The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (RUWAD), operating under the Sharjah Economic Development Department, has successfully concluded the 13th edition of its annual “Business Stars” initiative. The event, which ran from December 5th to 25th, showcased the commercial acumen of 120 students from across the UAE, who formed 60 project groups and generated significant sales.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Founders
The initiative is a cornerstone of RUWAD’s strategy to embed an entrepreneurial mindset within the nation’s youth. It provides a practical platform for students to transition from theoretical business concepts to real-world commercial experience.
Ameena Mohammed, Director of Training, Research, and Events at RUWAD, expressed her appreciation for the participants’ dedication. She highlighted that the initiative aims to “enhance the culture of entrepreneurship among students and guide their projects towards practical experience in the free market, qualifying them to establish successful and impactful businesses in the future.”
A Platform for Practical Experience
Held as part of the 14th Suburbs Festival in Sharjah’s Al Qarayen 5 Park, the program celebrated winners across several categories.
In the primary school category (ages 10-15), winning projects included Lis’at Alnahla, Cookies Bloom, and Magnet Lab. For the high school and university category (ages 16-21), the top honors went to simple sip, Al-Rawnak, and Sucre Bakery.
A special category for affiliates of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah and other school students recognized Crafted by Stars, Alam Al-Rawnak, and J&M Design for their outstanding projects. The event also featured 21 accompanying training and entertainment workshops on topics ranging from gift wrapping and cake decorating to pottery painting.
Strong Sales Performance Underscores Potential
The commercial viability of the student-led projects was a standout feature of the event. Participating groups collectively generated revenues of AED 180,000 during the initiative.
This brings the cumulative sales revenue for the “Business Stars” initiative to AED 972,837 for the period between 2018 and 2025, demonstrating the program’s sustained success in empowering young entrepreneurs and validating their business ideas.
About RUWAD
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (RUWAD) is a government entity established to support and empower entrepreneurs in the Emirate of Sharjah. It aims to foster a thriving startup ecosystem by providing training, financing, and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), contributing to the
development and diversification of the UAE.
Source: Al Khaleej
