UAE is hub for entrepreneurs, and Sharjah nurtures talent

The podcast featured a conversation with Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Executive Director of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park. During the discussion, they explored various topics related to the economy, tourism, and investments. They highlighted how the park plays a vital role in encouraging creativity and technology. Additionally, they talked about the park's achievements in raising Sharjah's profile in these areas and identified the key sectors that it concentrates on.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi shared in a conversation with “Shams Talks” that his journey in the business world started in his school days, continued in his neighborhood, and later at university. Growing up in Sharjah, he experienced a supportive and creative environment that nurtured young Emiratis. About 40 to 45 years ago, youth centers were established in the emirate with the encouragement of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. These centers taught him about entrepreneurship and different professions, which played a big role in shaping his character. He was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study in the United States, where he focused on economics and communication. He began his career in the private sector with Emirates Petroleum Company as a brand manager. Later, he joined Dubai Internet City, where he played a key role in its development in the year 2000. He served as the Marketing Manager there before returning to the oil and gas industry with the international company Shell. During his eight years with Shell, he spent two years living in the Netherlands, where he gained valuable experience in the field.

Al Mahmoudi has had a successful career with many big companies around the world, focusing on the idea of sustainable development, which means finding ways to meet our needs without harming future generations. He was instrumental in setting up the Sharjah Development Forum, a platform aimed at promoting sustainability, helping young people grow and thrive, and fostering cooperation between businesses and government organizations. This important initiative was backed by the Ruler of Sharjah, who also chaired the Forum. Following this, Al Mahmoudi became the Director General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and later took on the role of Executive Director at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, where he continued his work in promoting development and innovation.

He explained that the SRTI Park stands out for its emphasis on scientific research and its support for applied research. The park attracts cutting-edge technologies from around the world and focuses on developing national expertise in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer. Currently, it is centered on four key areas: transportation technologies, healthcare, sustainable green technologies, and advanced industries. One of its flagship initiatives is a significant center dedicated to transportation technologies, particularly in rail systems based in Sharjah. This facility will house a research center for trains, including a suspended train system, with a major company already on board, having invested around 80 million dollars. Our goal for the park is to eventually secure projects that will pave the way for establishing a comprehensive train manufacturing plant in Sharjah. Additionally, our laboratories are also exploring the bicycle industry, self-driving cars, and feature a 3D printing center equipped with advanced high-speed computers to facilitate digitization efforts.

Al Mahmoudi highlighted the important role that the complex plays in promoting entrepreneurship. It hosts the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival in partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). Recently, we introduced the Deal Program, which works with local universities to help take students' innovative ideas and turn them into real businesses. The SRTI Park provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurship. We are also planning to launch a major project aimed at helping university graduates, particularly those in engineering and construction, to develop their projects.

The speaker highlighted that the government wants to inspire people to start their own businesses. This goal is crucial for the country’s financial health, as the UAE is known as a hub for entrepreneurs and a top choice for those looking to start new ventures. He emphasized that Sharjah stands out as a leader in promoting entrepreneurship and nurturing talent. He encouraged young people to take action and make the most of the support offered by the government.