The ninth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026) is set to take place from January 31 to February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the two-day gathering is expected to welcome over 14,000 attendees, reinforcing its position as the region’s largest festival of its kind under the theme ‘Where We Belong’.
The festival will bring together founders, investors, creatives, and policymakers, featuring more than 300 global and regional speakers across over 250 sessions, workshops, and masterclasses.
Global Voices And Regional Leaders Take The Stage
SEF 2026 will host a high-profile lineup of speakers from diverse fields to share insights on performance, purpose, and growth. Confirmed speakers include Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion and Hall of Famer.
They will be joined by prominent regional figures including Amna Al Qubaisi, Emirati racing driver; Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Chairman of Alsara Group and Bidayat; Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group; Mounaz Abdel Raouf, Co-founder of Okhtein; and Anas Bukhash, founder of #ABtalks. Sessions will cover topics from high-performance mindsets and brand building to purpose-driven entrepreneurship and personal resilience.
Curated Zones To Foster Collaboration And Growth
The festival is structured around 10 purpose-built zones designed to activate different segments of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. These specialized areas serve as platforms for startup showcases, investor engagement, and the exchange of ideas.
Key zones include Startup Town, powered by du Business; the Impact Zone, powered by Arada Development; Made in Sharjah, backed by Bank of Sharjah and the Sharjah Business Women Council; the Creative Zone, powered by EMAAR; and the International Pavilion, powered by Emirates NBD. The festival will also introduce Sharjah’s Little Founders, a new zone reflecting a commitment to inspiring future generations.
A Launchpad For Aspiring Founders
SEF 2026 is designed to deliver tangible value and practical opportunities for founders. A central initiative is the Startup Kickstarter Package, which includes a new AED 1,000 business license offered exclusively at the festival to help entrepreneurs launch their ventures.
The event will also feature the SEFFY Awards 2026, which celebrate impactful founders, mentors, and ecosystem enablers. Additionally, the SEF Pitch Competition will provide a platform for startups to gain exposure, mentorship, and access to funding, solidifying the festival’s role as a place where businesses are built and scaled.
About Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF)
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is a flagship event organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). It serves as one of the largest entrepreneurship gatherings in the MENA region, bringing together founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders. The festival aims to inspire, empower, and connect innovators by providing a platform for learning, networking, and accessing tangible opportunities for business growth.
Source: Zawya
