Page 462 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 2

2/17/25, 3:28 PM Sheikha Bodour graces opening of Sharjah entrepreneurship fest
Driving social change through art & philanthropy

Part of the opening proceedings was a discussion titled “Tackling Social Challenges and Bridging
Cultures through Art & Philanthropy”, led by Sheikha Hoor Bint Sultan Al Qasimi and Princess Lamia
Bint Majed Saud AlSaud.

“At the intersection of art and philanthropy lies humanity — it is the root of everything we do”, Sheikha
Hoor Al Qasimi stated, adding the importance of connecting with “workers, service providers, and
everyday individuals” who form society’s foundation. The visionary who has helmed the Sharjah
Biennial for 22 years said humanity was at the core of the event’s global success. “We have earned
the trust of artists because we work together as equals, with mutual respect.”

She also mentioned the announcement of the Sharjah Creative Quarter following an Emiree decree
by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler
of Sharjah, which has been founded on humanistic values and designed “for future generations to
thrive”.

Princess Lamia Al Saud shared her insights on leveraging the universal language and appeal of art
as a “diplomatic tool to bridge cultural divides and foster spaces for dialogue and connection”. She
also highlighted her entity’s efforts to empower communities in 190 countries around the world
through education and by creating entrepreneurial opportunities.

“We have provided 60 physically challenged ‘captains’ specially equipped Careem taxis, and uplifted
textile artisans in Afghanistan who will have their line featured in Harrods soon.”

Minister shares plans for next generation of founders

Outlining the Ministry’s efforts to support SMEs and the UAE’s plans for the next generation, Alia Bint
Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, delivered a keynote during the ceremony,
stating: “To support youth and emerging talent, we recently joined 16 government entities to introduce
RIYADA – our ecosystem brand designed to increase the success rate of young entrepreneurs from
30% to 50% by 2031. The fund has allocated Dhs300 million in incentives to encourage graduates to
pursue entrepreneurship. We also launched the 2nd edition of ‘The Future 100’ programme last year

to identify and accelerate all SMEs, alongside ‘The Future 50’ programme to provide targeted support
to Emirati-owned SMEs.”

AlMazrouei also highlighted that targeted federal policies have prioritised economic diversification.

“We have proven our economy is resilient and focused on SMEs, which currently represent 95% of all
companies in the UAE, employ nearly 86% of the private sector workforce, and contribute as much
as 63.5% to the non-oil GDP.”

Sharjah: The 4th most powerful ecosystem in GCC

Najla Al Midfa, Vice-Chairperson of Sheraa said: “Nine years ago, we could not have foreseen the

extraordinary milestones the Sheraa team would achieve: incubating over 200 startups that have

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