The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has announced its inaugural speaker roster for the upcoming 2026 edition, featuring over 300 internationally renowned founders, CEOs, investors, and thought leaders. Scheduled for January 31 to February 1 at Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK), this ninth iteration positions itself as the region’s premier entrepreneurial convergence point.
Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the two-day event will assemble entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors worldwide to address contemporary business challenges in an rapidly evolving economic landscape. The festival’s programming will comprehensively explore the entrepreneurial lifecycle, from startup creation and scaling strategies to leadership development and workplace wellbeing.
The newly revealed speakers represent diverse sectors including technology, sports, social media, foodtech, and biotechnology, reflecting SEF’s commitment to presenting a multidimensional perspective on modern entrepreneurship. These industry pioneers will provide practical insights on innovation, adaptive leadership, and operational resilience required to thrive in markets transformed by technological acceleration and shifting consumer expectations.
Sheraa CEO H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi emphasized the strategic value of cross-disciplinary collaboration: “Today’s economic environment demands entrepreneurial thinking that transcends traditional boundaries. Founders must integrate insights across disciplines while building adaptable, responsible enterprises. SEF creates an ecosystem where knowledge exchange challenges perspectives and generates practical solutions.”
Notable speakers include four-time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel, who will discuss environmental and sustainability initiatives; Ghanim Al-Muftah, serial entrepreneur and disability rights advocate; and Heather Hasson, first female Co-CEO to lead a company through NYSE IPO with medical apparel company FIGS.
The roster also features Shahzad Younas of Muslim marriage app Muzz; Hamad Al Hajri, CEO of Qatari super app Snoonu; former basketball player Vadim Fedotov of personalized supplement company Bioniq; and Amna Al Qubaisi, first Emirati female racing driver in international competitions.
Additional speakers include Souad Al Serkal of CommCation Consultancy, Tom Hale of ŌURA smart ring, Ahmed Al Rawi of foodtech app Calo, Simran Kaur of investment education platform Friends That Invest, and Kareem Esmail of Mental Health Hub for Learning and Development.
Anticipating 14,000 attendees, SEF 2026 will establish an interactive environment where industry leaders provide actionable guidance for startups, professionals, and graduates seeking to maximize their potential and contribute to economic advancement through innovation and sustainable business practices.