Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival has unveiled the first lineup of speakers for its ninth edition, featuring prominent founders, CEOs, investors, creatives, and thought leaders from around the world, as part of a distinguished global roster of more than 300 participants. Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), SEF 2026 will take place from 31st January to 1st February at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The two-day festival will bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, investors, and emerging talent for discussions focused on building, scaling, and sustaining businesses in a rapidly evolving global economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the newly announced speakers represent a range of sectors including technology, foodtech, health, lifestyle, sports, and social innovation, reflecting the festival's cross-sector approach to entrepreneurship and innovation. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized that the festival aims to break silos and foster knowledge exchange across disciplines, noting that entrepreneurship today requires adaptability, collaboration, and a deep understanding of human and market needs.
The speaker lineup includes Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula One World Champion, who will address sustainability and social responsibility; Ghanim Al-Muftah, entrepreneur and disability rights advocate; Heather Hasson, Co-CEO of FIGS and the first female Co-CEO to lead a company through an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange; and Shahzad Younas, Founder and CEO of Muzz. Other notable participants are Hamad Al Hajri, Co-Founder and CEO of Snoonu; Vadim Fedotov, Founder of Bioniq; Amna Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati female racing driver in international single-seater competitions; Souad Al Serkal, Founder and CEO of CommCation Consultancy; Tom Hale, CEO of OURA; Ahmed Al Rawi, Founder of Calo; Simran Kaur, Founder of Friends That Invest; and Kareem Esmail, Founder and CEO of Mental Health Hub for Learning and Development.
SEF 2026 is expected to attract around 14,000 attendees, offering a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and practical insight aimed at empowering startups, professionals, and graduates to contribute to sustainable economic growth.
