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The array of events hosted at the Creative Zone will address the everyday challenges and real ambitions of entrepreneurs and startups in the creative industries. Sessions will explore how to turn creativity into long-term economic value, build purpose-driven businesses anchored in a clear identity and a long-range vision. The activations will also leverage cultural storytelling to shape brand narratives, connect with the audience on a deeper level and strengthen the market presence of ventures that authentically represent their communities and values.
Powered by Emaar, the global real estate developer and lifestyle destination creator, the Creative Zone reflects the significance of the creative economy as one of the fastest-growing industries globally. International surveys indicate that the creative economy now accounts for nearly 7% of global GDP, with forecasts indicating continued expansion at an annual growth rate of up to 14%. Reflecting this momentum, the Creative Zone serves as a practical platform to examine the sector’s opportunities and challenges, and to connect creative ideas with scalable, sustainable business models.
Commenting on the Creative Zone, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), said: “Creativity is a central pillar in building economic value and strengthening cultural presence. The Creative Zone programme is designed to reflect this role by spotlighting success stories and sources of inspiration from the creative industries, giving attendees the opportunity to learn from real experiences and draw meaningful insights.”
CEO of Sheraa added: “Our partnership with Emaar strengthens this commitment by bringing scale, long-term vision, and industry perspective to support creative talent at every stage of growth. Through conversations, and shared experiences, it brings creators and entrepreneurs together to exchange ideas, challenge conventions, and explore how creativity can shape future industries and cultural narratives.”
Commenting on the partnership, Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Executive Director, Emaar, said: "Creative industries are a vital engine for economic growth, cultural expression, and future-facing innovation. At Emaar, we believe in the power of creativity to shape places, communities, and sustainable opportunities at scale. Our partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival builds on our focus on supporting creators and entrepreneurs who are building impactful businesses rooted in culture, purpose, and long-term value."
The Creative Zone brings together founders, creators, and cultural leaders examining how creativity shapes business, identity, and long-term impact.
Offering a macro view of the region’s creative economy, Amal AlBeiti, founder and creative director of Tiny Toaster, will share insights into how creative industries across the region are evolving, scaling, and professionalising. Values-driven influence and ethical creativity take focus with Shahd Batal, Sudanese-American influencer and modest fashion model, who will reflect on aligning purpose, personal values, and creative visibility in today’s digital landscape.
Exploring storytelling as a tool for connection and cultural dialogue, Ahmed Faid, founder of Dose of Society, will discuss how narrative-driven platforms can amplify the voices of underrepresented communities and foster global understanding. Cinema’s role in shaping identity and resilience will be examined by filmmaker Ali Jaafar, who will share perspectives on film as a medium for representation, hope, and social impact.
Highlighting the next generation of founders, a youth-led panel will feature Shamma Saeed Binlahij, founder of Sahab Homes, Hamdan Mohamed Karmsutaji,founder of Thiqa Tutoring, and Aisha Al Zaabi, Emirati Director, and founder of Press Play will share firsthand experiences of building startups at an early stage and navigating growth, funding, and execution.
The commercialisation of creative sectors is further explored by Hisham Chahine, Founder of Ninjas in Pyjamas, who will examine the business, monetisation, and global expansion of e-sports as a rapidly scaling creative industry.
Content creation and audience growth take centre stage with Arva Ahmad, co-founder of Frying Pan Adventures and Mohamad Refai, founder of Moghamra who will share practical insights into building successful podcasts, growing loyal audiences, and creating sustainable revenue models.
Rania Bhasin, alongside Inaya and Samar Bhasin, co-founders of ARISE, a youth-led initiative focused on education, empowerment, and conservation. Together, they will discuss how purpose-driven communities and digital audiences can be transformed into sustainable, long-term impact platforms.
Bringing a reflective dimension to the programme, Shi Yan Can, a 34th-generation Shaolin warrior monk, will explore how ancient wisdom and philosophy can inform modern creative practice, discipline, and longevity.
Entrepreneur and founder of F-Force, Ghizlan Guenez, will share lessons on balancing creative vision with business fundamentals, offering insights into building enduring creative brands without compromising identity.
The 9th edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival will take place at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), bringing together founders, investors, creatives, and industry leaders from around the world for two days of talks, networking, and immersive experiences.
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