center "sail" It aims to support more than 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2030 with an ambitious future vision

Sharjah, 14 October / WAM / At a time when global economic transformations are accelerating, the UAE is emerging as an inspiring model in building an economy based on knowledge and innovation, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in building a human being capable of creativity and competition, and from the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center “Sheraa”, who believes that Youth empowerment and entrepreneurship are two pillars of the emirate’s future. The Centre, which was established in 2016, continues to play its vital role as a major driver of growth and enabler of entrepreneurs, through an integrated system of programs and initiatives that support talent and transform ideas into sustainable projects that have a real impact and are scalable locally and globally.
Sheraa’s efforts are in line with the “UAE: Entrepreneurial Capital of the World” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him,” with the aim of consolidating the UAE’s position as a global destination for entrepreneurship, and providing all means of support for Emirati youth to benefit from the unique economic environment by training and incubating 10,000 Emirati male and female entrepreneurs, and providing 30,000 job opportunities.
Through its pioneering program package, Sheraa contributes to translating these goals into reality, by empowering entrepreneurs and building an entrepreneurial environment that embraces innovative ideas and pushes them towards growth and global influence.

Since its establishment, the center has supported more than 450 startups, which collectively achieved revenues exceeding $370 million, attracted capital of nearly $300 million, and contributed to the creation of more than 2,600 job opportunities.

These numbers confirm the growing role of “Sheraa” in building a vital entrepreneurship system that contributes to establishing a sustainable knowledge economy that enhances Sharjah’s position as a leading center for innovation and opportunities.
Based on its future vision, Sheraa aims to support more than 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2030, by launching qualitative initiatives that contribute to the development of an integrated entrepreneurial environment in Sharjah, based on innovation, sustainability, and comprehensive economic opportunities.
Her Excellency Sarah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center “Sheraa”, said that Sheraa believes that building a knowledge-based economy begins with human empowerment, and with belief in his ability to transform his idea into a project, and his passion into added value to his community and country, by working to develop an integrated system that provides support at the various stages of the entrepreneur’s journey, and provides him with the tools that enable him to grow sustainably. And competition in regional and global markets.

She added that “Sheraa’s” vision focuses on establishing a culture of innovation, expanding the circle of opportunities for distinguished talents, and creating an environment that motivates them to build companies that make a real difference in the national economy, pointing out that investing in people is the cornerstone of a prosperous future, and “Sheraa” today is moving forward with confident steps to translate this principle into a tangible impact that contributes to strengthening the UAE’s position as a global center for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Sheraa continues to translate his vision into reality through a group of qualitative initiatives that cover the various stages of the entrepreneur’s journey, from idea development to expansion and growth.

These initiatives work within an integrated system that aims to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, expertise, and opportunities that enable them to transform their ideas into projects capable of competing and contributing to the development of the national economy based on innovation and sustainability.
In this context, Sheraa, through the Sharjah Startup Studio, offers an integrated accelerator program to enable entrepreneurs to expand the scope of their businesses and accelerate their growth.

These programs include an integrated package of benefits that combine specialized advice, financing opportunities, and digital tools worth more than 3 million dirhams.

Over a period of four months, participants will undergo a comprehensive training journey that provides them with practical experiences and guidance, and opens the doors to communication with investors and partners, enabling them to build sustainable growth strategies and move towards new markets with confidence and readiness.
In the context of its efforts to promote the culture of entrepreneurship, Sheraa continues to organize the “Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival”, which over the years has become the largest platform in the region to empower entrepreneurs and expand their horizons.

The festival brings together entrepreneurs, investors and decision-makers under one roof, and provides a unique space for dialogue and exchange of experiences through motivational sessions and workshops that keep pace with the latest trends in the world of innovation and entrepreneurship.

It is also keen to host global leaders and experts who have made a positive, sustainable impact, to inspire the next generation of ambitious entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2017, the festival has attracted more than 44,000 visitors from around the world, as it prepares to launch its ninth edition on January 31 and February 1, celebrating a journey of influence, inspiration and innovation in the local and global entrepreneurial scene.
In a move that reflects Sheraa’s commitment to linking innovation with the economy, the center launched the “Sharjah Gateway Challenge,” an institutional innovation program that constitutes a strategic platform to enhance integration between emerging companies and vital priority sectors in the emirate.

The challenge aims to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced by key sectors such as education, technology, agriculture, sustainability, and artificial intelligence, and to enable promising emerging companies to develop practical models and ideas that contribute to supporting economic growth, and consolidating Sharjah’s position as a regional center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Sharjah Fellowship for Women Impact Makers embodies the emirate’s deep commitment to empowering women and enhancing their presence in the entrepreneurial scene, as the fellowship aims to empower women leaders and support female entrepreneurs in the region to expand their scope of influence and access resources, guidance and support networks that enhance their contribution to the economy.

The launch of the fellowship comes as an extension of Sheraa’s vision of supporting female entrepreneurs, as women-led companies constitute 51% of the total projects incubated at the centre, which is a percentage that exceeds global averages, and confirms that Sharjah does not support women and enable them to lead change.
The Dojo Entrepreneurship Program is one of Sheraa’s programs that is specifically designed as an incubator to support young entrepreneurs in developing their ideas and turning them into applicable and growing projects.
The program includes three intensive phases, starting with problem verification, through MVP development, and reaching go-to-market strategies.

The program is implemented through Sheraa Centers at the American University of Sharjah. Over the past three years, the program has supported more than 200 male and female students from 21 universities in the Emirates, making it an educational and applied platform that brings entrepreneurship concepts closer to the environment of students and academics.

During this journey, participants receive guidance and support that enables them to transform their ideas into startups ready to compete in the local and global market.
Sheraa Investment Marsa represents a strategic platform that gives emerging companies the opportunity to directly reach investors, through individual meetings designed according to the interests of each party.
The platform aims to accelerate the pace of growth and create sustainable investment opportunities that enhance the readiness of companies for regional and global expansion, and contribute to stimulating the entrepreneurial financing movement in the UAE and the region.
Through a package of integrated programs and initiatives, Sheraa continues its role as a major contributor to building the future of entrepreneurship in the Emirates, and a true supporter of talent and innovation.

“Sheraa” represents an integrated system that drives innovation, opens new horizons for growth for entrepreneurs, and transforms Sharjah into an environment where ideas flourish and are transformed into realistic achievements.

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