Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026) is set to commence this Saturday, establishing itself once again as the largest entrepreneurship festival in the region. Scheduled to take place from 31 January to 1 February 2026 at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), this ninth edition will bring together founders, investors, creatives, policymakers, and global leaders under the theme 'Where We Belong'.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event is organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and is expected to attract over 14,000 attendees and feature more than 300 global and regional speakers. The festival will offer over 250 sessions and activities, including workshops and masterclasses, across 10 curated zones focusing on entrepreneurship, creativity, investment, impact, and wellbeing. This extensive program emphasizes SEF's significant role in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
SEF 2026 will present an impressive lineup of speakers from sports, business, media, and culture, positioning the festival as a crucial platform for insight, inspiration, and exchange. Notable speakers include Sebastian Vettel, a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, an undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer, who will share their experiences and lessons in performance, discipline, and resilience.
The festival is organized into several curated zones, each designed to enhance different aspects of the entrepreneurial ecosystem with support from leading partners. These include Startup Town, the Impact Zone, Made in Sharjah, the Creative Zone, and the International Pavilion, among others. These zones are intended to facilitate collaboration, showcase startups, engage investors, and foster the exchange of ideas.
SEF 2026 aims to provide practical opportunities for founders at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. A key initiative is the AED 1,000 License, launched under the 'Startup Kickstarter Package'. Additionally, the festival will host the SEFFY Awards 2026 and the SEF Pitch Competition, highlighting the contributions of founders, mentors, and ecosystem enablers, and offering founders exposure, mentorship, and funding opportunities.
In addition to a busy daytime agenda, SEF 2026 will feature evening performances by artists like Saudi singer-songwriter Tamtam, known for her cross-cultural music. The festival aims to provide the necessary tools for business formation, access to capital, and mentorship, promoting entrepreneurship as a shared space for individuals and ideas to thrive.
