Advisory Board reviews progress on ‘Sheraa 2030’ strategic delivery

Bodour Al Qasimi: Our ambition is to build businesses in Sharjah that compete internationally while creating lasting economic and social value at home.

Sharjah: H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), chaired Sheraa’s Advisory Board meeting, bringing board members together to review the entity’s 2026 achievements, assess progress on the Sheraa 2030 strategy, and align on priorities for strengthening Sharjah’s position as a destination for startups and SMEs seeking growth and expansion opportunities.

The meeting was attended by H.E. Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).

Sheraa’s Advisory Board reviewed preparations for the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2027 and Sheraa’s key initiatives to support the establishment, growth, and expansion of businesses in Sharjah, contributing to the emirate’s economic development. Board members also discussed ways to continue attracting high-potential startups to Sharjah while strengthening support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sheraa, said: “Strong economies are built by creating the conditions for promising ideas to become lasting enterprises. In Sharjah, entrepreneurship is central to how we diversify our economy, unlock new opportunities for growth, and enable ambitious people to build businesses that create lasting value.”

She added: “As we advance Sheraa’s 2030 strategy, our priority is to create an environment where entrepreneurs can launch with confidence, build resilient companies, and grow sustainably from Sharjah. Our ambition is to see more businesses emerge from the emirate with the capability to compete internationally, while creating lasting economic and social value here at home.”

The board meeting was attended by H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Asma Bin Taliah, Secretary General, Sharjah Executive Council; H.E. Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson, Sharjah Private Education Authority; H.E. Salim Al Owais, Director General, Department of Finance, Ras Al Khaimah; H.E. Ahmed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates Development Bank; H.E. Eng. Omar Al Mahmoud, Chief Executive Officer, ICT Fund; Mohammed Khadiri, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Sharjah; Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer, du; Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Arada; Muna Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Director of Retail, Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group; Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director, DMZ, and Chief Executive Officer, DMZ Ventures; Farida El Agamy, General Manager, Tharawat, and Co-Founder, Kyma; Sonia Weymuller, Founding Partner, VentureSouq, and Imran Sayeed, Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management.

AED 5.1 million to support business continuity

Following the meeting, Sheraa hosted an event for the Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund, launched under Her Highness’s directives. The event brought together partners and supported entrepreneurs to review the Fund’s outcomes and hear directly from businesses that had received support.

The Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund raised AED 5.1 million from more than 20 partners to support 74 startups and SMEs facing financial and operational pressures.

Sheraa also connected the supported businesses with expertise, resources and commercial opportunities, helping entrepreneurs address immediate needs, stabilize operations and access new customers and growth opportunities.

H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, said: “The strength of any entrepreneurship ecosystem is measured by how well it supports businesses through periods of growth as well as periods of uncertainty. In Sharjah, we are building an integrated model to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of entrepreneurship across the region.”

She added: “The Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund has shown what the government, the private sector, investors, and service providers can achieve by working together. Their combined support helps preserve the expertise, jobs, and opportunities these businesses have created. Such partnerships build a more connected regional ecosystem, enabling businesses to regain momentum and grow across regional markets.”

H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: “The Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund reminded us that entrepreneurs' priorities can change overnight. During periods of uncertainty, businesses often shift from pursuing growth to protecting operations, supporting their teams and maintaining continuity. Our role is to respond just as quickly with the support they need.”

She added: “The experience also showed that business continuity depends on more than funding. Companies need expertise, technology, and professional services, as well as access to customers, markets, and commercial opportunities. By combining our partners’ contributions, we helped businesses navigate this period, regain stability and prepare for renewed growth.”

Support reaches businesses across the UAE

The Fund received 352 applications from businesses across all seven emirates, representing more than 20 market sectors. Beneficiary businesses, including startups and SMEs, began receiving support within 45 days of the Fund’s launch.

The Fund’s results underscored the importance of timely support for businesses facing financial pressure. Across the wider applicant pool, 44% had less than two months of financial reserves, while 16% had less than one month. With support from the Fund, all six at-risk businesses remained operational.

Across the cohort, the support helped businesses strengthen their operations, maintain business continuity, and pursue new opportunities for growth. AJADA reengineered and relaunched its product, Chocoleaf relocated while maintaining uninterrupted production, Eshara AI rebuilt its core cloud infrastructure, and The Waste Lab retained five employees.

The event also featured a presentation on the Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund and a panel discussion, “From Resilience to Reinvention,” where supported entrepreneurs shared how they navigate challenges and rebuilt their businesses.

Panelists included Lara Hussein of The Waste Lab, Nuhayr Zein of Leukeather and Aley Eshra of Eshara AI, Budoor AlAmoodi of Datafirst with Jamie Lane of FWDstart serving as moderator.

Sheraa recognized the fund’s partners for providing financial support, operational expertise, advisory services, commercial introductions and in-kind assistance.

the fund's partners includes Al Midfa Investments Group, BEEAH Group, Arada, Crescent Enterprises, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), National Paints, RAK Bank, Careem, Disrupt, WiseWell, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), Sharjah Retail, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Alaan, CrossVal, Emarat, Entrepreneur Middle East, Inc. Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim, Publicis Groupe, Paymob, Floward.

Under the Sheraa 2030 strategy, Sheraa continues to develop support for businesses at different stages of growth, helping entrepreneurs establish and expand their businesses in Sharjah, and contribute to the Emirate’s economy.