Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE’s key financial institution for economic diversification, has successfully concluded the ninth edition of its EDB Connect series in Sharjah. The event, themed “Empowering Sharjah’s Economy Through SMEs and Entrepreneurship,” brought together key ecosystem players to provide founders with clear, direct pathways to financing, regulation, and business growth.
Held in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and aligned with the Ministry of Economy’s “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign, the event served as a vital access point for industrial entrepreneurs, investors, and government decision-makers. The gathering reinforced the UAE’s commitment to building a world-class environment for startups and high-growth enterprises.
Leadership Voices on Strategic Growth
The event was opened by H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, who highlighted the bank’s strategic alignment with Sharjah’s industrial vision. Keynote addresses from prominent leaders provided further context, with H.E. Osama Amir Fadhel from MoIAT discussing Sharjah’s pivotal role in the national industrial strategy. H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), detailed the emirate’s innovation ecosystem, while H.E. Mohamed Al Musharrakh of the Sharjah FDI Office shared insights into its thriving investment landscape.
Actionable Insights For Key Sectors
Panel discussions moved beyond inspiration to deliver practical guidance on critical themes. Sessions focused on identifying opportunities in strategic sectors like food and healthcare, exploring financing tools and risk protection for global scaling, and positioning Sharjah as an ideal testbed for advanced technologies. Each discussion provided founders with direct engagement with licensing bodies and capital providers, ensuring attendees left with tangible next steps.
Showcasing Success and Practical Tools
The agenda featured live demonstrations of EDB’s 360 Business Banking platform and recognized key contributors to the ecosystem. EDB also highlighted success stories of Sharjah-based SMEs that have scaled using its financing programs, underscoring its role as a catalyst for industrial growth. H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office, noted, “Our partnership with Emirates Development Bank is built on a shared vision to empower entrepreneurs and accelerate sustainable industrial growth. Through initiatives like EDB Connect, we are bridging capital with innovation.”
About Emirates Development Bank
Emirates Development Bank (EDB) is a key financial engine for the economic development and industrial advancement of the UAE. EDB provides financial and non-financial support to businesses of all sizes, with a strategic focus on priority sectors crucial to the nation’s economic diversification agenda. The bank offers a range of services, including project financing, business banking solutions, and advisory support to foster a sustainable and knowledge-based economy.
Source: Economy Middle East
