The upcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2026 is set to enhance its support for the region’s founders and creators with the launch of a series of advanced, hands-on masterclasses. Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the festival will take place on January 31st and February 1st, 2026, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).
The new workshops will be held within a dedicated zone called the “SEF Academy” and are designed to equip entrepreneurs with practical skills in critical areas such as finance, AI, branding, and creative growth.
Upskilling Founders at SEF Academy
The SEF Academy will host a curated program of workshops led by regional and international experts. The sessions are structured to provide actionable insights for building, scaling, and sustaining ventures in today’s competitive landscape. The curriculum is divided into several key pillars, including venture building, AI and automation, branding, and founder wellbeing.
Practical Skills in Finance and AI
In the venture building and finance track, a masterclass on “Equity Financing Mechanisms” will offer a practical understanding of cap tables, equity structures, and investor readiness. Another session on “Money Management Essentials” will cover financial discipline for both personal and business contexts, while a workshop on “Consumer Spending Behavior” will help founders make informed pricing and demand-related decisions.
The AI and technology track features a masterclass on “Business Automation with AI,” demonstrating how to use AI agents to streamline operations and enhance customer interaction. A separate workshop will guide founders and creatives on designing an “AI Workflow for Storytelling and Creative Production,” helping them integrate artificial intelligence into their ideation and content generation processes.
Mastering Branding and Creative Growth
To help founders build a strong market presence, the SEF Academy will offer a workshop on “Personal Branding for Founders,” providing guidance on crafting authentic narratives and building credibility. A 90-minute session titled “From Fear to Confidence: Build Your Public Speaking Skills” will focus on developing clarity and confidence in communication.
For entrepreneurs in the creator economy, practical sessions like “SEF Photo Walk with a Camera” and “SEF Photo Walk with a Phone” will provide hands-on training in visual storytelling. Additionally, a masterclass on “AI Prompt Engineering for Creatives” will teach a systematic approach to using AI as a creative partner, while another session will offer a guide for aspiring content creators to turn part-time audiences into full-time income.
Prioritizing Founder Wellbeing
Recognizing the pressures of entrepreneurship, the festival is integrating founder wellbeing as a core component. The “Countering Stress: Burnout and Stress Prevention Strategies” workshop will provide practical tools for managing stress. Another masterclass will focus on building resilience, helping founders sustain momentum and clarity through long-term challenges. This focus aligns with SEF’s founder-first strategy, which views personal sustainability as a prerequisite for business success.
About Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF)
Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is a premier event celebrating creativity, impact, and entrepreneurship. Held under the theme “Where We Belong,” the 2026 edition is preparing to welcome over 14,000 participants, including investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and ecosystem leaders from across the region and the world, providing a platform for meaningful learning, networking, and growth.
Source: Sharjah24
