On Sunday, during a press conference in the presence of leading industry experts and strategic partners, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) announced the launch of the largest entrepreneurship festival in the UAE.
The event, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, aims to highlight the ever-growing ecosystem of young entrepreneurs in the emirate and will provide a unique platform to international and local entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to connect and collaborate on their business ideas.
“This is step one of a long journey ... It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Our aim is to provide support to local startups in the long term,” said Najla Al Midfa, Sheraa's General Manager.
The 2-day event will begin on November 21 at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. Below are 10 reasons why you should attend Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival:
1. More than 80 confirmed speakers and mentors!
Leading regional and international voices will take the stage at the festival to inspire conversations and dialogues.
The line-up includes well-known individuals such as Mohamed Alabbbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, Arif Naqvi, CEO of Abraaj Group, Fadi Ghandour, Executive Chairman at Wamda Capital, and Alex Hunter, a digital brand and loyalty expert who worked as Head of Digital for the Virgin Group, amongst many others...
This is surely a gathering you simply can't afford to miss!
2. 'Startup Town'
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival will give young entrepreneurs and startups the chance to participate and showcase their businesses at the event and get exposure to more than 1,000 influencers.
Over 60 startups showcasing their products and services to industry leaders and experts will be at the event.
You too can apply and if you are selected, you will get a free branded booth, two regular tickets, and access to the 'Meet Your Mentor' program.
3. Enter the 'Pitch Competition' for a chance to win up to 150,000 AED
Startups are given the chance to pitch their businesses to a panel of judges and get selected for a chance to win up to $40,000 in cash.
Why would anyone want to miss this?
4. The Seffy Awards
The Seffy Awards are held under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Al Qassimi and are a "tribute to rule-breaking, status quo-smashing entrepreneurs that are based in the UAE".
The nine prestigious awards for entrepreneurial merit in the UAE's startup industry will be given annually by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival to recognize excellence in achievements as assessed by a popular community vote.
The recognition includes the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award, Tech Startup Of The Year Award, and the Sheraa Rising Star Of The Year Award amongst many others.
5. Intimate sessions and roundtable discussions with industry experts
You will be able to book intimate 1-on-1 session and roundtable discussions with your preferred mentor.
6. Food trucks!
TruckersDXB will be on site to make sure you get a taste of great authentic food throughout the festival days.
7. Yoga for everyone
Rise Fitness Boutique will also be there to challenge your body, breath, and mind through different Yoga activities.
8. Live music from local artists!
Some of the confirmed artists include Hamza Hawsawi, the incredible Shebani, El Foukr R'Assembly, As Per Casper, Leone Murphy, and many others...
9. SharjahEF will be the largest entrepreneurship festival in the UAE
Over the course of two days, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival will bring together over 1500 attendees!
10. Sharjah is a city that should be on everyone's bucket list
Sharjah is an emirate that mixes the modern and urban with tradition and culture. It's also the third most-populous emirate in the UAE and due to its global cultural affiliations, the city is visited by millions of tourists every year.
For anyone who appreciates art, history, and architecture, this city has got to be on your must-visit list!