The successful conclusion of the second edition of the Mada Festival highlights the tremendous growth and innovation within the entrepreneurial landscape of Sharjah. Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Ruwad), the festival drew attention with its focus on showcasing national projects in the retail and food sectors. Running from January 7 to 11, this vibrant event engaged over 6,500 visitors eager to explore the diverse range of activities presented.
Festival Overview and Attendance
Hosted by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Ruwad) under the auspices of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, the Mada Festival featured 51 pioneering national projects. The event witnessed substantial media coverage, drawing the interest of influential local figures, including Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Office, and Khaled Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Their presence underscored the event’s significance, further amplified by the attendance of social media influencers and content creators.
Leadership’s Support and Vision
H.E. Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, expressed pride in the festival’s success and its remarkable turnout from prominent officials, noting, “This interest reflects the achievements of the festival in its previous edition and aligns with our collective belief that youth represent an invaluable resource.” He emphasized the festival’s role in fostering entrepreneurship in Sharjah, stating, “Mada is one of Ruwad’s initiatives to support entrepreneurship in the emirate by creating interactive platforms that connect the community with entrepreneurs.”
Interactive Experiences and Public Engagement
Fatima Al Ali, Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Ruwad), highlighted the successful execution of the festival, which marked the launch of the center’s initiatives for the new year. A total of 25 home-based projects and 26 commercial enterprises participated, with impressive sales exceeding half a million dirhams during the five days. The festival’s interactive culinary corner featured five national projects, providing live demonstrations and allowing attendees to engage directly with the products.
Voices of Entrepreneurs
Participants expressed their satisfaction with the organization and the added value the Mada Festival brought to emerging projects. Noor Mohammed and Nawaf Mohammed Al Hay from the Pegaso project remarked, “Our participation in the festival is a vital step in our journey as a distinctive Emirati brand, promoting youth entrepreneurship while enhancing commercial awareness.” Fatima Sultan bin Hussein, owner of FSK Store, conveyed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his continuous support. She noted the thriving reality of entrepreneurship in Sharjah, mentioning that such initiatives provide exceptional opportunities for growth and innovation.