SEF 2025 kicks off tomorrow - with 12,000 expected attendees, 300 global speakers and 250 experiential activities
10 specially curated zones and 5 unique stages
Over 250 activities including 45 skill-building workshops and masterclasses
Over 150 startup pods
320 exclusive investor meetings
Grants totaling AED 200,000, along with potential investor funding opportunities of up to AED 500,000
7 star-studded performances
Sharjah: T omorrow, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 kicks off, setting the stage for an electrifying 2-day event that promises to redefine innovation and collaboration across the region.
Across 10 specially curated Zones and 5 Stages the festival will feature more than 300 speakers from 45 countries, 150 startup pods, and 320 investor meetings. Attendees can also engage in over 250 activities including 45 workshops and masterclasses, as well as 7 star-studded performances.
Connecting the global ecosystem under the theme of 'Where We Belong,' SEF 2025 champions the impact of community and the spirit of innovation. Over 12,000 eager entrepreneurial enthusiasts are expected to gather in Sharjah, becoming the beating heart of ambition and ingenuity. This is where entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and changemakers from around the world will converge and exchange ideas.
Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (Sheraa) as the largest event of its kind in the region, and hosted at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP), this year's festival is taking place from 1-2 February, 2025.
Reflecting on preparations for SEF 2025, Sheraa CEO, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, stated, 'As our flagship event, and the largest entrepreneurial gathering in the region, SEF has always been more than a festival to Sheraa, as a reflection of the leadership of our Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, and belief in the potential of entrepreneurs to transform challenges into opportunities. This year we will witness a powerful convergence of minds and ideas, proving that when community thrives, innovation knows no limits. Sharjah remains committed to nurturing these possibilities and empowering entrepreneurs to dream and make considerable impact on the world.'
The largest entrepreneurial festival in the region
SEF 2025 commands a truly global stage, featuring more than 300 speakers from 45 countries, where visionary voices like H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, UAE's Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; President and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi; HRH Princess Lamia Bint Majed Saud AlSaud, global humanitarian leader and advocate; the iconic French footballer Thierry Henry; Dutch extreme athlete and wellness guru, Wim Hof; Ann Hiatt, Jeff Bezos' former 'right-hand advisor'; and Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X. These prolific leaders will deliver thought-provoking talks, spark industry-disrupting conversations, and are set to inspire attendees with their stories, insights, and actionable wisdom, fueling innovation across every sector.
The 'Investors Lounge' will facilitate over 320 personalised meetings for attending founders and startups, acting as an invaluable networking platform with potential investors. Adding to the excitement, the 'Startup Pitch Competition' in collaboration with 1Tank; by the founders' community 1trepreneur; will be a launchpad for innovative startups, and a chance to compete for a prize pool of AED 200,000, and an opportunity for a further AED 500,000 from investors.
Experiential activities and entertainment
SEF is globally renowned as the region's largest entrepreneurial celebration of culture and community, and adding to the immersive experience the 'SEF Souq' will showcase local and regional artisans and brands; 'SEF Eats' will invite attendees to experience culinary delights and world-famous F&B brands; and an electrifying lineup of live performances will include Canadian duo 'Music Travel Love', Egyptian singer and songwriter 'Hamza Namira', and Kuwaiti Rap group 'Sons of Yusuf'.
Facilitating meaningful collaborations
Creating an ecosystem of partnership and collaboration, SEF 2025 introduces several dedicated zones powered by leading regional organizations. The Impact Zone, powered by Arada, serves as the epicenter and main stage for discussions and inspiring keynotes, and the Made in Sharjah, powered by the Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq), the Bank of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Business Women's Council (SWBC), celebrates local talent and innovation.
The SEF Vault, powered by the Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat), will offer exclusive comfort and networking for VIPs, organisations and government entities, while Startup Town, powered by du, will give startups a platform to showcase and connect with investors and mentors. The Creative Zone, powered by Invest Bank, serves as a space to showcase and expand attendee's knowledge and skills within the creative industries, while exploring new business opportunities, and the newly added Wellness & Sustainability Zone, powered by EMAAR, will highlight forward-thinking initiatives and holistic approaches to entrepreneurship. These zones reflect the festival's commitment to facilitating meaningful collaborations and addressing important aspects of entrepreneurial growth.
For more information and for your final chance to join the experience, visit the official SEF website at https://sharjahef.com.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TAG 91.1
an hour ago
- TAG 91.1
Dubai Police recognised as world's strongest police brand
Dubai Police has officially been ranked the strongest police brand in the world, topping the Institutional Brand Value Index issued by Brand Finance. The force earned a top-tier AAA+ rating and an overall score of 9.2 out of 10, following an international study involving more than 8,000 stakeholders across 10 countries. The assessment praised Dubai Police for outstanding performance in areas including ethics, innovation, operational efficiency, transparency and public trust — outperforming other global police forces across all eleven reputation benchmarks. Highlights of the evaluation include: 67% recognition for safety and security assurance, 64% for effective duty performance, 60% for commitment and integrity, and strong public engagement through social media and transparency. The force also stood out for its use of technology in crime prevention and its modern, forward-thinking approach to law enforcement. According to Brand Finance, Dubai Police contributes a brand value of AED 57.9 billion to the UAE's overall national brand, which now stands at over AED 4.48 trillion. The report positions Dubai Police as more than just a top-tier security agency — it's now a key part of the UAE's global soft power, setting a new international benchmark for policing excellence.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Redington and Autodesk expand strategic relationship into new markets
Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Redington, a leading technology aggregator and innovation powerhouse across emerging markets, today announced the expansion of its relationship with Autodesk, a leader in software for architects, builders, engineers, designers, manufacturers, 3D artists and production teams. Redington previously supported Autodesk in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, and will now extend to additional key markets including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. In expanding the relationship with Autodesk, Redington will work closely with the channel ecosystem to deliver Autodesk's industry-leading technology solutions, supporting sectors including construction, manufacturing, engineering, and media and entertainment. By bridging the gap between concept and construction, Redington and Autodesk aim to empower organizations to innovate faster, build smarter, and drive sustainable growth. Dharshana Kosgalage, Executive Vice President, Technology Solutions Group, Redington, said, 'At Redington, we are dedicated to empowering our partners and customers with world-class technologies that drive digital innovation. Expanding our relationship with Autodesk further strengthens our portfolio, enabling us to help businesses transform the way they design, build, and operate in today's fast-changing landscape. Together with our channel partners, we're committed to driving the growth of the Autodesk business by providing robust support, comprehensive training, and the tools they need to succeed — empowering them to deliver exceptional value to customers across the region.' Claudette Reuter, senior manager, emerging markets channel sales, Autodesk, comments, 'We're excited to expand our collaboration with Redington into new markets across the region. With Redington's strong channel network, local expertise, and commitment to customer success, more organizations will now have access to the technology and skills needed to drive impact where it matters most for their business. Together, we aim to deliver greater value to our customers across the Gulf.' Autodesk's powerful suite of solutions—from 3D design and visualization to real-time collaboration and project delivery—will be made more accessible through Redington's deep regional presence and expertise. Together, the two companies aim to foster a new era of digital excellence across the Middle East, helping businesses streamline operations, enhance creativity, and realize smarter, more sustainable outcomes. About Redington Redington is a thriving technology solutions provider with over US$10 billion in revenues, with a network of 450+ international brands across 40 markets in the IT space. Redington was ranked 7th globally by renowned research firm Canalys based on 2023 revenues. It is projected to be one of the fastest-growing distributors in the world. Redington not only bridges the gap between innovation and adoption; it masterfully navigates and dissolves the complexities of technology friction—the multifaceted challenges that emerge as technology evolves and integrates into various markets. Addressing key market, technology, and knowledge frictions, Redington empowers businesses to thrive in complex and evolving landscapes. By transforming these frictions into opportunities, we drive profound technological impact and accessibility. Redington ensures seamless distribution across IT/ITeS, Telecom, Lifestyle, and Solar sectors in regions including India, South East Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey. About Autodesk The world's designers, engineers, builders, and creators trust Autodesk to help them design and make anything. From the buildings we live and work in, to the cars we drive and the bridges we drive over. From the products we use and rely on, to the movies and games that inspire us. Autodesk's Design and Make Platform unlocks the power of data to accelerate insights and automate processes, empowering our customers with the technology to create the world around us and deliver better outcomes for their business and the planet. For more information, visit or follow @autodesk. #MakeAnything Autodesk is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their respective holders. Autodesk reserves the right to alter product and services offerings, and specifications and pricing at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.
The National
2 hours ago
- The National
How top UK schools are helping shape educational landscape of the UAE
Flagship British schools are primed to be at the forefront of a new era of education in the UAE, as the nation seeks to bring cutting-edge technology and the latest teaching methods to the classroom. King's College School Wimbledon will be the latest high-profile arrival from the UK when it swings open its doors at Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island in 2028. It was announced by developers Aldar on Monday morning that the prestigious school would open on the just-announced island in Abu Dhabi, making it the first school to be confirmed there. The school, which will hold up to 2,200 pupils. It will be part of an illustrious list of British curriculum schools helping to redefine an expanding education landscape as the Emirates aims to serve a rapidly- growing population, including an influx of super-rich residents drawn from across the world demanding the best schooling for their children. The number of millionaires living in Dubai has doubled in the past decade, making it one of the world's fastest growing wealth hubs, the World's Wealthiest Cities Report 2025 found. From Harrow to helipads The renowned Harrow School is to launch campuses in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai under a partnership with UAE education provider Taaleem. Harrow International School Abu Dhabi is set be to the capital's first boarding school. It was announced in February that the Abu Dhabi branch will open from the middle of next year, with enrolment beginning in October. A second UAE campus will be 'fully operational' in Dubai in 2026. Applications for places will be accepted from September, with the school initially catering for pupils from Early Years to Year 6 as the expansion is gradually phased in. 'Harrow has a long-established reputation for excellence, and through our collaboration with Harrow International Schools Limited, we are proud to bring the same values-driven education to Dubai that has shaped generations of leaders,' said Khalid Al Tayer, chairman of Taaleem, at the time. Harrow's alumni include royalty, world leaders such as Winston Churchill and Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as prominent figures from the arts and sport. The number of pupils who were enrolled in Dubai's private schools increased by 6 per cent this year, according to data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Gems School of Research and Innovation, which is opening in Dubai in August, will teach the British curriculum. Former UK foreign secretary William Hague is to serve as its honorary patron. It has been built with an investment of $100 million (Dh367 million) and will feature an elevated football field that doubles as a helipad, a 600-seat auditorium, an Olympic-size swimming pool and an NBA-spec basketball court. The campus also has disruption labs to develop entrepreneurial skills, specialist primary spaces for technology, design, sports and the arts, tech hubs and an immersive research centre. Fees range from Dh116,000 ($31,500) for pupils in foundation stage one to Dh206,000 in year 12, and enrolment is open. Top of the class Out of 227 private schools in Dubai, 90 operate under a British curriculum, according to the KHDA's 2024-25 report on private schools. The next closest is the Indian curriculum operated by 34 schools. The report also revealed that British schools are the second most popular choice for Emiratis, with only US schools ranking higher. While British schools are popular in the UAE, they often don't come cheap. The two Harrow-branded schools set to open in the UAE next year will have fees of Dh80,000 to Dh100,000 ($21,780 to $27,230) for pupils in Early Years to Year 6, The National reported earlier this year. 'You're looking at state-of-the-art facilities and an incredible performing arts auditorium and dance studios,' Alan Williamson, chief executive of Taaleem, the education provider behind the project, told The National at the time. 'You're looking at robotics facilities and also a beautiful learning environment.' Other British schools also charge premium rates. A place, for example, at Nord Anglia International School (Dubai), which was founded in 2014, costs between Dh68,026 and Dh102,871, while Brighton College Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2011, charges between Dh50,830 and Dh80,780. There are currently 387,441 pupils enrolled at 227 private schools for the academic year 2024-25. Official statistics show that more than 365,000 pupils were enrolled in Dubai's classrooms in 2023, up from 326,000 in November 2022. Ten schools opened in the emirate for the current academic year. In line with Dubai's Education Strategy 2033, the KHDA aims to establish more than 100 private schools by 2033. Highly regarded The highest ranked British school in Dubai, according to a 2025 league table released by is The Sheffield Private School, which opened in 2004. It provides education for close to 1,200 pupils and the average fee is Dh30,500. The website ran a survey in which 74 per cent said their child felt a strong sense of belonging to the school, above the 53 per cent average in all UAE schools. This was closely followed by Victory Heights Primary School, which opened in 2013, where the average fee is Dh47,500. In Abu Dhabi, the highest-ranked school in 2025 was British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi, founded in 1968, which came first in a table released by 'The British School Al Khubairat offers children a beyond-outstanding education with inspirational and caring leadership and faculty driven by ambitions for every child at the school bar none,' read the review from the website for the school, which charges an average fee of Dh61,500.
