RUWAD Supports 63 Emirati Women-Led Businesses with Over AED 11.5 Million in Financing
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation celebrates the achievements of female entrepreneurs, who have become pivotal partners in the nation's economic development through innovative and sustainable ventures.
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (RUWAD), operating under the auspices of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, has demonstrated unwavering commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across the emirate. Recent data reveals that since its establishment in 2005 through the first half of 2026, the Foundation has financed 63 women-led projects, extending total financing exceeding AED 11.5 million.
This financial support underscores RUWAD’s broader mission to nurture female entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development. The Foundation’s initiatives reflect the UAE leadership’s steadfast belief in the essential role of Emirati women as catalysts for national progress and economic transformation.
Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, emphasised the visionary support extended by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan towards advancing Emirati women across all sectors. He highlighted the pioneering contributions of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation”, whose comprehensive efforts have established an integrated model wherein women’s empowerment serves as a sustainable foundation for national development.
The Chairman also acknowledged the steadfast commitment of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to the emirate’s development trajectory, alongside the instrumental role of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi in strengthening women’s participation across social, economic and cultural spheres.
Fatima Hassan Al Ali, Acting Director of RUWAD, reported that the Foundation currently maintains active membership of 902 women-owned businesses. During the first half of 2026 alone, 88 women-led projects joined the network, representing 30.2 per cent of 291 new ventures admitted to the Foundation’s expanding ecosystem.
Beyond financial provision, RUWAD has invested substantially in capacity development. By the end of 2025, approximately 6,550 women entrepreneurs had completed training programmes facilitated by the Foundation. In the opening months of 2026, a further 312 female entrepreneurs benefited from 18 structured training initiatives and workshops, equipping them with essential competencies in business establishment, operational management, growth strategy and market responsiveness.
Source: WAM