Sharjah , January 7 , 2026 : The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has announced the first group of speakers for its 9th edition, featuring global founders, CEOs, investors, creatives and thought leaders from across multiple industries. Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), SEF 2026 will take place from January 31 to February 1 at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and emerging talent from around the world.
The initial lineup reflects SEF’s cross-sector focus, with speakers from foodtech, sports, lifestyle, technology, health and sustainability sharing practical insights on building, scaling and sustaining businesses in a rapidly changing economy. Sheraa CEO H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi said the festival aims to break down silos and equip founders with the knowledge and perspectives needed to build competitive, responsible and adaptable ventures.
Notable speakers include four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who will highlight environmental and social initiatives; entrepreneur and disability rights advocate Ghanim Al-Muftah; and Heather Hasson, Co-CEO of FIGS and the first female co-chief executive to take a company public on the New York Stock Exchange. Also featured are Shahzad Younas, founder of Muzz; Hamad Al Hajri, co-founder and CEO of Qatar’s “super app” Snoonu; Bioniq founder Vadim Fedotov; and Emirati racing pioneer Amna Al Qubaisi.
The program will also spotlight innovation and wellbeing, with speakers such as ŌURA CEO Tom Hale, Calo founder Ahmed Al Rawi, Friends That Invest founder Simran Kaur, mental health advocate Kareem Esmail, and communications leader Souad Al Serkal.
With an expected audience of 14,000, SEF 2026 aims to serve as a major platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and inspiration across the global entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem.
