders, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from the UAE and beyond. The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, and others who are influential in the UAE's government and business sectors.
SEF 2026 features more than 300 global and regional speakers across 250 talks, workshops, and experiential sessions, delivered through 10 purpose-built zones focused on entrepreneurship, investment, creativity, impact, and community. Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, highlighted Sharjah's long-term vision for nurturing institutions and enterprises, citing examples like the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and National Paints. She emphasized that Sharjah's policies prioritize people and well-being, supporting healthy communities and productive economies.
Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, underscored the importance of sustained support and long-term commitment for founders in Sharjah. She noted that entrepreneurship is not linear and requires courage and resilience to navigate challenges. The festival aims to provide a platform for honest conversations about the entrepreneurial journey.
The opening day included a session titled 'Building the Future Food Economy,' which explored food security as an economic priority. The discussion, led by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi and featuring Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri and Dr. Amna Al Dahak, examined how climate pressures, technological changes, and global supply chain shifts influence food systems and investment approaches. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized the strategic importance of the food sector in the global economy, and Dr. Amna Al Dhahak outlined key pillars for system transformation in food production.
Another session, 'Luxury, Identity, and the Rise of the Middle East's Creative Sector,' focused on the region's role in global cultural and creative industries. Speakers like Rachid Mohamed Rachid and Patrick Chalhoub discussed the importance of cultural authenticity and the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the creative sector.
The festival also featured a keynote by Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy for the UAE, titled 'Scaling What Matters: Entrepreneurship at the Intersection of AI, Capital, and Social Impact.' He highlighted the importance of governance, execution capacity, and institutional strength in supporting entrepreneurship.
SEF 2026 witnessed the signing of three MOUs at the 'SEF Vault', aimed at advancing the UAE's vision for entrepreneurship. Agreements were signed between Beeah Group and Sheraa for an intrapreneurship program, between Arada and Sheraa for a three-year legacy partnership, and between Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) and Sheraa to support SME and startup growth.
During the ceremony, SEF 2026 recognized its partners, including Arada, du Business, Emaar, Emirates Petroleum Company - Emarat, and others, for their support in fostering Sharjah's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
