The region’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), is set to return for its 9th edition this winter. Scheduled for January 31 to February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), the festival invites founders, investors, and changemakers to explore the theme “Where We Belong.” Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), SEF 2026 promises to be a massive convergence of innovation, featuring thousands of attendees and a diverse lineup of global voices shaping the future of the ecosystem.
Event Details
- What: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2026
- When: January 31 – February 1, 2026
- Where: SPARK (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park), Sharjah, UAE
- Focus Areas: Entrepreneurship, Creative Economy, Impact, FoodTech, and Future Tech
About The Event
For over eight years, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival has served as a cornerstone for the MENA startup ecosystem. Hosted by Sheraa, the event has grown into a massive platform that unites visionaries and industry leaders. The 2026 edition is expected to host over 5,000 founders and 500+ VCs, continuing its mission to foster a supportive and ambitious community. This year’s theme, “Where We Belong,” focuses on community, identity, and the shared purpose that drives entrepreneurial success, creating a space where innovation flows freely among like-minded peers.
What To Expect
SEF 2026 is designed as a holistic experience, divided into 10 distinct zones that cater to every aspect of the entrepreneurial journey:
- Startup Town: The central hub where startups grow, ideas connect, and founders showcase their innovations.
- Impact Zone: A space dedicated to bold thinking and meaningful conversations around sustainability and social impact.
- Creative Zone: An area designed to unleash imagination and reimagine what is possible in the creative economy.
- SEF Academy: Educational sessions where attendees can learn, evolve, and lead with confidence through workshops and masterclasses.
- Investors Lounge: An exclusive area facilitating high-level networking and deal-flow between founders and VCs.
- Made in Sharjah: A celebration of homegrown talent and local innovation.
- SEF Eats & Souq: Curated community experiences featuring local artisans and food concepts to taste, connect, and celebrate.
Featured Speakers
The festival will feature a robust lineup of “Voices of SEF 2026″—founders and leaders who are shaping what comes next. Confirmed speakers include:
- Ambareen Musa: A pioneering fintech leader and entrepreneur known for building and scaling impactful financial platforms.
- Edward Hamod: Founder of Switch Foods, bringing sustainability to the table with FoodTech innovation designed for the Middle East.
- Fouad Jeryes: A tech veteran whose journey spans startups, exits, and building Arabic-first AI infrastructure.
- Arva S. Ahmed: Co-founder of Frying Pan Adventures, using food as a lens for cultural storytelling and community connection.
Pitch Competition
A highlight of the festival is the SEF Pitch Competition x 1Tank 2026. This segment offers bold founders the chance to take the stage and pitch their ideas directly to industry leaders and investors. Competitors will vie for visibility and funding, with four coveted prize grants worth AED 50,000 each up for grabs.
How To Attend
Tickets for SEF 2026 are currently available with options for every type of attendee:
- Student Pass: Free admission for students (requires valid ID verification) to empower the next generation.
- Belong Pass (General Admission): AED 249. Includes full-day access to the venue, 10+ zones, 4 stages, and SEF Academy sessions.
- Premium Pass: AED 1,999. Offers exclusive perks including fast-track entry, reserved seating, access to the VIP “SEF Vault” lounge, and investor lounge access (subject to approval).
Learn More: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
