The Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects (Ruwad), an initiative by the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), has announced strong results for the third quarter of 2025, reinforcing its pivotal role in the emirate’s growing startup landscape. The foundation injected AED 1.19 million in direct funding into seven new ventures and delivered training programs to 461 entrepreneurs, demonstrating a significant boost to local business development.
Funding and Membership Growth
In its latest quarterly report, Ruwad detailed its financial and membership activities, showcasing a robust pipeline of new enterprises. The seven newly financed projects add to a cumulative total of 16 ventures funded this year, with a combined value of AED 3.86 million.
The foundation’s membership network also saw substantial expansion, welcoming 135 new projects. The commercial sector represented 50% of the new additions with 67 projects, followed closely by the professional sector with 66 projects (49%), and two projects in the industrial sector (1%). Male-led startups constituted 64% of the new members, while female-founded ventures made up 35%. Since the start of 2025, a total of 372 new projects have joined the Ruwad network.
Government Contract Success
A key highlight of the quarter was the success of member companies in securing government contracts. Thirty projects won contracts with 35 local government entities, amounting to a total value of AED 1.57 million. This achievement brings the total value of government procurement facilitated for Ruwad members to nearly AED 5 million for the year, underscoring the foundation’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between startups and public sector opportunities.
Intensive Training and Development
Ruwad’s commitment to upskilling entrepreneurs was evident in its training initiatives. Between July and September, 461 founders and professionals benefited from 21 specialised training programs and workshops, accumulating 105 training hours. Year-to-date, the foundation has delivered 45 programs, benefiting 1,121 entrepreneurs over 292 hours. The training modules focused on critical areas such as small business management, financial literacy, taxation, and overall entrepreneurship development.
In addition to formal training, Ruwad provided 45 advisory services and conducted 97 field visits to member projects during the quarter to offer tailored support and guidance.
Ecosystem Leadership and Vision
Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of SEDD, commented on the results, stating that “Sharjah’s entrepreneurial environment continues to grow and diversify, reflecting the determination of Emirati youth to capitalise on opportunities offered by the emirate’s economic ecosystem.” He praised Ruwad’s role in fostering innovative talent capable of enhancing the competitiveness of their projects.
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, added, “We are witnessing tangible growth across all our services and an increase in the number and value of government contracts. The foundation continues to develop its financing, advisory, and training services to strengthen youth participation in shaping the national economy.”
About Ruwad
The Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects (Ruwad) is a government entity operating under the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD). Its mission is to empower and support Emirati entrepreneurs by providing financing, training, advisory services, and access to government procurement opportunities. Ruwad plays a crucial role in cultivating a vibrant and sustainable small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector within the Emirate of Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Source: Albayan
