The Impact Zone at the 9th Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) will focus on high-level discussions about the startup ecosystem and practical strategies for economic and social development. The Zone will feature 30 keynote sessions and panel discussions led by over 45 regional and global speakers, bringing together business leaders, creatives, and changemakers to engage with the worldwide entrepreneurial community.
Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) and powered by Arada for the fourth consecutive year, the Impact Zone reflects a long-standing partnership dedicated to nurturing future-ready communities and innovative ideas.
Prominent speakers include Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR; Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE’s first female minister; HRH Sayyida Dr. Basma Al Said, founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic; and Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula One World Champion, alongside an esteemed lineup of policymakers, industry leaders, creatives, and changemakers.
Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said, “The Impact Zone is a central part of SEF, connecting global leaders and innovators whose insights shape the dialogue around the transformations shaping the future of business and society. The Zone serves as a practical platform for knowledge exchange, informed decision-making, collaboration, and long-term development with people at the center of sustainable progress.”
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, added, “SEF has always been a platform for actionable ideas and solutions. Our ongoing partnership with Sheraa aligns with our mission to build engaged, empowered communities. This year’s Impact Zone demonstrates the exceptional caliber of speakers and the wide-ranging expertise across policy, business, creativity, and sport that the festival consistently delivers.”
Key sessions include ‘Building the Future Food Economy,’ addressing regional sustainability and food security, with Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, and Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak.
The session ‘Philanthropy and Impact Investing as the New Model for Sustainable Growth in the Region’ will feature Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi and Muna Al Gurg, Chairperson of the Meem Foundation, discussing social development and philanthropy in Sharjah.
HRH Sayyida Dr. Basma Al Said will present ‘Designing a World That Works for Everyone,’ drawing on her expertise in mental health and social systems. Nand Kishore Chaudhary, founder of Jaipur Rugs, will share insights in ‘Leading With Goodness: A More Human Way to Build Business.’
From the world of elite sport, Sebastian Vettel will lead the session ‘High-Performance Under Pressure: F1 Learnings for Today’s Entrepreneurs,’ offering lessons from Formula One for the entrepreneurial journey.
Under the theme ‘Where We Belong,’ the ninth edition of SEF will take place on January 31 and February 1 at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK).
