The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2026 is set to spotlight innovation, leadership, and sustainable growth through its Impact Zone, one of the festival’s most influential platforms. Featuring over 45 regional and international speakers across 30 keynote talks and panel discussions, the Impact Zone will bring together entrepreneurs, policymakers, creatives, and industry leaders to explore the future of business and society.
Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and powered by Arada for the fourth consecutive year, the Impact Zone reflects a strong partnership focused on building future-ready communities and encouraging real-world solutions for economic and social development.
Global Leaders and Visionaries Take the Stage
This year’s Impact Zone will welcome a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:
- Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR
- H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism
- H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment
- H.E. Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, the UAE’s first female minister
- H.R.H. Sayyida Dr. Basma Al Said, founder of Whispers of Serenity Clinic
- Sebastian Vettel, four-time Formula One World Champion
These leaders will be joined by entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers from around the world, offering diverse perspectives on innovation, leadership, sustainability, and community development.
Key Topics Shaping the Entrepreneurial Future
The Impact Zone sessions will focus on practical insights and real-world strategies across critical sectors.
Sustainability and Food Security in the Region
The panel Building the Future Food Economy will examine long-term food systems and environmental sustainability, featuring senior UAE leaders discussing regional challenges and opportunities.
Philanthropy and Impact Investing
In Philanthropy and Impact Investing as the New Model for Sustainable Growth in the Region, experts will explore how social responsibility and investment are driving positive change across Sharjah and the wider Middle East.
Mental Health and Inclusive Development
H.R.H. Sayyida Dr. Basma Al Said will lead a session on building healthier societies through inclusive systems and mental wellbeing initiatives.
Ethical Leadership and Human-Centered Business
Entrepreneur Nand Kishore Chaudhary will share insights on creating purpose-driven companies in Leading With Goodness: A More Human Way to Build Business.
High Performance Lessons from Formula One
Sebastian Vettel’s talk, High-Performance Under Pressure: F1 Learnings for Today’ss Entrepreneurs, will deliver leadership strategies inspired by elite motorsport.
SEF 2026 Dates and Location
Held under the theme “Where We Belong,” the ninth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival will take place on January 31 and February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK).
The festival continues to position Sharjah as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development, attracting founders, investors, and thought leaders from across the globe.
For tickets and full event details, visit sharjahef.com.
