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SHARJA/ WAM
The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) and Sharjah Investors Services Centre (SAEED) participated in the seventh edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2024) on 3rd-4th February, which convenes over 200 startups, creative minds, and change-makers from across the globe.
The two-day event themed “Our Shared Canvas”, which takes place at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), aligns with Invest in Sharjah’s vision to bolster the emirate’s appeal for local and foreign investments, where entrepreneurs and SMEs plays a pivotal role in stimulating growth, development, economic activity, localising technology, and talents, and attracting new sectors.
Invest in Sharjah participated as an Ecosystem Partner in a dedicated pavilion offering insights into the emirate’s investment opportunities in various economic sectors. SAEED participated in a dedicated pavilion as a Community Partner, providing visitors with a holistic overview of its services, which provide a one-stop-shop to streamline transactions with government bodies, in addition to consultancy, guidance, and post-establishment business services available to investors.
Commenting on the participation, Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, emphasised the critical role of entrepreneurship and startups in shaping the future of economies and defining key sectors locally and internationally. He noted that investments from entrepreneurs and emerging businesses account for a substantial share of the country’s total inbound FDI.
Invest in Sharjah took part in a panel discussion titled “The Journey of Entrepreneurship in Sharjah” that brought together panellists including Marwan Alichla, Director of Investment Promotion and Support at Invest in Sharjah; Saif Al Suwaidi, Acting Manager of Sharjah Investor Services Centre (SAEED); Aisha Saleh President of The Youth Council at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Lamya Alserkal, Youth Team Representative at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); and Khawla Alzarooni, SOI Lab Lead at SRTIP, with moderator Aisha Al Ali from Sharjah Youth Council.
Panellists explored the path of entrepreneurship, beginning with university students’ innovative and creative business concepts, leading to their realisation as successful ventures in both the emirates and global markets. The discussion underscored the importance of government initiatives and business facilitation agencies in backing entrepreneurs, contributing to a sustained positive effect on the overall economic framework.
Saif Al Suwaidi, Acting Manager of SAEED, emphasised that investor services have become a crucial component of global investment ecosystems. Their value lies in their ability to save time, lower costs, streamline transactions and offer vital technical advice and consultations, he noted.
Al Suwaidi said, “It is a clear indicator of investors’ interest in Sharjah’s markets and the attractive opportunities within its economic sectors. The significant turnout of entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors at SEF provides a deeper understanding of investor requirements and future trends. Moreover, participating in the sessions provided us with a unique opportunity to showcase our comprehensive portfolio of 65 services and our capability to expedite transactions within 60 minutes.”