SBWC and AUS discuss social entrepreneurship ecosystem
The roundtable was led by Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC; Dr. Narjess Boubakri, Dean of School of Business at AUS; and featured a diverse group of prominent leaders and business founders including Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, Surgeon, SBWC member, entrepreneur and social development expert; Dr. Muna Al Suwaidi, Programs and Projects Advisor at the Ministry of Culture and Youth; Alya Saif Al Shamsi, Head of Marketing at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Mourad Ben Ayed, Strategy Director at A&B Advisory and Adjunct Faculty at AUS; Dr Jamal Maalouf, Assistant Professor at AUS Management, Strategy and Entrepreneurship department; Hala Al Gergawi, Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Teabeforenoon & Elevenish; Gergana Abdulrahman, Co-founder & CEO of Wild Fabrik; and Sonali Oshin Chopra and Pulpit Chopra, founders of Happiness Redefined.
Bridging cultural and financial divides
Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, emphasised the council's role in bridging cultural and financial divides, saying 'Entrepreneurs must first invest in their vision to inspire others. Sharjah's ecosystem offers mentorship, investor readiness programs, and strategic partnerships to turn ideas into impact.' Her remarks underscored SBWC's mission to dismantle barriers through education and collaboration, aligning with initiatives like the NMU Initiative, which empowers women-led businesses through networking and market access.
Dr. Narjess Boubakri noted the importance of building a shared understanding of what defines a social entrepreneur, especially as the concept continues to evolve globally. She highlighted that while millions of social enterprises operate worldwide, the UAE now has a unique opportunity to shape its own definition and frameworks. 'With the nation's strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and impact, we are well-positioned to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs who align business success with social value,' she said.
Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qassimi, a surgeon and social development expert, advocated for embedding social entrepreneurship into education systems: 'We must identify and nurture this mindset as early as high school, creating pipelines that mentor young innovators.' This vision aligns with global trends, which equip educators and entrepreneurs with frameworks for impact-driven ventures.
People, planet and profit
Dr. Jamal Maalouf challenged misconceptions saying, 'Adding 'social' to entrepreneurship doesn't make it charity. We're solving market gaps with a triple bottom line; people, planet, and profit.' Her call for standardised KPIs to measure societal impact resonated with discussions on certification frameworks, which validate genuine social enterprises and build stakeholder trust.
Alya Saif Al Shamsi of Sheraa noted that impact is 'woven into every startup we support,' reflecting a broader corporate shift toward ethical business models, and described the efforts Sheraa has been taking through initiatives like the 'Sharjah Access Challenge' which uses challenge statements to motivate innovation and solutions that are focused and industry specific. Hala Al Gergawi, founder of luxury branding agency Teabeforenoon, urged cross-sector collaboration, saying 'Even 'non-social' businesses now prioritise sustainability. Let's leverage this momentum to co-create solutions.'
Mourad Ben Ayed, Strategy Director at A&B Advisory, revealed efforts to create the UAE's first social enterprise database, a necessary step toward policy advocacy and visibility. Meanwhile, Sonali and Pulpit Chopra of 'Happiness Redefined' highlighted legal ambiguities, stating, 'Licensing and banking barriers stall innovation. We need tailored frameworks to distinguish social ventures from traditional LLCs or NGOs.'
Gergana Abdulrahman, CEO of Wild Fabrik, spotlighted systemic hurdles through her experience saying, 'Funding designated for impact is scarce. Smaller businesses need accessible tools to measure sustainability and articulate their value.'. Participants echoed the need for hybrid financing models, moving beyond grants to embrace impact-linked loans and outcome-based contracts. Examples such as Abu Dhabi's Ma'an initiative were examined; offering grants up to AED 200,000; and were cited as benchmarks for scalable support.
Looking towards the future
The event culminated in a forward-looking dialogue on actionable strategies to strengthen the UAE's social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Key recommendations centered on establishing a unified certification framework to distinguish genuine social enterprises from conventional businesses, addressing concerns around 'social washing' while fostering credibility and investor trust.
Emphasis was also placed on integrating social entrepreneurship into national procurement processes, allowing these ventures to scale through government and corporate contracts. These discussions have set the stage for a formalised sector that harmonises profit and purpose, positioning the UAE as a pillar of impactful enterprise in line with its Vision 2031 and global SDG commitments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
16 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
SBWC crowns winners of Pearl Quest
The second edition of the Pearl Quest Competition, organised by SBWC, concluded at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The event was attended by Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBWC; Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); Maryam Bin Al Sheikh, Director of the SBWC; and a number of officials and representatives of government agencies. Moza Al Dhabahi reported that eight women participated in the Pearl Quest competition with innovative projects. Three winners were selected and received cash prizes to support the launch of their entrepreneurial projects. Speaking exclusively to 'Sharjah 24,' Al Dhabahi explained that the competition aims to support and empower female entrepreneurs, as part of the emirate's vision to build a competitive economy. This edition focused on innovation and sustainability, demonstrating women's ability to achieve significant accomplishments when the right environment is in place.
Sharjah 24
16 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
‘Pearl Quest' gives a platform for women in Sharjah via support
The competition provided an exclusive platform for eight exceptional female entrepreneurs to captivate a distinguished panel of judges and pitch their business ideas. In the hopes to secure funding and propel their ventures forward, three successful pitches emerged and The Grand Prize of AED 25,000 was awarded to 'Bulbul'; 'Creams Botanics' was named First Runner-Up and received AED 15,000; and 'House of Clay' secured the title of Second Runner-Up, also taking home AED 15,000. Their innovative concepts and compelling pitches truly embodied the spirit of the event. The event was attended by Sheikha Hind Bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Women's Business Council; Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC; Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); alongside other prominent figures, investors, and industry leaders. Collectively investing in Sharjah's future During her keynote speech, Maryam Bin Al Shaikh said, 'At SBWC, through the patronage and visionary guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah; we understand that when women rise, economies flourish. Female-led businesses are mediums for social change, job creation, and innovation; and to empower you all is something we take with great pride and importance. Every entrepreneur participating in 'Pearl Quest' has shown exceptional promise, and their business concepts and acumen, refined through the SBWC Entrepreneurship Programme in partnership with Sheraa; will be shining examples of the value in collectively investing in our future.' Sharjah's thriving business ecosystem Grand Prize winner 'Bulbul' led by Alaa Mohamed El Gamal, empowers non-Arabs in the UAE to overcome language barriers and confidently integrate into the Arab world. Their innovative scenario-based speaking program targets expats, whether complete beginners or those struggling with spoken Arabic. Commenting on their win, El Gamal said, 'We are excited for the future, and I've learned a lot from other entrepreneurs during this experience. I'm very happy to have had this opportunity.' Through structured experiential learning rooted in real-life situations, live tutor sessions, and their AI-powered "Bulbul Friend" chatbot, Bulbul provides a comprehensive gateway to language and cultural discovery. First Runner-Up 'Creams Botanics' founded by Maysoon Al Shamsi is a sustainable Emirati wellness brand harnessing the natural power of date seed oil. Handmade in the UAE and inspired by the nation's landscape, flora, and scents, their premium range includes solid balms, soaps, and candles. Al Shamsi reflected on their achievement, saying, 'This has provided us with an invaluable opportunity to network with key supporters and proudly showcase our sustainable Emirati brand, rooted in UAE's natural heritage.' Designed for the eco-conscious consumer, Creams Botanics offers authentic, mindful self-care products deeply connected to local heritage and sustainability. Second Runner-Up 'House of Clay' managed by Madar Alsuwaidi, is an Emirati women-owned gallery and studio specializing in exclusive, elegant ceramics. They create both functional and decorative pieces, alongside sculptural artwork imbued with cultural significance. Speaking on their successful pitch Alsuwadi said, 'We are proud of what we have achieved so far and very happy to have taken part in this initiative from SBWC.' Catering to a discerning clientele including art collectors, interior designers, hospitality providers, and corporate partners, House of Clay showcases the unique artistry and craftsmanship emerging from Sharjah. Pearl Quest represented a significant investment in Sharjah's entrepreneurial future, and the finalists were shining examples from the rigorous SBWC Entrepreneurship Programme, delivered in partnership with Sheraa. Over the preceding month, this exclusive programme equipped numerous outstanding businesswomen from SBWC with critical skills, enhancing their fluency in branding, navigating legal frameworks, achieving investor readiness, and boosting economic proficiency. The Pearl Quest stage became the culmination of their journey, offering the ultimate practical environment to present refined business concepts to a discerning audience of investors, media representatives, and key members of the entrepreneurship community, all eager to witness the future of Sharjah's thriving business ecosystem. Strategic alignment and vital support For the competition, the entrepreneurs' pitches were evaluated by an expert judging panel featuring Mariam Mohammed Al Ali, Strategy and Corporate Excellence Office Manager at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Hessa Abdalla, Programs Associate at Sheraa; Nasir Alowais, Project Support and Funding Department at Ruwad Establishment; and Rashed Sawaqed, Project Development Advisor at Ruwad Establishment. The success of the Pearl Quest competition was also amplified by the strategic alignment and support of key institutional partners. Expo Center Sharjah, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), and Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) served as cornerstone sponsors, demonstrating a shared commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Emirate. Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Innovation Box provided additional support, reinforcing the infrastructure necessary to host Pearl Quest. The support of sponsors and partners underscores a unified vision for economic diversification and the important role women-led innovation has in driving sustainable growth.
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Zawya
AUS and American University, Washington, DC, launch 4+1 pathway to graduate studies in environmental science
Sharjah, UAE – American University of Sharjah's (AUS) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) has signed a new agreement with American University (AU), Washington, DC, to offer a 4+1 academic pathway for AUS students majoring in environmental sciences and sustainability. The initiative will enable eligible students to earn a Master of Science in Environmental Science from American University in just one additional year after completing their four-year undergraduate degree at AUS. The agreement, finalized in April 2025, builds on more than two decades of ties between AUS and AU, which share a long-standing institutional relationship dating back to AUS' founding. This latest partnership was spearheaded by Dr. Fatin Samara, a professor at AUS' Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, who is also currently an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Environmental Sciences at AU. Her affiliation with both institutions helped bring the partnership to life, along with support from several members of the environmental sciences faculty. 'The launch of this new partnership, during the same week as Earth Day, symbolizes our community's commitment to creating pathways for students to progress toward environmental leadership,' said Dr. Samara. 'Those who choose this pathway will be equipped with the tools, knowledge and global perspective needed to address pressing environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future.' A highly regarded institution, AU is among the top 100 US universities in the U.S. News Best Colleges rankings and ranks second in the US in The Princeton Review's Green Colleges ranking. 'CAS' leadership is delighted to see this partnership come to life. It reflects our commitment to providing CAS' students with an enriched academic experience that extends beyond borders. We are proud to collaborate with a globally respected institution like American University in Washington, DC, on this 4+1 pathway. This partnership will help accelerate the route to graduate education for our students in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability program and allow them to spend a year studying in a global center for environmental policy and research,' said Dr. Hana Sulieman, Associate Dean of CAS. Under the 4+1 model, AUS students will complete their four-year bachelor's degree at AUS and transfer to American University for one additional year of study to complete their master's degree. Eligible students may transfer up to nine credits toward the master's degree, including two graduate-level courses and their senior research project, taken during their final year at AUS. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. As part of the agreement, AUS students admitted to the program will also receive a generous 50 percent tuition scholarship, significantly lowering the cost of graduate study in the US. 'We are excited to expand our partnership with the American University of Sharjah through an accelerated pathway to a master's degree in environmental science, said Dr. Vicky Wilkins, Provost of American University. 'This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to confront the complex sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Together, we are shaping the next generation of leaders who will drive global environmental progress.' Students applying can choose between a thesis track focused on environmental science research and a non-thesis track in environmental policy and advocacy. Both tracks emphasize interdisciplinary learning and real-world application and integrate science with policy, economics and global sustainability issues. After graduating, students will benefit from Washington, DC's position as an international hub for environmental research, advocacy and policy and its vibrant job market, where junior roles start at $60,000 and senior roles reach over $140,000 a year according to a job search and labor market data platform. Graduates of American University's Master of Science in Environmental Science have gone on to work at organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World Bank, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. AU's faculty are actively involved in cutting-edge research, from food systems and climate resilience to geospatial analysis and environmental toxicology, also making it an excellent destination for AUS graduates wishing to pursue an academic or research career. The program will be available to AUS students beginning in Fall 2025. About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
