Made in Sharjah Zone returns to SEF 2026 with local innovation

Backed by Bank of Sharjah and the Sharjah Business Women Council, the Made in Sharjah Zone offers a founder-led programme blending retail, storytelling, and experiences. It includes activations, live showcases, and workshops like Coil Method Pottery, Polymer Clay Charms, and Heritage in Pixels: Miniature Charms Creation, emphasising accessibility, collaboration, and community entrepreneurship.

Her Excellency Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, commented on the Made in Sharjah Zone, saying it reflects the emirate’s aim to empower local entrepreneurs by providing a dedicated space for their businesses and products. The zone supports local production, economic growth, and highlights the maturity of Sharjah’s entrepreneurial scene.

Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of the Sharjah Business Women Council, said: “Our partnership with Sheraa reinforces our commitment to supporting women-led businesses as key contributors to Sharjah’s economy. This collaboration helps founders turn ideas into action, build partnerships, and access growth platforms, ensuring members are fully integrated into Sharjah’s and the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and future growth.”

Mohamed Khadiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah, said: “The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival is a key platform for shaping innovation and enterprise in the UAE. Bank of Sharjah supports initiatives that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen the ecosystem, and drive growth. Our participation in SEF shows our belief in partnerships that turn ideas into impact and reinforce Sharjah as a hub for forward-looking entrepreneurship.”

Consumable products and cultural board games

The zone features Sharjah-inspired consumer products co-created by Sheraa and local founders, showcasing tangible results of Sheraa’s ecosystem approach. It highlights how founders are supported beyond programs to develop, produce, and commercialize ideas rooted in Sharjah’s identity.

Key highlights include Sheraa × Racks Café, a strategy-based board game crafted with Ali Al Bastaki, transporting players to Sharjah's souqs in 1978 through culturally rich gameplay. Also featured is Sharjah Perfume (Sheraa × Al Hanan), a limited-edition fragrance developed with Sharjah-based perfumery, blending artisanal craft with contemporary style to capture the emirate's essence. Completing the trio is Sharjah Coffee (Sheraa × Toga), a unique Sharjah blend created for SEF 2026, offering tasting experiences in festival-only packaging designed with local talent.

Inclusive creative ecosystem

Collaboration is central to the Made in Sharjah Zone, with Sheraa fostering founder partnerships that lead to festival-exclusive products and experiences. Covering food, retail, and creative sectors, these collaborations show Sharjah’s entrepreneurial ecosystem allows founders to co-create, share resources, and reach audiences through platforms designed for SEF.

The D.R.E.A.M Portal, led by Ali Al Bastaki, is an activation space where visitors start with an idea and leave with clearer direction. Based on the D.R.E.A.M framework—Dream, Refine, Explore, Aesthetic, Make—it offers workshops and guidance that showcase Sheraa’s belief in human potential and structured creativity.

Sharjah-based brand Waggish, known for its contemporary Arabic designs, will unveil a special merchandise line for SEF 2026. Sheraa facilitated a collaboration between Uncle Sam, a Sharjah ice cream parlour, and Ethr, a local café, creating Aseeda Cups Ice Cream, a festival-exclusive inspired by local flavours. The project features custom setup and packaging developed with Waggish, reflecting the collective ethos and creative identity.

As part of the Made in Sharjah experience, free public workshops will occur in a dedicated space. In collaboration with The Workshop, sessions include miniature creation, punch needle workshops, and other activities that promote hands-on participation, skill development, and community engagement.