Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 Attracts Double The Visitors, Reaching 10,000

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2024) witnessed double the number of visitors compared to last year as the latest edition gathered around 10,000 visitors.

The seventh annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) under the theme of "Our Shared Canvas," was attended by over 200 speakers from 15 different countries.

Najla Al Midfa, the CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), responsible for organizing the two-day event on Feb. 3 and 4, said on Monday that the event achieved impressive turnout this year as people around the world gathered to exchange ideas and experiences in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation.

She praised Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, alongside Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of Sheraa, for their directives to make this event happen.

"It also affirms the stature and confidence that the Emirate of Sharjah enjoys, both from international experts, and business leaders, who joined us to share their knowledge, insights, and advice with the festival audience, as well as from founders who see Sharjah as an enabling environment to build and expand their businesses," Al Midfa said, WAM reported.

The highlight of the event was the Pitch Competition, held on the final day, where more than 100 startups from several countries - including Canada, Egypt, and others - presented their ideas.

The entrepreneurs presented their innovative ideas in mainly four industries, including tourism, creative, tech, edTech, and impact. Each category winner received AED 50,000 to help the growth of the startups and share the future of entrepreneurship.

Multinational real estate development company Emaar served as a collaborator at the event, and it sponsored the Tech Track for the anticipated SEF Pitch Competition. Furthermore, the company also hosted the workshop halls at the event.

Following this festival, Sharjah will also witness the 8th edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival from Feb. 28 to March 5.