SEF 2024 achieves milestone by doubling number of visitors to 10,000

Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2024) has wrapped up its two-day event with a record-breaking attendance of 10,000 visitors, double the number from its previous edition. This accomplishment solidifies its position as one of the region’s premier entrepreneurship celebrations. The festival aimed to empower founders and startups by providing knowledge, inspiration, and skill development, showcasing the vibrant entrepreneurial community in Sharjah and beyond.

Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, SEF 2024 featured over 200 speakers, including industry leaders, investors, and emerging entrepreneurs. The event included various activities such as discussions, pitch competitions, performances, creative workshops, and networking sessions through SEF’s dedicated ‘Investors Lounge.’ The festival covered five specialized zones focusing on key pillars like ‘Impact,’ ‘Founders,’ ‘Community,’ ‘Sustainability,’ and ‘Creativity’ in sectors such as technology, creative economy, and sustainability. It served as a global hub for networking, investment, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

Najla Al Midfa, the CEO of Sheraa, emphasized the need for a global platform for knowledge sharing in the current era. The success of SEF 2024 reflects the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Chairperson of Sheraa. The event garnered international recognition, attracting experts and business leaders who shared their knowledge and insights.

A notable aspect of the festival was the Pitch Competition on the final day, drawing over 100 entries from various countries. Winners in categories like Tourism, Creative, Tech, EdTech, and Impact received substantial AED 50,000 prizes to support their startups.

SEF 2024 also hosted the SEFFY Awards, recognizing outstanding founders and mentors across categories like Techpreneur, Social Impact, Emerging Founder, and Outstanding Mentor.

The festival’s closing featured a performance by the Tourgane Family and a spectacular drone show by Skyvertise. SEF 2024 provided a platform for over 100 startups from seven countries, showcasing innovation in technology, sustainability, and the creative economy. The event included over 50 workshops led by industry experts, fostering continuous learning and skill enhancement.

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