Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 kicks off with 14,000 attendees and AED 1,000 startup licenses

Sharjah's largest entrepreneurship festival launches an exclusive AED 1,000 startup license package alongside F1 champion Sebastian Vettel and UFC legend Khabib. 14,000 attendees, 300+ speakers, and tangible business formation opportunities.

The ninth Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 kicks off January 31 at SPARK, bringing together 14,000 attendees, 300+ global speakers, and launching an exclusive AED 1,000 startup license package. According to Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)'s announcement, the two-day festival reinforces Sharjah's position as the region's largest entrepreneurship gathering under the theme 'Where We Belong'.

The strategic positioning behind SEF 2026

What makes SEF 2026 significant extends beyond the headline numbers. The festival has positioned itself at the intersection of practical business formation and cultural exchange — a combination that creates unique value for the regional startup ecosystem. By offering tangible outcomes like the AED 1,000 License alongside high-profile speakers, SEF demonstrates how events can drive actual business formation rather than just networking.

The timing is strategic. Following events like Expand North Star 2025 and initiatives where 50 Emirati startups gained exposure, SEF 2026 creates continuity in the UAE's entrepreneurship calendar. This sequence of events builds momentum throughout the year rather than isolated opportunities.

Star power meets substance

The speaker lineup combines global recognition with practical value. Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula 1 World Champion, will address performance under pressure and decision-making. Khabib Nurmagomedov, undefeated former UFC Lightweight Champion, brings perspectives on discipline and long-term thinking.

Regional voices include Amna Al Qubaisi, Emirati racing driver; Rachid Mohamed Rachid, Chairman of Alsara Group; Patrick Chalhoub, Executive Chairman of Chalhoub Group; Mounaz Abdel Raouf, Co-founder of Okhtein; and Anas Bukhash, founder of #ABtalks and Bukhash Brothers. Saudi singer-songwriter Tamtam will perform, having been selected for the official Coca-Cola FIFA World Cup 2022 anthem.

The AED 1,000 License advantage

The exclusive 'Startup Kickstarter Package' represents SEF's most tangible value proposition. At AED 1,000, this licensing initiative provides founders with immediate pathways to business formation — addressing the practical barrier between idea and execution that many entrepreneurship events overlook.

This approach mirrors successful initiatives like Abu Dhabi's simplified startup launch programmes, showing how regional authorities are removing friction from business formation. The key difference: SEF packages this with community, mentorship, and investor access in a festival environment.

Ten zones, strategic partnerships

SEF 2026 operates through curated zones, each powered by major partners. Startup Town is powered by du Business; the Impact Zone by Arada Development; Made in Sharjah by Bank of Sharjah and Sharjah Business Women Council; the Creative Zone by EMAAR; and International Pavilion by Emirates NBD.

Additional zones include Community, SEF Eats, SEF Academy, SEF Souq, and the newly launched Sharjah's Little Founders — the latter offering Dhs 10k to kid entrepreneurs. This structure creates multiple engagement points while allowing partners to target specific audiences.

Looking forward implications

SEF 2026's model — combining licensing, investment access, and cultural programming — suggests a template for how regional entrepreneurship events can deliver measurable outcomes. If successful, this framework could influence how other emirates approach startup ecosystem development.

The festival's positioning as 'Where We Belong' addresses a deeper question about regional startup identity. As initiatives like Dubai SME's Google partnership show, the UAE is building comprehensive support systems for entrepreneurs. SEF 2026 adds the community and cultural element that pure business programmes often lack.

Event details

Dates: January 31 - February 1, 2026
Venue: Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK)
Registration: Available at sharjahef.com
AED 1,000 License: Exclusive to SEF 2026 attendees under Startup Kickstarter Package

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026?

SEF 2026 takes place January 31 - February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). The two-day festival runs across 10 curated zones with 250+ sessions.

Who are the key speakers at SEF 2026?

Confirmed speakers include Sebastian Vettel (four-time F1 World Champion), Khabib Nurmagomedov (former UFC champion), Amna Al Qubaisi (Emirati racing driver), and business leaders like Patrick Chalhoub and Anas Bukhash.

What is the AED 1,000 License at SEF?

The AED 1,000 License is an exclusive 'Startup Kickstarter Package' available only to SEF 2026 attendees. It provides founders with streamlined pathways to business formation and licensing in Sharjah.

How can I register for SEF 2026?

Registration details are available at sharjahef.com. The festival expects 14,000+ attendees across founders, investors, creatives, and policymakers from the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem.