Sharjah: Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), part of the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), has successfully concluded the second edition of the RUWAD Festival after five days of engaging activities under the theme Mada. The event highlighted 51 national projects in the retail and food sectors, drawing more than 6,500 visitors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival was graced by Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the SEDD, and several notable officials, including Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director-General of Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi; Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Mohammed Majid Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Sports Channel; and Dr. Amina Mohammed, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Sharjah. The event also received extensive media coverage and attracted numerous content creators over its five-day duration.
Al Mahmoud emphasized that the festival signifies a growing interest in entrepreneurship within Sharjah, demonstrating strong engagement from business owners. He stated that the initiative aims to bridge the community with emerging businesses and promote self-employment among young people. The venue, the House of Wisdom, facilitated exhibitions, live demonstrations, and direct interaction between entrepreneurs and visitors.
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of RUWAD, highlighted the festival's showcase of 25 home-based projects and 26 commercial ventures, including five projects under the 'Youth Efforts' initiative by the Federal Youth Foundation. Participating entrepreneurs expressed that the festival offered valuable opportunities to showcase their work and engage with the public.