SEF 2026 to equip over 14,000 attendees with hands-on learning

December 19, 2025 / 5:18 PM

Sharjah 24: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026) returns for its 9th edition from January 31 to February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). The festival will feature an expanded lineup of workshops focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and community wellbeing, reinforcing its role as one of the region’s most influential platforms for founders, innovators, and community builders.

“Where We Belong” theme highlights interactive engagement

Held under the theme Where We Belong, SEF 2026 places hands-on learning at its core through SEF Academy, SEF Eats, and Expression Zone workshops. These interactive sessions are designed to equip participants at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys with practical skills and insights to support ventures, careers, and personal interests.

SEF Academy: From idea to market success

SEF Academy workshops will explore key aspects of building and scaling startups, including personal branding, equity and ownership models, and the use of AI agents to generate customer leads. The programme is tailored to help founders transform ideas into sustainable, market-ready businesses.

Key Workshop Highlights

Geo game-changer: Turning geolocation data into profit
Led by Isaias Thomas Biju, Head of UX/UI Design, this workshop introduces geospatial SQL and demonstrates how startups can leverage location data as a strategic and competitive advantage, reflecting the rapid growth of the global geospatial analytics market.

From solo to squad: Building your A-team
Jessy Abraham, Founder and CEO of Thrive People HR Consultancies, offers practical guidance on building strong startup teams, covering early hiring strategies, defining key roles, and creating effective talent retention processes.

An unfiltered look into building a business
Presented by Lauren Hamilton, Founder of RideSkipper, this session provides an honest exploration of the resilience required to launch and sustain a venture, using real-world scenarios and practical tools to navigate early-stage challenges.

Entrepreneurship, community, and wellbeing

Beyond business fundamentals, SEF 2026 highlights the broader social impact of entrepreneurship. Through SEF Eats and Expression Zone workshops, participants can engage in culinary, creative, and nature-led experiences that emphasise culture, sustainability, and personal wellbeing. These sessions encourage reflection, collaboration, and community connection.

A global gathering of entrepreneurs and leaders

SEF 2026 is expected to welcome more than 14,000 attendees and over 300 business leaders, speakers, and investors from around the world, creating a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and inspiration.