Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The 8th edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) welcomed a record-setting 14,000 attendees and 300 global speakers across 10 specially curated zones and five impressive stages. The festival concluded, revealing the dates for their 9th edition, which will take place from 31st January - 1st February, 2026.

SEF 2025 fostered an environment that empowered entrepreneurs, further strengthening Sharjah’s role as a hub for innovation and enterprise. Its dynamic agenda provided valuable opportunities for business growth, including networking sessions, funding avenues, and increased exposure for small and medium enterprises. Engaging discussions and interactive panels covered a range of topics, equipping attendees with practical insights to refine their ideas and scale their ventures.

Additionally, three landmark MOUs were signed between local entities and global industry leaders, reinforcing Sharjah’s commitment to an innovation-driven, founder-focused ecosystem and solidifying its appeal to entrepreneurs from the region and around the world.

Commenting on the resounding success of SEF 2025, organised by Sharjah Entrepreneurship centre (Sheraa), CEO Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, stated, “Under the visionary leadership and strategic guidance of our Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Sheraa has expanded the entrepreneurial opportunities within the region and positioned Sharjah as a global hub for innovation and collaboration. SEF 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose and passion and exemplified our theme of “Where We Belong.”

This year’s festival has set new standards and broken records while effectively equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive, forging strong and prosperous connections that will drive the ecosystem forward for years to come. Together, we are building a future where innovation knows no bounds, and where every entrepreneur feels they truly belong.” A festival of growth and global attraction The 2-day festival concluded with musical performances by the region’s top artists. The highlight of the evening was a crowd-pulling act by Egyptian icon Hamza Namira.

SEF 2025 has showcased an incredible year-on-year growth, doubling its programme size and expanding its festival grounds to accommodate its ever-increasing scope and global appeal.

One of the standout features of SEF 2025 was its proactive support for startups and innovators through 250+ activities, including 45 workshops. Over 150 startup pods provided a platform for emerging ventures to showcase their ideas, while 400 exclusive investor meetings held within the SEF Investor Lounge, opened doors to potential funding and mentorship opportunities.

The SEF x 1Tank Startup Pitch Competition, with grants totaling Dhs 200,000 and potential investor funding of up to Dhs 500,000, was another highlight of the festival, offering a springboard for the next generation of disruptors. The SEFFY Awards further celebrated the achievements of individuals and organizations within Sharjah’s expansive ecosystem, recognizing their contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Strategic partnerships and lasting impact SEF 2025 was a catalyst for meaningful partnerships, with the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), each positioned to have a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

On the opening day, Microsoft came together with Sheraa, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and the American University of Sharjah (AUS), to forge a partnership aimed at driving innovation and digital transformation. The MoU marks a significant step in leveraging Microsoft’s AI solutions to enhance decision-making capabilities and boost collaboration amongst the partnering entities.

Another landmark agreement was penned by the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Enterprise Ireland marked a major step in fostering international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

A third MoU was signed on the second day of SEF 2025, establishing a collaboration between venture capital firm ‘1MoreThing Venture Studio’ and Sheraa. The partnership aims to attract global startups to Sharjah, offering them access to an incredible network of investors, mentors, and resources.

Turning passion into a profitable business In the workshop ‘How to Turn a Skill into a Business’, Lebanese musician, engineer, and entrepreneur Patrick Abdo shared his journey from drummer to founder of multiple music schools and The Drum Path, an online drumming academy. Speaking to a packed room, Abdo underscored the importance of genuine passion and patience in creative entrepreneurship.

“It has been and will always be my passion and hobby,” he said. However, he cautioned against expecting overnight success. “If you're not that passionate about it and expecting early money from it, I would suggest you skip it or not go this route.” Abdo emphasized the need for a strategic approach to creative entrepreneurship, advising aspiring founders to maintain other income sources in the early stages. “Good results come late,” he said, “You just have to be patient, wait, and socialise.”

The power of patents: Why protecting innovation matters In the session ‘How to Create a Patented Invention’, veteran scholar and inventor Dr. Edriss A. Ali explored the role of patents in securing a competitive edge and attracting investment. With over 30 years of experience in academia and patents across the US and GCC, Dr. Ali explained that intellectual property is more than just ownership - it is a strategic tool for industry impact.

Using his patented microwave-assisted pressing technology for date juice extraction as an example, he demonstrated how patents enable commercial growth and innovation. His method enhances efficiency, preserves nutritional value, and reduces environmental impact - offering applications beyond the food industry, including pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals.

“True innovation thrives when it is not only created but also protected, allowing it to scale and redefine industries,” he concluded.

Building sustainable music careers through entrepreneurship Meanwhile, hip-hop duo Sons of Yusuf led the workshop ‘Beyond the Music: Empowering Artists with Entrepreneurial Skills and Self-Growth’, offering independent artists a roadmap to success beyond their craft.

Brothers Ya’koob and Abdul Rahman Al Refaie, known for blending Arabic culture with Western hip-hop, shared how digital platforms, strategic networking, and self-improvement can help artists build long-term, profitable careers. They encouraged musicians to use platforms like Instagram and YouTube not only to showcase their work but also to connect with industry professionals and pitch ideas.

They also highlighted common pitfalls that aspiring artists face, such as rushing into opportunities without mentorship or business knowledge. Sharing personal experiences, they emphasized the importance of continuous learning and strategic planning before committing time and resources to new ventures.

From monetizing passion to securing intellectual property and expanding creative careers, the SEF 2025 workshop participants walked away with actionable insights to fuel their entrepreneurial journeys.