Sharjah: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre RUWAD, affiliated with the Sharjah Economic Development Department, has reported significant growth in its support for entrepreneurial projects during the first quarter of 2026. Funding extended to businesses in Sharjah surged by 108% year-on-year, reaching AED1.5 million. Additionally, government procurement contracts with member projects saw a 130.8% increase, amounting to AED2.3 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, stated that these results highlight the evolving maturity and specialization of Sharjah's entrepreneurial ecosystem. He pointed out that Emirati-led ventures are increasingly concentrating on industry, innovation, advanced technologies, green economy initiatives, digital services, and smart solutions.
Al Mahmoud further explained that entrepreneurs are now prioritizing scalable business models that leverage modern technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance products and services, thereby boosting the competitiveness of national enterprises both locally and regionally.
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of RUWAD, noted that the foundation financed three projects with a total value of AED1.5 million during the first quarter, compared to AED720,000 allocated to four projects during the same period in 2025. She also mentioned that 137 new projects joined the foundation's membership network, including 91 commercial ventures, 45 professional projects, and one industrial enterprise.
Additionally, 82 projects renewed memberships for their second and third years to benefit from full exemption from government fees, while 38 projects extended memberships for the fourth and fifth years with 50% fee exemptions. RUWAD conducted 47 field visits to projects across Sharjah and the eastern region, adding 13 new projects to the supplier register of the Sharjah Central Finance Department, bringing the total to 194 registered projects by the end of the first quarter.
The organization also provided 31 specialized consultations, handled 3,726 calls, conducted 122 interviews with entrepreneurs, and promoted 90 projects on social media platforms. Government contracts awarded to RUWAD member projects totaled AED2.32 million during the first quarter, up from AED1 million in the same period last year, with 17 new projects securing spaces in business and commercial centers across Sharjah.
In terms of training, RUWAD delivered nine workshops and programs spanning 15 training days and 50 hours, benefiting 205 participants, including 165 female entrepreneurs. The organization signed a memorandum of understanding with Emirates Development Bank to enhance financing opportunities for national projects and provide advisory and funding solutions supporting entrepreneurial growth.
RUWAD also continued its community initiatives and participation in events, including the Mada Festival, the annual Ramadan initiative 'From the Goodness of Our Pioneers', the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, and the Ramadan Village event organized by the University of Sharjah Alumni Association.
