Sharjah prepares for SEF 2026 with strong national partnerships

November 13, 2025 / 3:27 PM

Sharjah24: Following a record-breaking 2025 edition, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is scheduled to return for its 9th edition from 31 January to 1 February 2026, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the festival will be held under the theme “Where We Belong,” celebrating community, purpose, and belonging as the foundations of innovation.

The 2026 edition is supported by ongoing backing from leading partners such as Emaar Properties, du, Arada, Emarat, Bank of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC). Their contributions will help create specialised zones designed to support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, enhancing Sharjah’s growing reputation as a global hub for entrepreneurship and knowledge-based industries.

Sheraa leadership highlights SEF’s purpose

Commenting on the upcoming edition, Her Excellency Najla Al Midfa, Vice-Chairperson of Sheraa, said that innovation thrives within supportive ecosystems. She emphasised that the coalition of partners reflects a shared belief in empowering founders and building a future economy rooted in resilience and creativity. "Innovation is a human endeavour,” she said. “SEF is where belonging fuels progress.”

Her Excellency Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasised SEF’s growing influence and its role in establishing Sharjah as a global pioneer in innovation. She noted that SEF 2026 will further expand collaborative opportunities, offering entrepreneurs access to networks, tools, and insights necessary to convert ideas into impactful businesses.

Zones that fuel entrepreneurship

SEF 2026 will feature specialised zones supported by the festival’s strategic partners. The Impact Zone, powered by Arada, will showcase ventures that promote social and environmental value.
The Creative Zone, supported by Emaar Properties, will be dedicated to innovators in design, content, and the arts. The Made in Sharjah Zone, backed by SBWC and Bank of Sharjah, will champion local talent and products. The Startup Town Zone, powered by du Business, will provide UAE startups with a platform to connect with investors and peers. The Vault, presented by Emarat, will support growth-focused founders with insights into funding and scaling strategies.

Reflecting on a landmark SEF 2025

SEF 2026 builds on the success of SEF 2025, which attracted 14,000 attendees, featured 300 international speakers, and included over 250 activities across 10 specially curated zones. The festival facilitated 400 exclusive investor meetings and showcased 150 startups, while notable MOUs with Microsoft and Enterprise Ireland strengthened global partnerships.