The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has introduced ‘SEF Bites’, a new series of community activations designed to build anticipation for its flagship event, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2026. The inaugural two-day event took place on October 4-5 at Al Zahia City Centre, offering a curated preview of the festival’s creative and entrepreneurial spirit.
A Glimpse into the Festival Spirit
The first ‘SEF Bites’ event provided a multi-sensory experience, featuring the exclusive launch of the ‘Sharjah’ perfume, a new brand created by Sheraa as a tribute to the emirate’s innovative drive. Attendees engaged in a variety of activities, including hands-on creative workshops led by Sheraa-supported startups such as Craftopia, Calm Clay, and Anemoia. The program also included inspiring talks on topics like financial guidance from Saif Al Naqbi, CEO of Saif Alnaqbi Group, and a session on content creation with Ahmad Al Marzooqi (Chai with Ahmad) and Neet Bherwani, Founder of TNB Podcasting.
Fostering Community and Accessibility
The initiative reflects Sheraa’s broader mission to embed innovation within the community and make entrepreneurship more accessible. The event was designed to engage aspiring founders, established entrepreneurs, and the general public in a dynamic and interactive setting, complete with live music and unique culinary experiences. H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, commented that the activation reinforces the vision of making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, stating, “Innovation thrives when it is rooted in the community.”
Building Towards SEF 2026
‘SEF Bites’ serves as a strategic prelude to the main Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, which is scheduled to take place from January 31st to February 1st, 2026, at the Sharjah Research Technology & Innovation Park (SRTIP). By hosting these smaller, community-focused events, Sheraa aims to build sustained momentum and engagement ahead of the region’s largest entrepreneurial gathering. This approach is part of Sharjah’s ongoing effort to position itself as a central hub for entrepreneurial ambition and innovation across the MENA region.
About Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is a government-supported entity launched in 2016 to cultivate a world-class entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sharjah and the wider UAE. It provides a platform for aspiring and established founders to launch and grow their ventures, offering a range of programs including ideation, incubation, and acceleration, along with access to a network of mentors and investors.
Source: Zawya
