Sharjah: The quarterly report of the Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects (Ruwad), affiliated with the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), revealed significant developments in its entrepreneurial support initiatives. In the third quarter of 2025, Ruwad financed seven new entrepreneurial projects through direct funding, totaling AED1.19 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Foundation expanded its membership by 135 new projects and renewed 108 memberships for the second and third years, extending 52 memberships for the fourth and fifth years. Thirty projects secured government contracts worth AED1.57 million. Additionally, 461 entrepreneurs benefited from 21 training programs and workshops between July and September 2025.
Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of SEDD, highlighted the growth and diversification of Sharjah’s entrepreneurial environment, emphasizing the determination of Emirati youth to leverage opportunities within the emirate’s economic ecosystem. He recognized Ruwad’s efforts in nurturing national talent capable of contributing to the local economy and enhancing project competitiveness.
He further explained that Ruwad’s initiatives support the expansion of national projects, create job opportunities, and contribute to sustainable development, aligning with Sharjah’s policies and economic incentives.
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated the Foundation’s commitment to developing its financing, advisory, and training services to enhance youth participation in the national economy. Al Ali noted growth in services and an increase in government contract numbers and value.
Of the new projects joining Ruwad, 67 were in the commercial sector, 66 in the professional sector, and two in the industrial sector. Male entrepreneurs comprised 64 percent of new memberships, while female entrepreneurs made up 35 percent.
Since the start of 2025, 372 new projects have joined Ruwad’s membership network. Membership renewals reached 293 projects, benefiting from government fee exemptions, while 143 projects extended their membership with a 50 percent fee exemption.
The cumulative total of funded projects reached 16, valued at AED3.86 million, including 14 projects under direct financing and two through indirect financing with Sharjah Islamic Bank. The Project Financing Committee held two meetings during Q3 to review applications, while advisory services and field visits were conducted, totaling 114 consultations and 231 visits for the year.
Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research and Events Department, reported that 21 training programs benefited 461 entrepreneurs in Q3, totaling 105 training hours. Since January 2025, 45 training programs have been held, benefiting 1,121 entrepreneurs over 292 hours.
Training focused on small business management, financial skills, taxation, and entrepreneurship development. Additionally, 30 projects won government contracts worth AED1.57 million through 35 local entities, bringing total government procurement for the year to AED5 million.
Ruwad also enhanced visibility through social media and marketing campaigns and participated in national initiatives, including The UAE: The Entrepreneur Capital of the World campaign and entrepreneurship forums and exhibitions aimed at empowering SMEs and youth entrepreneurs.