Sharjah continues to emerge as one of the Middle East’s most promising startup destinations, driven by a clear vision, structured support, and inclusive policies. In an interview with Economy Middle East, Najla Al-Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), shared insights into how Sheraa is shaping Sharjah’s vibrant startup ecosystem and positioning the emirate as a global hub for innovation.
From early-stage ideation to market entry and scale, Sheraa has focused on building what was once missing in Sharjah’s entrepreneurial landscape: a connected, end-to-end pathway for founders. While the emirate already had strong universities, a rich creative heritage, and government backing, Sheraa created the bridge that allows entrepreneurs to move forward with confidence.
The results are increasingly visible. Sharjah now ranks 7th in MENA in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report. Over the past decade, Sheraa has supported more than 450 startups, helped generate over $370 million in revenue, attracted nearly $300 million in investment, and contributed to the creation of 2,600+ jobs. Notably, more than half of these startups remain active today, with over 50 percent led by women, underscoring the depth and sustainability of the ecosystem.
Funding remains a challenge across the region, but Sheraa has taken a structured approach. Rather than relying on one-off investor introductions, the focus is on building clear pathways to capital and, critically, to early customers. Credible first customers often provide stronger validation than initial funding, helping startups scale with stability. Sheraa also supports global exposure, enabling Sharjah-grown ventures to connect with international investors and partners at platforms such as VivaTech and Web Summit.
Emerging sectors showing strong momentum include education technology, wellbeing and inclusion, sustainability, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing. These sectors align closely with Sharjah’s economic strengths and long-term development priorities.
Inclusivity remains a core pillar of Sheraa’s strategy. The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF) offers a 16-week, equity-free program designed to help women founders scale through mentorship, investor readiness, and strategic clarity.
Looking ahead, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, themed “Where We Belong,” reflects Sharjah’s ambition to create an ecosystem rooted in trust, belonging, and long-term value creation.
