SEF 2025 to feature Thierry Henry, Ann Hiatt, UAE policy makers

Sharjah 24: In a celebration of global brilliance, this year’s Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) will bring together the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs and thought leaders. Among the globally renowned lineup of over 300 speakers from more than 45 nations are Her Excellency Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, UAE's Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; His Excellency Khalid Mohammed Alnuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority in the UAE; the iconic French footballer Thierry Henry; and Ann Hiatt, Jeff Bezos’ former “right-hand advisor.”

Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the festival will take place on February 1st and 2nd at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). With an expected audience of 12,000 attendees, SEF 2025 will create a dynamic space where vision meets opportunity, inspiring participants and sparking innovative ideas through the insights and experiences of its world-class speakers.

Commenting on the notable guests for this year’s edition, Sheraa CEO, Her Excellency Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, stated, “SEF 2025 serves as a gateway for aspiring entrepreneurs and upcoming industry leaders to gain firsthand insights from the world’s most accomplished pioneers. Our mission is to equip attendees with actionable strategies and inspiring perspectives needed to transform their ambitions into impactful ventures. This festival is where global expertise meets local opportunity, ushering in the next wave of entrepreneurial success, right here in Sharjah.”

Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei – Nurturing UAE’s entrepreneurial spirit

As the UAE's Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Her Excellency Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei has been instrumental in nurturing an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. Her distinguished career in private and public sectors reflects her dedication to economic growth and innovation. Her insights at SEF 2025 will undoubtedly inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to take strategic action within their own pursuits.

Khalid Mohammed Alnuaimi – Championing youth empowerment

As the Director of the Federal Youth Authority, H.E. Khalid Mohammed Alnuaimi is at the forefront of youth empowerment in the UAE. Leading the UAE National Youth Agenda 2031, he drives initiatives across key pillars such as Economic Empowerment, Future Skills, Global Youth Leadership, Cultural Values, and Wellbeing. His leadership is shaping a brighter future for the next generation of Emirati youth and UAE residents, making his appearance at SEF 2025 a must-attend for passionate entrepreneurs.

Thierry Henry – From legendary athlete to inspirational leader

Thierry Henry, the iconic French footballer turned professional coach, is a household name in global sports. Known for his stellar career at Arsenal FC and FC Barcelona, as well as his pivotal role in France’s 1998 FIFA World Cup victory, Henry now channels his passion for leadership into coaching and motivational speaking. At SEF 2025, Henry will inspire through narratives of teamwork and excellence — qualities that are integral to entrepreneurs.

Ann Hiatt – Guiding leaders to achieve ambitious goals

Ann Hiatt is a Silicon Valley veteran, leadership strategist, consultant, and best-selling author. With over 15 years of experience working with prominent tech leaders, including Jeff Bezos (Executive chairman of Amazon), Eric Schmidt (Former CEO of Google), and Marissa Mayer (Former CEO of Yahoo!), she has redefined leadership and innovation. As the former Executive Business Partner to Bezos, often referred to as his “right hand,” and Google’s first-ever Chief of Staff, she played an instrumental part in scaling these businesses during periods of rapid growth.

Ann now consults globally with CEOs, leadership teams, and venture capital firms, helping them develop strategies to achieve ambitious goals. A sought-after speaker and angel investor, Ann is the author of the best-selling book, “Bet On Yourself: Recognise, Own, and Implement Breakthrough Opportunities.” Her anticipated keynote at SEF 2025 is set to inspire attendees to take ownership of their potential and drive success.

Toufic Kreidieh – Pioneering off-price retail in the Middle East

As the Executive Chairman of the Board at BFL Group, Toufic Kreidieh has redefined the retail landscape with innovative concepts like Brands For Less and Homes For Less. Under his focused leadership, BFL Group has become a leading off-price retailer across the Middle East and Europe. Attendees stand to gain valuable insights into adapting to market demands and maintaining resilience in a competitive sector.

Muhammad Binghatti – Conquering the real estate sector through strategic vision

Chairman of Binghatti Holding, Muhammad Binghatti has made waves in the real estate industry with his project’s creative architectural designs and lifestyle-focused developments. Managing a portfolio worth over AED 40 billion, his visionary approach has earned partnerships with global brands and reshaped Dubai’s skyline. His keynote at SEF 2025 is an essential session for those seeking to bridge creativity and commerce in their ventures.

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival is the Middle East’s premier platform for global entrepreneurial exchange and the largest of its kind in the region. Promising an exhilarating agenda of over 250 activities, including interactive sessions, thought-provoking talks, artist showcases, and 45 workshops and masterclasses, SEF 2025 is set to accelerate economic transformation and inspire the next generation of pioneers.

By connecting the entrepreneurial-minded with world leaders of industries, investors, innovators, and policymakers, SEF 2025 ensures a productive environment for collaboration and growth. For more information and to secure your ticket, visit https://sharjahef.com/.