SBWC prepares new generation for future economy

August 13, 2025 / 7:02 PM

Sharjah 24: According to the Middle East Economy survey, 84% of women in the UAE are considering starting their own businesses, with millennials leading at 53% and Generation Z at 44%. This represents a trend towards digital technologies and global perspectives that go beyond traditional corporate paradigms.

Regional digital presence expansion
According to a Mastercard study, 81% of Arab women entrepreneurs have an online presence via websites or social media, indicating a high level of digital adoption in the region. Despite this improvement, there is an increasing demand for training, expertise, and unique experiences that will equip women for the future economy. The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) is tailoring its activities to fulfil these needs.

From adapting to accepting change
Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBWC, stated that the current generation seeks both growth prospects and social impact, changing from traditional initiatives to innovative, sustainable, and impactful digital ecosystems. SBWC not only adapts but embraces change, creating a supportive atmosphere for growth and influence, with the goal of empowering women to affect the future economy.

Sustainable response
In keeping with this aim, SBWC developed major programmes, such as the Entrepreneurship Programme with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), which provides intense training in financial strategy, leadership abilities, and digital marketing. It also collaborated with Astro Labs on specialised digital presence courses.

Global representation and collaborations
SBWC represented the UAE internationally at significant events like Expand North Star 2024, where they selected eight women-led businesses to represent Sharjah globally. It also arranged trade delegations to Belgium and India, which resulted in agreements with international women's organisations to grow in new markets and share entrepreneurial knowledge.

Participatory leadership approach
The Your Voice, Our Vision project solicits member proposals to connect SBWC's objectives with their goals, fostering an inclusive and collaborative management style.

Sharjah is a hotspot for women's entrepreneurship
These programmes not only benefit women now but also set the groundwork for a more equitable and inclusive economic future, cementing Sharjah's status as a regional hub for women's entrepreneurship and assuring a steady flow of competitive global ideas and projects.