In the heart of the UAE, a quiet revolution is underway—one that’s being led not by global corporations or government edicts, but by women who are rewriting the script of entrepreneurship in Sharjah. These women are building businesses, uplifting communities, and reshaping the future with vision and resilience. The emirate, known for its cultural heritage, is fast becoming a launchpad for women-led innovation, thanks to a growing support system and an ecosystem that welcomes bold ideas.
Over the past few years, Sharjah has seen a notable increase in the number of female-led startups. This change is not just statistical—it’s deeply personal. Every enterprise led by a woman here tells a story of persistence, grit, and a dream that refused to stay silent.
A New Wave of Founders
Women in Sharjah are stepping into entrepreneurship with confidence, often turning personal experiences into businesses with purpose. From tech platforms to wellness centers, the ideas are as diverse as the women behind them. Many of these founders never set out to become entrepreneurs. Some were responding to needs in their communities. Others were filling gaps they themselves experienced.
Bashayer Al Obeidli, for instance, didn’t originally plan to open a wellness studio. But during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she saw how women around her—mothers, professionals, and caretakers—were struggling to maintain their mental and physical well-being. Out of this need, she created The Barakah Studio, a safe, nurturing space for women to reconnect with their bodies and minds through yoga, pilates, and holistic therapy.
In another corner of Sharjah, Dr. Muna Obaid Aldhabbah was grappling with a sense of isolation despite living in a populated area. This inspired her to build Hala Jary, a social app designed to bring neighbors closer. The app connects people based on shared interests and proximity, sparking everything from community book clubs to weekend potlucks. What began as a simple idea to create more meaningful connections has grown into a movement of neighborhood empowerment.
The Power of Community
These stories are not unfolding in a vacuum. At the heart of Sharjah’s rise in female entrepreneurship lies a community infrastructure built to support women’s ambitions. Whether it’s mentoring programs, access to co-working spaces, funding competitions, or visibility at entrepreneurship festivals, female founders in Sharjah are being given room to grow and thrive.
One of the key drivers of this support system is the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC). With thousands of members and representation across more than 35 sectors, the council focuses on giving women the tools they need to succeed. Its initiatives go beyond business basics—they include emotional intelligence training, innovation labs, and even programs designed to support mothers returning to work.
But perhaps the most powerful offering the council provides is connection. For many women, stepping into entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely road. Through the SBWC, women find mentorship, camaraderie, and a tribe of others who understand the unique challenges they face.
A City That Champions Women
Sharjah’s leadership has long emphasized the importance of inclusion and innovation. Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the emirate’s support for startups has gone beyond symbolic gestures. Sheikha Bodour has championed policies that make it easier for women to start and grow businesses—from streamlined registration processes to inclusive funding models.
As the Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), she’s led efforts to turn the emirate into a fertile ground for startups. Sheraa has supported over 150 startups to date, several of which are led by women. Through seed funding, accelerator programs, and exposure to global networks, Sheraa provides a structured pathway for turning ideas into viable businesses.
One of the standout features of Sheraa is its emphasis on purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Founders are encouraged to create ventures that address real-world problems—whether it’s climate change, mental health, or youth employment. For women entrepreneurs, this model resonates deeply. Many of them aren’t just looking to sell products—they’re driven by missions that matter.
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival: A Catalyst for Change
An essential pillar of Sharjah’s entrepreneurial scene is the annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. Unlike traditional business expos, this festival is a celebration of stories, ideas, and the human spirit behind startups. With speakers ranging from globally renowned investors to local first-time founders, the event draws thousands of participants each year.
For women entrepreneurs, it’s more than a networking opportunity—it’s a stage. It’s where they pitch their ideas, meet potential collaborators, and get inspired by others who’ve walked similar paths. Many female founders credit the festival as the moment their startup journeys gained traction, visibility, and the kind of confidence only community affirmation can provide.
Challenges Still Remain
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Access to capital remains a top concern. While there are more funding options than ever before, studies show that female founders still receive a smaller share of venture funding globally—and the UAE is not immune to this trend. Additionally, societal expectations, particularly around balancing business and family life, can create added pressure for women.
Yet, in the face of these challenges, female founders in Sharjah are not backing down. Instead, they’re creating new models of success—ones that blend ambition with empathy, and profit with purpose. Many are choosing to bootstrap their ventures, collaborate instead of compete, and build businesses that reflect their values.
Redefining Leadership
What sets Sharjah’s female entrepreneurs apart is their approach to leadership. They lead with heart. Many of them are involved in mentorship, not just within their industries, but across communities. They host free workshops, mentor university students, and speak openly about their failures as much as their wins.
This spirit of giving back is helping to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem, one where the next generation of women doesn’t just dream about starting businesses—they’re already doing it. Young girls in Sharjah are now growing up with role models who look like them, who sound like them, and who have proven that success doesn’t come in one form.
The Road Ahead
As Sharjah continues to invest in its entrepreneurs, the stories of women founders will only become more central to its economic and social narrative. The emirate is showing that when women are given the space, tools, and trust to lead, they don’t just create companies—they create change.
With the momentum that’s already been built, it’s clear that female entrepreneurship in Sharjah is not a trend. It’s a movement. One that is breaking barriers, changing lives, and shaping a future where anyone with a dream and determination can build something extraordinary.
And in that future, the women of Sharjah won’t just be included—they’ll be leading.
Read More: From Newsroom to Spotlight: The Inspiring Journey of Muna Awwad
