The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival: Where Visionaries, Founders, and Innovators Converge

Introduction: MENA’s Premier Entrepreneurship Gathering

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has established itself as the Middle East and North Africa’s fastest-growing and largest entrepreneurship event, serving as a beacon for changemakers, founders, and innovators across the region and beyond. Held annually at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), this two-day festival has evolved into a cornerstone of the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, bringing together a diverse community of over 14,000 attendees under one inspiring vision.

Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), SEF embodies the emirate’s strategic commitment to positioning Sharjah as a global entrepreneurship hub while driving economic diversification and strengthening the knowledge-based economy. The festival’s most recent edition, SEF 2026, took place on January 31 and February 1, 2026, under the powerful theme “Where We Belong” – celebrating community and connection as fundamental drivers of entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Vision Behind SEF

At its core, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival recognizes that entrepreneurship flourishes where community and purpose converge. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized that the festival’s sustained growth demonstrates this principle in action. SEF isn’t just another business conference – it’s a carefully curated ecosystem where individuals and ideas find their place, where collaboration transforms possibilities into realities, and where the entrepreneurial journey is celebrated at every stage.

The festival operates on the belief that each participant adds value through their contributions, and it’s through this collaborative spirit and strong sense of community that the future is shaped. This philosophy permeates every aspect of SEF, from its programming to its physical layout across specialized zones.

The Numbers: A Festival of Unprecedented Scale

SEF 2026 brought together an impressive gathering that underscores its regional significance:

• 14,000+ attendees including founders, investors, creatives, policymakers, students, and industry leaders
• 300+ global and regional speakers spanning sport, business, media, culture, and technology
• 250+ sessions and activities including workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and interactive experiences
• 500+ venture capitalists seeking innovative startups and investment opportunities
• 5,000+ company founders at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys
• 150+ startups showcasing their solutions, products, and services
• 400+ investor meetings facilitated throughout the festival
• 10 specialized zones each designed to serve different aspects of the entrepreneurial ecosystem

These figures represent more than statistics – they embody a thriving community committed to innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact.

Star-Studded Speaker Lineup: Insights from Global Icons

One of SEF’s most compelling features is its ability to attract world-class speakers who bring unique perspectives from diverse fields. The 2026 edition featured an extraordinary lineup of personalities who’ve achieved excellence in their respective domains:

Sports Icons Turned Entrepreneurs

Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, shared profound insights on performance, purpose, and decision-making under pressure. His session explored how the mindset required for success in high-stakes competitive environments translates directly to entrepreneurship, emphasizing that success requires clear goals rather than just speed.

Khabib Nurmagomedov, the undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer, participated in a compelling in-conversation session titled “The Making of a Champion: What it Takes to be Undefeated,” moderated by entrepreneur and content creator Anas Bukhash. His talk examined discipline, preparation, resilience, and how these qualities transition from elite sports to business leadership.

Amna Al Qubaisi, the first Emirati female racing driver in international single-seater competitions, brought her groundbreaking perspective on breaking barriers and pursuing excellence against the odds.

Tech Innovators and Business Visionaries

Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Alphabet’s X moonshot factory, addressed innovation and emerging technologies, focusing on bridging human potential with technological advancement.

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, shared her journey of building a billion-dollar healthcare apparel company.

Shahzad Younas, Founder and CEO of Muzz (the leading Muslim dating app), discussed building products that serve specific communities with authenticity.

Tom Hale, CEO of ŌURA (the smart ring company), explored the intersection of health technology and consumer wellness.

Regional Champions and Ecosystem Builders

Hamad Al Hajri, Co-Founder and CEO of Snoonu (Qatar’s leading delivery platform), shared insights on scaling regional startups.

Ahmed Al Rawi, Founder of Calo (the health-tech food delivery service), discussed sustainable growth in competitive markets.

Bader Ataya, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer of Kitopi (the cloud kitchen platform), explored the future of food technology.

Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of CHALHOUB GROUP, alongside Rachid Mohamed Rachid (Chairman of Alsara Group and Bidayat) and Mounaz Abdel Raouf (co-founder of Okhtein), engaged in discussions about luxury, identity, and how regional brands are scaling globally while preserving cultural relevance.

Social Impact Leaders

Ghanim Al-Muftah, the renowned entrepreneur and disability rights advocate, inspired audiences with his message of resilience and possibility.

Manal Rostom, the first Egyptian woman to Summit Everest and Vinson in Antarctica, and who completed the six World Marathon Majors, shared her journey as a coach and content creator pushing boundaries.

Nadine Kanso, Creative Director and Founder of Bil Arabi, discussed the power of Arabic creative content and cultural preservation.

Souad Al Serkal, Founder and CEO of CommCation Consultancy, addressed leadership development and building sustainable businesses.

Entertainment and Creative Industries

Nayla Al Khaja, the acclaimed Emirati filmmaker, took audiences on a journey through her creative evolution and passion for storytelling.

The festival also featured entertainment moments like SpaceToon’s Tarek Alarabi Tourgane and his family performing beloved childhood songs, creating nostalgic connections for attendees.

The Ten Specialized Zones: An Ecosystem Approach

SEF 2026’s brilliance lay in its thoughtful organization across ten curated zones, each powered by strategic partners and designed to activate different parts of the entrepreneurial ecosystem:

1. Impact Zone (powered by Arada Development)

A stage for visionary talks and discussions that inspire big thinking, social change, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. This zone focused on how businesses can create positive environmental and social impact while achieving commercial success.

2. Creative Zone (powered by EMAAR)

Celebrating imagination and innovation across design, media, and storytelling. For the first time, SEF introduced the “Artist Alley,” featuring local artists debuting their work alongside interactive activation booths and dynamic stage sessions designed to nurture collaboration and fresh creative perspectives.

3. Startup Town (powered by du Business)

A dedicated hub where entrepreneurs at all stages could connect with investors and mentors on the Founder Stage. This zone served as the beating heart of deal-making and partnership formation, fostering the connections that drive startup growth.

4. SEF Academy

Offering workshops and masterclasses covering practical topics essential for entrepreneurial success:

• Business fundamentals and model development
• Marketing and growth strategies
• Leadership and team building
• Personal branding in the digital age
• Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence
• Fundraising and financial management

The Academy provided both foundational workshops for newcomers and expert-led masterclasses for experienced entrepreneurs looking to elevate their skills.

5. International Pavilions (powered by Emirates NBD)

A global exchange space where ecosystems and entrepreneurs from around the world connected, shared best practices, and explored cross-border opportunities. Previous editions have seen strategic partnerships with entities like Microsoft and Enterprise Ireland.

6. Made in Sharjah (backed by Bank of Sharjah and Sharjah Business Women Council)

Highlighting local innovation and homegrown brands shaping the emirate’s creative economy. This zone celebrated Sharjah’s entrepreneurial talent while providing local businesses with visibility and networking opportunities.

7. Community Zone

Creating spaces for informal networking, relationship building, and the serendipitous connections that often lead to unexpected collaborations.

8. SEF Eats

More than just food and beverage, this zone blended community engagement with culinary experiences, featuring a curated selection ranging from local artisans to international favorites. It became a gathering space where deals were discussed over coffee and relationships were built over meals.

9. SEF Souq

A marketplace celebrating local brands and artisans, allowing attendees to take home a piece of Sharjah’s creative economy while supporting small businesses and makers.

10. Sharjah’s Little Founders

A groundbreaking addition reflecting SEF’s commitment to future generations, this zone engaged young aspiring entrepreneurs, planting the seeds of innovation early and demonstrating that entrepreneurship knows no age limit.

Flagship Programs and Competitions

The SEFFY Awards: Celebrating Excellence

The SEFFY Awards represent one of the festival’s most prestigious components, honoring founders, mentors, and ecosystem enablers making significant impacts. The awards recognize excellence across five categories:

1. Technology Award: Recognizing founders reimagining the future through innovative technological advancements. Past winners include Pulse IoT Technologies for their smart connectivity solutions.
2. Social Impact Award: Celebrating founders driving positive, sustainable change through responsible practices and social ventures. The Waste Lab won in 2025 for their pioneering approach to tackling food waste and promoting circular economy practices.
3. Rising Star Award: Honoring young founders making waves with fresh ideas and impactful achievements. Remal took home this award in 2025.
4. Outstanding Mentor Award: Recognizing individuals who guide and champion startups through their growth journeys. Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy was recognized in 2025.
5. Ecosystem Enabler Award: Celebrating those who build partnerships and create pathways for collaboration and growth. BEEAH Group was honored in 2025 for their ecosystem contributions.

The awards process involves nominations, shortlisting by a panel of industry leaders, and a prestigious award ceremony held during the festival, providing winners with extensive networks, investor access, and integration into the Sheraa ecosystem.

SEF Pitch Competition: Unlocking Funding and Opportunities

The SEF Pitch Competition, presented in partnership with 1Tank, offers promising startups the chance to compete for substantial funding and exposure. The competition features four tracks:

1. EdTech: Solutions transforming the way people learn, teach, or access education
2. Manufacturing & Industry 4.0: Solutions innovating processes to improve efficiency, sustainability, and output
3. Sustainability: Solutions addressing environmental, social, or economic challenges
4. Creative Industries: Solutions enriching arts, culture, media, or design

Prizes and Benefits:

• AED 50,000 grants for winners in each category (totaling AED 200,000)
• Potential investor funding opportunities reaching up to AED 500,000
• Exposure to 14,000+ decision-makers and industry leaders
• Access to mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs
• Media coverage and visibility for participating startups

The competition showcases innovation on a premier platform, helping startups amplify their reach and credibility while connecting with potential investors and partners.

Startup Showcase: Visibility That Matters

The Startup Showcase provided 150+ startups with branded booth spaces to display their solutions, products, and services. Benefits included:

• Direct exposure to investors actively seeking innovative ideas and scalable businesses
• One-on-one investor meetings arranged by the SEF team
• Immediate consideration for the pitch competition
• Access to the full festival agenda, including panels, keynotes, and workshops
• Networking opportunities with potential partners, customers, and collaborators
• Market insights from engaging with a diverse, engaged audience

Investor Lounge: Where Real Deals Happen

The Investor Lounge created an exclusive space where serious capital allocation decisions were made. With 500+ VCs attending, this curated environment facilitated meaningful conversations between investors and founders, moving beyond surface-level networking to substantive discussions about funding, scaling, and partnership opportunities.

Game-Changing Initiatives: The AED 1,000 Startup License

One of SEF 2026’s most impactful announcements was the exclusive “Startup Kickstarter Package” offering business licenses for just AED 1,000 – a dramatic reduction from the typical AED 5,500 to AED 25,000 annual cost across the UAE. This initiative represented a fundamental shift in how regional authorities approach entrepreneurship support, removing one of the most significant barriers for first-time founders.

The package bundled business formation with community access, mentorship, and the entire SEF ecosystem, demonstrating Sharjah’s commitment to making entrepreneurship accessible to all, regardless of financial background.

The Festival Experience: Beyond Business

Cultural and Entertainment Elements

SEF recognized that entrepreneurship isn’t just about spreadsheets and pitch decks – it’s a human endeavor enriched by culture, creativity, and community. The festival incorporated:

• Drone Light Shows: Mesmerizing aerial displays that illuminated the sky on the festival’s final day, creating unforgettable visual experiences
• Live Performances: Cultural celebrations that honored heritage while embracing contemporary expression
• VIP Dinner Ceremonies: Exclusive gatherings for partners and distinguished guests, fostering deeper relationships in elegant settings
• Interactive Art Installations: Engaging displays that sparked creativity and conversation

Workshops and Masterclasses

The SEF Academy offered practical, hands-on learning experiences covering:

• AI-powered success strategies
• Social media and content marketing
• Financial modeling and fundraising
• Leadership development and team dynamics
• Customer acquisition and retention
• Product development and iteration
• Scaling operations sustainably

These sessions ranged from foundational workshops for beginners to advanced masterclasses led by industry experts, ensuring value for attendees at every entrepreneurial stage.

Strategic Partnerships: Building a Collaborative Ecosystem

SEF 2026 was supported by a coalition of strategic partners whose involvement enabled the creation of specialized zones and comprehensive programming:

Platinum Partners:

• Emaar Properties
• du
• Arada
• Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat)
• Bank of Sharjah
• Sharjah Business Women Council

Additional Key Partners:

• Emirates NBD
• Microsoft (from previous editions, demonstrating ongoing relationships)
• Enterprise Ireland (international ecosystem partnership)

These partnerships extended beyond sponsorship, creating direct pathways for startups to potential clients, enterprise customers, and strategic opportunities.

Attendee Experiences: What People Are Saying

The festival’s impact is perhaps best captured through attendee testimonials:

Steven Bartlett (Host, Diary of a CEO) described SEF as “more than an event. It’s a place where ambition feels real, shared, and possible.”

Chris Barton (Founder, Shazam) noted that “SEF sparks ideas and momentum. You leave inspired, knowing the impact doesn’t stop when the event ends.”

Kim A. Page emphasized that “SEF creates space for honest conversations. It’s where people come together to share what’s real and move things forward,” adding that “SEF is a safe space for people and entrepreneurs alike to gather and share what is real. This is where we change the world.”

Previous Editions: A Track Record of Success

The festival’s evolution is evident in its growth trajectory:

SEF 2024 (February 3-4, 2024) featured:

• The theme “Our Shared Canvas”
• 300 global speakers
• 10 specialized zones
• 250+ activities
• 400 investor meetings
• Strategic agreements with Microsoft and Enterprise Ireland

Each edition has built upon previous successes, expanding reach, deepening impact, and strengthening Sharjah’s position as a regional entrepreneurship hub.

SEF’s Role in Sharjah’s Vision

The festival serves as a flagship initiative within Sheraa’s year-round efforts to build a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE. Through continuous programs, mentorship opportunities, and strategic resources, Sheraa empowers the next generation of innovators beyond the two-day festival.

SEF aligns directly with Sharjah’s economic diversification strategy and its goal to transition toward a knowledge-based economy. By convening global expertise, facilitating capital flows, and nurturing local talent, the festival accelerates the emirate’s transformation into a globally recognized innovation hub.

Themes of Innovation: What Emerged from SEF 2026

Artificial Intelligence and Productivity

A central theme throughout SEF 2026 was the role of artificial intelligence in shaping productivity and enhancing innovation. Sessions explored how AI tools can democratize capabilities, enabling smaller teams to compete with larger organizations while addressing the challenges and ethical considerations of AI deployment.

Sustainable Growth and Impact

Discussions consistently returned to the balance between rapid growth and sustainable, responsible business practices. Leaders emphasized that scaling for its own sake can be counterproductive; instead, growth should align with clear goals, values, and the capacity to maintain quality and impact.

Work-Life Integration in Family Businesses

SEF highlighted family businesses and the unique challenges of managing professional and personal relationships when family members are also business partners. These discussions acknowledged both the advantages (aligned values, deep trust) and complexities (boundary setting, role clarity) of family entrepreneurship.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset from Sports

Athletes-turned-entrepreneurs like Sebastian Vettel and Khabib Nurmagomedov brought fresh perspectives on resilience, preparation, and peak performance. Their insights demonstrated that the mental frameworks developed in competitive sports – dealing with pressure, maintaining focus, learning from failure – directly translate to entrepreneurial success.

Community as Competitive Advantage

The “Where We Belong” theme reinforced that entrepreneurship is not a solitary pursuit. The strongest ventures emerge from communities that support, challenge, and collaborate with each other. SEF itself modeled this principle, creating an environment where connections formed naturally and partnerships developed organically.

The Broader Impact: Numbers That Matter

Beyond the immediate festival experience, SEF creates lasting value:

• Funding packages exceeding AED 2.5 million through various programs and competitions
• Hundreds of partnerships formed between startups, investors, and corporate partners
• Thousands of professional connections that extend into ongoing collaborations
• Skills development for attendees through workshops and masterclasses
• Market insights gained from exposure to diverse perspectives and global trends
• Media visibility for participating startups, raising their profiles regionally and internationally

Looking Forward: The SEF Legacy

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival has established itself as more than an annual event – it’s a movement. Each edition builds upon the previous, creating a compounding effect that strengthens the regional ecosystem year after year.

As one participant noted during SEF 2024: “Everything that has a beginning has an end. But not at SEF! Our craft and our perseverance will lead us far beyond our imagination. We, at SEF, don’t classify reaching our objective as a journey, but rather a mission. A mission that will create a legacy. A legacy that shall live on for years to come.”

This mission-driven approach ensures that SEF’s impact extends far beyond the two-day gathering. The connections made, lessons learned, and opportunities created ripple through the ecosystem for months and years, shaping the trajectory of individual ventures and the broader entrepreneurial landscape.

Where Belonging Meets Becoming

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival represents the intersection of vision and action, where ambitious founders find their community, where innovative ideas meet patient capital, and where the future of the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is actively being built.

Whether you’re an early-stage founder testing an idea, a scaling startup seeking investment, an investor looking for the next breakthrough innovation, or simply someone curious about entrepreneurship, SEF offers a place where you belong. It’s a festival that celebrates not just the destination of success, but the entire entrepreneurial journey – with all its challenges, triumphs, and transformative moments.

As Sharjah continues to cement its position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, SEF stands as both a symbol and an engine of that transformation. It’s where the entrepreneurial community gathers not just to network or learn, but to belong, to contribute, and to shape the future together.

For those who attended SEF 2026, the experience was more than a festival – it was a homecoming to a community of dreamers, builders, and changemakers.