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Writer's pictureVincent Arthur

Sharjah Business Women Council and European Allies Join Forces - A New Era of Cross-Continental Collaboration and Investment


The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) recently formed a strategic partnership with European counterparts to strengthen collaboration and promote bilateral investments. This partnership was highlighted during the Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum held in Belgium, which brought together female entrepreneurs and business leaders from the UAE and Europe to discuss avenues for economic cooperation and growth.


A Strategic Platform for Women Entrepreneurs


The forum provided an essential platform for businesswomen from both regions to share insights, explore best practices, and gain knowledge in various areas of business management and expansion. With a focus on sectors like advanced manufacturing, EdTech, creative industries, and sustainability, the event underscored the potential for women entrepreneurs to drive economic development and innovation in their respective regions​.


Key Objectives of the Partnership


The collaboration between SBWC and European business networks aims to empower women entrepreneurs by equipping them with the skills and resources needed to lead business growth and open new markets. The partnership also seeks to provide innovative funding solutions and enhance the competitive presence of women-led businesses globally. Halima Humaid Ali Al Owais, a board member of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that it aligns with Sharjah's strategic vision to become a global hub for entrepreneurship​.


Promoting Sharjah’s Economic Advantages


The forum also served as a platform to showcase Sharjah's unique investment appeal, highlighting its strategic geographic location, advanced infrastructure, and supportive legal framework. By promoting the lucrative investment opportunities in the emirate, SBWC aims to attract European businesswomen and startups looking to expand into Middle Eastern markets. This initiative not only boosts Sharjah's economic profile but also helps diversify its business environment​.


The Role of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)


Sara Belhaif Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), emphasized that the forum aligns with Sheraa’s mission of empowering entrepreneurs and driving growth. Sheraa's Centers of Excellence (CoEs) support entrepreneurial growth across key sectors by providing women-led startups with access to global resources and markets. This support is crucial for positioning Sharjah as a leading center for innovation and sustainable growth, in line with the UAE’s vision and leadership directives​.


Strengthening Business Networks and Opportunities


The partnership is not just about business growth but also about fostering meaningful connections between female entrepreneurs in the UAE and Europe. The forum included panel discussions and business meetings focused on women’s empowerment in emerging economic sectors. Participants had the opportunity to exchange knowledge, share success stories, and establish collaborations that could lead to future joint projects in the UAE and Europe​.


Key Takeaways from the Forum


Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The forum highlighted the importance of empowering women to take on leadership roles in business and explore new economic opportunities.


Enhancing Economic Cooperation: The event showcased the potential for economic cooperation between the UAE and Europe, particularly in sectors like sustainability, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.


Innovative Funding Solutions: Discussions focused on finding new and innovative ways to fund women-led businesses, which is crucial for their growth and sustainability.


Showcasing Sharjah's Investment Appeal: The forum highlighted the emirate's strategic advantages, making it an attractive destination for investment and business expansion​.


Why Should Businesswomen Look Forward to Future Forums?


The success of the Sharjah-Europe Businesswomen Forum sets the stage for future events that will continue to provide valuable insights and opportunities for women entrepreneurs. By fostering a collaborative environment and addressing global challenges like funding for women-led businesses, the forum aims to pave the way for sustainable business growth and innovation.


For businesswomen and investors, participating in these forums offers a unique opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, gain exposure to new markets, and contribute to the economic development of the UAE and Europe. With continued support from organizations like SBWC and Sheraa, the future looks promising for women entrepreneurs in both regions.


The partnership between SBWC and European business networks is a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs, enhancing bilateral investments, and fostering sustainable economic growth. By providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, this initiative is set to create lasting impacts on the business landscape in Sharjah and beyond.


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