The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 is set to become the largest event of its kind in the region, with an anticipated attendance of 12,000 participants. This year’s festival will feature more than 250 activities, including 45 specially designed workshops and masterclasses that cover essential aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, such as business development, finance, mental health, and global expansion.

The festival will expand its focus through 10 specialized zones and five engaging stages, emphasizing personal well-being and responsible business practices. A key highlight will be the Sustainability & Wellness Zone, powered by Emaar, which will host over 50 regional and global experts on the Balance Stage. This initiative aims to guide attendees on how to foster a healthy entrepreneurial environment.

Among the notable sessions, Caroline-Lucie Ulbrich and Melissa Yacoub will address the alarming statistic that around 90% of startups fail. They will provide strategies for first-time founders to embrace setbacks, encourage innovation, and build resilient teams. Additionally, workshops led by experts like Aqsa Khalifa and Alistair Aranha will help recent graduates with job hunting, personal branding, and networking, essential skills for career success.

Hosted by Andersen (UAE), another workshop will focus on business and tax strategies specifically tailored to the UAE market, which is crucial for entrepreneurs navigating the competitive landscape of the region. Dr. Adel Karrani will also lead a session that emphasizes actionable strategies for managing stress and fostering resilience, underscoring the importance of mental health in the business world today.

Furthermore, Mohammed Saeed Almazrouie will conduct an introductory workshop on robotics, covering essential topics such as robot design, control systems, and programming through hands-on activities. The Sustainability & Wellness Zone at SEF 2025 will adopt a holistic approach to entrepreneurial well-being, addressing not just business skills but also the mental, physical, and emotional health of founders.

The workshops are designed to inspire attendees and equip them to face real-world challenges, fostering a generation of entrepreneurs prepared to drive impactful innovation. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized the festival’s commitment to nurturing leadership and innovation, while Ahmad Al Matrooshi from Emaar stressed the importance of promoting well-being and sustainable growth.

Scheduled for 1-2 February at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, the 8th edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival will feature over 300 speakers from 45 countries. The festival will include various engaging sessions, such as Q&As with wellness experts, panels on sustainable living, and exhibitions showcasing eco-friendly solutions.