RUWAD: Funding for citizens’ projects reaches AED44 million

September 21, 2025 / 9:21 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Fatima Hassan Al Ali, Director of the Sharjah Foundation to support pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), revealed that since its establishment in 2005, the Foundation has funded numerous citizens’ projects with a total value of approximately 44 million dirhams. This funding highlights the Foundation’s vital role in enhancing the business environment of the emirate.

Speaking on the sidelines of the announcement of the “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign, she confirmed that over 10,000 male and female entrepreneurs have been trained, and that the number of active members in the Foundation’s membership programme has exceeded 1,500, offering an integrated support network for entrepreneurs.

Fatima Hassan Al Ali affirmed that the Foundation continues to empower entrepreneurs and support national projects, achieving remarkable results in financing, training, and consulting programmes aimed at enhancing Sharjah’s business environment.

Enhancing the business environment in Sharjah

Al Ali emphasised that the Foundation’s financing programme has supported a large number of citizens’ projects, totaling around AED 44 million, underscoring the Foundation’s significant contribution to Sharjah’s business climate.

An integrated support network for entrepreneurs

She further explained that since 2005, more than 10,000 entrepreneurs have received training. The membership programme currently includes over 1,500 active members, providing a comprehensive support network for entrepreneurs.

Providing more than 1,000 specialised consultations

Al Ali noted that the Foundation has delivered over 1,000 specialized consultations, covering legal, technical, and administrative matters. It also organizes various training programmes, including short courses and specialised qualifications such as professional diplomas in entrepreneurship.

Government fee exemption packages

The Director of RUWAD highlighted that the Foundation offers direct financing and collaborates with banks to provide additional funding options. It also offers government fee exemption packages and participates in government procurement programmes at local and federal levels, ensuring the sustainability of projects in the labor market.

Providing further support and facilitation

Al Ali confirmed that all performance indicators for 2024 have surpassed targets. She expressed the Foundation’s ambition, through the "Entrepreneur Capital of the World" campaign, to double these achievements, emphasizing the campaign’s role in offering increased support and facilitation for entrepreneurs.