Sharjah: Sharjah SME (Ruwad), affiliated with the Sharjah Economic Development Department, launched the 13th edition of its annual "Business Stars" initiative. The three-week programme aims to promote the culture of self-employment and entrepreneurship and to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs. Sixty entrepreneurial projects by school and university students from across the UAE are participating, in cooperation with Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah. The initiative is being organised as part of the 14th Suburbs Festival.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening ceremony, held at Al Qarayen Park 5 in Sharjah, was attended by Hamad Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department; Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department; members of the organising committee; and a number of visitors who were keen to witness the launch of the initiative and explore the participating projects and their products.
This year's edition is unique in that it is being implemented for the first time in three consecutive phases. The participating projects, representing 120 male and female students from various schools, universities, and colleges across the UAE, are being distributed throughout the initiative. The activities are taking place daily from 16:00 to 22:00 from December 5th to 25th, coinciding with the first semester break.
The organising committee allocated the period from December 5th to 11th for projects by primary school students aged 10 to 15, while the period from December 12th to 18th was designated for projects by secondary school and university students aged 16 to 21. The final period from December 19th to 25th was reserved for students from all schools and universities, as well as members of the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah.
In addition to student projects, the initiative includes entertainment, art workshops, and educational activities for visitors, in collaboration with a selection of entrepreneurial projects from the Foundation's members and accredited licenses.
Hamad Al Mahmoud toured the participating student projects, viewing the displayed products and listening to the students' entrepreneurial ideas, which they aim to transform into initial initiatives and small business models that will qualify them to enter the world of entrepreneurship.
Al Mahmoud stated that the Business Stars initiative is a unique incubator and support platform for school and university students, providing a stimulating environment that helps them develop their skills, unleash their creative ambitions, and translate them into pioneering projects.
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of the Sharjah SME (Ruwad), expressed anticipation for organising a distinguished edition of the initiative that aligns with Ruwad's vision and objectives. The initiative aims to spread the culture of entrepreneurship, promote the concept of private business among students, develop their business acumen, and encourage them to generate innovative ideas and refine their entrepreneurial skills and capabilities.
Al Ali noted that the projects will undergo daily evaluation by specialised judges based on criteria such as innovation, financial management, marketing, and adherence to the terms and conditions. She added that the participating students underwent a series of introductory workshops before the initiative was launched to ensure the success of their participation and enhance their marketing opportunities, stressing the institution's commitment to providing safety and security measures for participants and visitors.