Sheraa Charts Course for Entrepreneurial Excellence with 2030 Vision
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center has unveiled significant progress in its strategic ambitions, while celebrating a resilience initiative that has already supported dozens of emerging businesses across the Emirates.
Under the thoughtful stewardship of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sheraa, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center has taken stock of its remarkable trajectory throughout 2026, marking substantial progress in the implementation of its ambitious Sheraa 2030 strategy.
At a pivotal Advisory Board meeting, attended by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, and distinguished representatives from government, finance and academia, the Centre reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Sharjah as the premier destination for entrepreneurial endeavour across the Gulf region.
Sheikha Bodour articulated a vision grounded in economic wisdom, noting that prosperous economies flourish when promising ideas receive nurturing and the conditions necessary for sustainable growth. The Sheraa 2030 strategy, she explained, is fundamentally directed towards cultivating an environment wherein entrepreneurs may launch ventures with assurance, establish resilient enterprises and expand their reach into international markets whilst generating enduring economic and social benefits.
A cornerstone achievement has been the Entrepreneurs Resilience Fund, conceived under Sheikha Bodour’s directive to fortify startups and small and medium-sized enterprises during periods of operational and financial strain. The initiative has distributed AED5.1 million in support, drawn from contributions by more than 20 partners, directly benefiting 74 emerging businesses across the Emirates.
The Fund’s approach transcends mere capital allocation. Beyond financial assistance, supported enterprises have gained access to specialised expertise, technological resources, professional services and invaluable commercial introductions. Data revealed that 44 percent of applicant businesses maintained financial reserves covering fewer than two months of operations, whilst 16 percent faced even more acute constraints. Through comprehensive backing, these vulnerable enterprises have stabilised operations, strengthened internal processes and positioned themselves to capture fresh growth opportunities.
Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, observed that an entrepreneurship ecosystem’s true measure lies in its capacity to sustain businesses through fluctuating economic conditions. The Fund exemplified collaborative strength, demonstrating how government bodies, private enterprises, investors and service providers can orchestrate coordinated support to preserve expertise, employment and commercial momentum whilst enabling businesses to expand into wider regional markets.
Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Sheraa, underscored a fundamental principle: business continuity demands far more than financial injection. Successful enterprises require integrated support encompassing expertise, technology, professional guidance and meaningful access to customers and markets. The 352 applications received from businesses across all seven emirates and representing more than 20 sectors testified to the nationwide significance of such initiatives.
The Centre now looks forward to the forthcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2027 whilst continuing to expand entrepreneurial access to capital, markets and strategic partnerships. Under the Sheraa 2030 framework, Sharjah’s position as a thriving hub for business establishment, development and economic contribution will only strengthen.
Source: WAM