Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is set to return for its 10th-anniversary edition on January 30-31, 2027, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). The event will take place at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK).
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival has evolved into one of the Middle East's most influential entrepreneurial platforms, fostering entrepreneurial dialogue, investment, and cross-sector collaboration. Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), the upcoming edition aims to bring together global founders, investors, policymakers, creatives, and industry leaders to explore ideas and collaborations shaping the future economy.
Since its launch in 2016, SEF has become a platform that facilitates strategic collaborations and public-private partnerships, aiding startups in gaining market access. The festival convenes government leaders, CEOs, founders, and mentors to create opportunities and build relationships.
SEF has hosted renowned figures from business, sport, technology, and personal development, including Mohamed Alabbar, Richard Branson, Sebastian Vettel, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Lewis Howes, and Vishen Lakhiani. The festival's ability to convene voices shaping the future of various industries underscores its global relevance.
Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, emphasized the significance of SEF's tenth anniversary, highlighting its role in reflecting Sharjah's belief in entrepreneurship. She noted that the festival has grown into a meaningful gathering for the entrepreneurial ecosystem, welcoming over 60,000 changemakers and hosting more than 1,400 global and regional speakers.
Al Midfa added that the real impact of SEF lies in the community it has built, the partnerships that have formed, and the inspiration it has provided to young entrepreneurs. She emphasized that the festival celebrates not only its own achievements but also the ecosystem Sharjah has built around it.
SEF's expansion mirrors the role of entrepreneurship in the region's economic transformation. The festival has showcased over 500 startups, partnered with more than 100 strategic organizations, and hosted over 450 activities and sessions, creating a high-impact environment for stakeholders to connect and exchange ideas.
SEF 2027 will address emerging global challenges and opportunities, focusing on innovation, technology, investment, sustainability, and the evolving role of entrepreneurship in economic growth. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted SEF's evolution from a local gathering to a globally recognized platform, reflecting the strength of the entrepreneurial community in the UAE and the region.
Building on previous editions, SEF 2027 promises a transformative experience centered on connection, knowledge-sharing, and collective progress.