Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation Ruwad, under the Sharjah Economic Development Department, hosted the fourth annual forum at the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club. The event was attended by Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, and representatives from government bodies, strategic partners, entrepreneurs, media, and stakeholders in the entrepreneurship sector.
According to Emirates News Agency, Hamad Al Mahmoud emphasized the forum's role as a crucial platform for enhancing communication among entities that support entrepreneurship and for bolstering partnerships between government institutions, the private sector, and Emirati entrepreneurs. This collaboration is seen as vital in promoting national economic growth and the sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises.
He highlighted that the success of Ruwad's projects is a testament to the UAE leadership's dedication to empowering Emirati youth and transforming innovative ideas into successful projects that drive economic and social development.
The forum showcased the Foundation's notable achievements in 2025, covering areas such as financing, membership, training, consultancy services, community initiatives, and specialized programs supporting national SMEs. A documentary titled 'The Harvest' underscored Ruwad's accomplishments over the past year. Fatima Al Ali noted that these positive outcomes reflect enhanced cooperation and integration among supporting entities and strategic partners.
She further explained that 2025 was a pivotal year for Ruwad, especially following the issuance of Executive Council Resolution No. 47 of 2025, which governs Ruwad's membership program. This initiative is designed to improve support systems and provide more flexible benefits for member projects, including exemptions from government fees for qualified businesses.
Al Ali also introduced the 'Road to Ruwad' platform, part of the 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative, which aims to link national entrepreneurs with government procurement opportunities in over 24 economic sectors.
The event included a video presentation titled 'Inspiring Stories', which showcased successful entrepreneurial ventures from member projects such as Eco Clean, Eats Hub, and Water Games World, highlighting their transformation from ideas to market successes.
An interactive segment called 'My Project in 30 Seconds' allowed entrepreneurs to present their businesses and experiences to attendees, fostering networking and exchange opportunities.
At the forum's conclusion, Hamad Al Mahmoud and Fatima Al Ali honored 20 strategic partners and supporting entities, along with government bodies that actively supported the government procurement program, including the Sharjah Police General Command, the Social Services Department, and the Sharjah Police Sciences Academy.
Recognition was also given to outstanding member projects in the government procurement program, such as Capital Trading, Al Riyadah Catering Services, High Level Mobile Phones, Mazaqat Sweets, Al Diwan Stationery Trading, and Silk Restaurant.
The ceremony further acknowledged winners of Ruwad's project evaluation and classification program, including Khayal Sweets, The Difficult Number Car Maintenance, and Talween Metal Painting, as well as projects contributing to the sixth edition of the Ramadan initiative 'From the Goodness of Our Ruwad', which distributed over 4,000 iftar meals during the holy month.