In a significant boost for entrepreneurship in Sharjah, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center «روّاد», part of the Department of Economic Development, has announced a financial investment of 3.727 million dirhams in 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the third quarter of 2026. This funding accompanies the induction of 168 new projects into the centre’s member network, demonstrating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Emirate.
Strong Performance Indicators
The quarterly report revealed a total of 490 new and renewed licenses for business accreditation and 307 e-commerce licenses issued. Additionally, 351 entrepreneurs benefited from various training programmes, while specialized consultancy services were offered to 51 project owners. Projects within the network successfully secured 198 contracts with 33 government entities, amounting to 1.971 million dirhams.
Supporting Sustainable Growth
Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Sharjah, emphasised that the outcomes achieved during the quarter reflect a collective effort to enhance the entrepreneurial infrastructure in the emirate. The objective is to create a supportive environment for the growth and sustainability of SMEs, thereby boosting their capabilities to expand.
Al Mahmoud highlighted the variety of services provided by the centre, including financing, training, and consultancy, which are instrumental in empowering entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. He stated, “The integration of these services exemplifies a growing direction towards enabling entrepreneurs to transform their ideas and initiatives into sustainable projects that contribute to the local economy.”
Encouraging Government Contracts
Moreover, participation in government contracts through the centre’s membership programme has underscored the importance of providing opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage in public procurement, enhancing their market responsiveness and business growth. Al Mahmoud pointed out the continued efforts to expand partnerships with both private and public sectors while developing initiatives that cater to the needs of entrepreneurs and support economic development in Sharjah.
Funding Milestones and New Memberships
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of the Center, revealed that decisions on new funding disbursements were made across three meetings of the project finance committee during the third quarter. Of the 10 funded projects, nine received direct financing amounting to 2.727 million dirhams, representing about 73% of the total funding granted. One project was financed through an indirect funding programme via a bank, totalling 1 million dirhams, making up 27% of the funds allocated. Consequently, the total financing issued from January to September reached 5.361 million dirhams across 14 projects.
Among the new memberships, 109 commercial projects comprised 65% of the total, while 59 professional projects made up 35%. By ownership distribution, male entrepreneurs owned 111 projects (66%), female entrepreneurs held 54 projects (32%), and joint ventures between genders formed 2% with three projects. This brings the total number of new projects joining in 2026 to 459, coinciding with the renewal of membership for 198 projects that benefited from fee waivers for government services.
Growth in Micro Business Licenses
The report also highlights a rising trend in micro-business licenses during the third quarter, with 138 new accreditations issued and 352 licenses renewed. Additionally, 137 e-commerce licenses were newly issued alongside 170 renewals. The centre successfully allocated spaces for 12 projects within various business centres and the virtual “رواد” incubator.
Engagement in Government Procurement
Member projects showed notable engagement in the government procurement programme, winning 198 new contracts with 33 government entities, worth a total of 2.971 million dirhams. Amina Mohammed, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the centre, noted an uptick in community initiatives, with increased participation in external events, including the AIM Investment Summit in Abu Dhabi, which showcased available services, and an ‘Inspiration Session’ in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority, aimed at motivating university students through success stories from entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, the centre participated in a roundtable discussion at the Higher Colleges of Technology to address challenges and solutions related to supporting students in the entrepreneurship sector.