Sharjah: Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), Sheraa officially launched the inaugural Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF) at Bait Elowal. The launch introduced the program's first cohort of 12 women founders whose ventures highlight innovation, resilience, and a commitment to social and economic impact.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was attended by Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, and Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, alongside women founders, partners, and ecosystem leaders including Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri, Founder and CEO of Fikri Business Consultants. Guests were treated to a culinary experience inspired by Emirati hospitality, followed by high tea and networking.
The program opened with remarks from Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, who emphasized Sharjah's dedication to empowering women to create ventures that merge purpose with economic value. Dr. Asma Mahmoud Fikri delivered a keynote address, highlighting SWIF's mission to advance impact-driven leadership and support women founders on their scale-up journey.
Najla Al Midfa stated, "The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship turns shared purpose into shared power, proving that when women rise together, entire economies rise with them." She noted that the Fellowship is about scaling ventures and forging connections, amplifying the voices of women who lead with conviction.
Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi added that Sheraa's mission focuses on empowering people to create meaningful change. The Fellowship aims to empower founders to scale their ventures, connect with new markets, and leverage Sheraa's ecosystem of expertise, mentorship, and collaboration.
A panel discussion titled "Blueprints of Legacy Building," featuring Mouza Al Abbar and Faiza Bouguessa, moderated by Sally Mousa, explored how women entrepreneurs create enduring legacies through intention and creativity. The event concluded with appreciation for partners who played a role in realizing the fellowship.
A significant feature of the fellowship is an AED 500,000 equity-free grant, endowed by Dr. Asma Fikri and Amna Fikri, honoring the legacy of the late Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fikri. The grant embodies Dr. Fikri's values of empowerment and dedication to women's leadership and community well-being.
The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship aligns with Sheraa's vision of an entrepreneurial community led by women who inspire change. Since its inception, Sheraa has supported over 450 startups, generating over USD 370 million in revenue and attracting nearly USD 300 million in investment, with 51% founded or co-founded by women, underscoring Sharjah's commitment to empowerment and innovation.