The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), a key driver of the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, has announced a new strategic goal to support over 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2030. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader national campaign, “The Emirates: World’s Entrepreneurship Capital,” aiming to solidify the nation’s position as a global hub for startups and innovation. Since its inception in 2016, Sheraa has played a vital role in transforming Sharjah into a thriving center for sustainable, knowledge-based ventures.
A Proven Track Record of Impact
Sheraa has already made a significant impact on the region’s startup landscape. The center has supported over 450 startups, which have collectively generated more than $370 million in revenue and attracted nearly $300 million in investment capital. These ventures have also been instrumental in job creation, contributing over 2,600 employment opportunities to the economy. These figures underscore Sheraa’s growing influence in building a dynamic ecosystem that strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for innovation.
Sara Balhaif Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Sheraa, stated, “At Sheraa, we believe that building a knowledge-based economy begins with empowering individuals and believing in their ability to turn an idea into a project. Our vision focuses on entrenching a culture of innovation, expanding opportunities for exceptional talent, and creating an environment that motivates them to build companies that make a real difference in the national economy.”
A Multi-Faceted Support System
To achieve its ambitious goals, Sheraa has developed a comprehensive suite of initiatives designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. These programs provide founders with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to build scalable and competitive businesses.
The Sharjah Startup Studio acts as an integrated accelerator program, helping entrepreneurs scale their operations through specialized consulting, access to funding, and digital tools valued at over AED 3 million. The Dojo Entrepreneurship Program serves as an incubator for young founders, guiding students from 21 universities across the UAE through the stages of problem validation, MVP development, and market launch.
Connecting The Ecosystem and Championing Diversity
Sheraa actively fosters connectivity within the ecosystem through flagship events and platforms. The annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has become the region’s largest platform for founders, investors, and policymakers, attracting over 44,000 visitors since 2017. Additionally, the Sheraa Investment Marina provides startups with direct access to investors through curated one-on-one meetings.
Demonstrating a strong commitment to diversity, the Sharjah Fellowship for Impact Entrepreneurs is dedicated to empowering female leaders. This focus is reflected in Sheraa’s portfolio, where 51% of supported ventures are women-led, a figure that surpasses global averages. Furthermore, the Sharjah Gateway Challenge fosters corporate innovation by connecting startups with key sectors like education, technology, and sustainability to solve real-world challenges.
About Sheraa
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) was founded in 2016 to cultivate a world-class entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sharjah and the wider UAE. Through a diverse range of programs, including accelerators, incubators, and large-scale events, Sheraa provides aspiring and established entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, mentorship, and network access to launch and scale their ventures. The center is committed to building a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation and sustainable growth.
Source: Albayan
