Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival Returns For Its Ninth Edition From January 31 To February 1, 2026
The event invites entrepreneurs and investors to the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park for two days of networking, learning, and business growth.
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is set to return for its ninth edition under the theme “Where We Belong,” from January 31 to February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK).
Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the festival supports the Emirate’s economic diversification and strengthens its role in the knowledge-based economy. Building on the success of its 2025 edition, this year’s festival is set to welcome over 5,000 founders and more than 500 venture capitalists, offering a comprehensive ecosystem for networking, learning, and business development.
SEF 2026 is supported by strategic partners, including Emaar Properties, du, Arada, Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat), Bank of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Business Women Council.
In a statement, HE Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, said that the participation of leading organizations in SEF 2026 demonstrates the growing recognition of entrepreneurship's central role in shaping economic growth, adding that the festival creates an environment where purposeful innovation can thrive. Additionally, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted that SEF’s growth shows the power of community and purpose, with this edition setting new benchmarks for collaboration and knowledge sharing across industries.
SEF 2026 will host over 300 global speakers including Tala Al Jabri, Managing Partner at Wyld VC, Jamie Lane, co-founder of FWDstart, Shukri Eid Vice President and General Manager at IBM Gulf, Levant, and Pakistan, Abdullah AlSalmani, co-founder and CEO of SpacePoint “SPACE,” and Dr. Azam Pasha, co-founder and CEO of trade and supply chain platform, Maalexi, among others. It will also feature workshops, masterclasses, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to address topics ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) integration and funding strategies to sustainable business practices and leadership development.
Additionally, the festival offers 10 specialized zones tailored to meet diverse entrepreneurial needs. The Impact Zone, supported by Arada, highlights ventures driving social and environmental change, while the Creative Zone, backed by Emaar Properties, brings together innovators in design, media, and the arts. The Made in Sharjah Zone, powered by Sharjah Business Women Council and Bank of Sharjah, showcases local enterprises and celebrates homegrown talent, while Startup Town, supported by du Business, provides UAE startups with a space to connect with investors and industry leaders. The Vault, presented by Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat), delivers insights on investment opportunities and business growth.
Other notable zones include SEF Academy for workshops and masterclasses led by global experts, International Pavilions for global ecosystem connections, Community Stage for sustainable innovation discussions, SEF Souq and SEF Eats for local brands and culinary experiences, and Sheraa Hub for foundational entrepreneurial support. The festival also offers several competitive programs for participating startups, including the SEFFY Awards 2026, which recognizes outstanding entrepreneurial achievements across various categories. Through the Pitch Competition, startups can present their ideas to investors and compete for recognition and potential funding.
At the same time, SEF's Investor Lounge shall facilitate one-on-one connections between startups seeking capital and venture capitalists, with the 2025 edition having facilitated 400 investor meetings. Meanwhile, the Startup Showcase will allow over 150 ventures to display their innovations to potential investors, partners, and industry leaders. There's also Sharjah's Little Founder program, which shall nurture young entrepreneurs through specialized programming.
Festival passes are available for founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem supporters at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from those launching their first venture to established founders seeking mentorship and growth opportunities. Interested participants can register for the festival here.
Pictured in the lead image is a scene from an earlier edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. Image courtesy of SEF.
