University of Sharjah Hosts UAE Alumni Entrepreneurship Forum 2026

Fifteen projects by University of Sharjah students and alumni went on display this week as the university hosted the UAE Alumni Entrepreneurship Forum 2026, part of a national campaign to position the country as a global hub for new ventures.

The forum, held at UOS, gathered entrepreneurs from the university's alumni and student body alongside representatives of government agencies and organizations that back entrepreneurship. Organizers framed the event around three goals: showcase ventures, highlight innovations and creative ideas, and open cooperation and partnership channels between business owners and public and private institutions. They said the event was intended to support the entrepreneurship ecosystem and embed a culture of innovation.

Why was Sharjah chosen to host?

Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah, told the forum that the university's selection to host the Entrepreneurship Week in Higher Education — an initiative supporting the "UAE: Global Capital of Entrepreneurship" campaign — reflected the confidence the university enjoys and its role in backing national initiatives and deepening partnerships with government and private institutions.

He praised what he called strong alignment across the UAE's education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem, running from visionary leadership and strategic decision-making through government ministries, universities and the business sector. That integration, he argued, is the driving force behind the country's rapid progress and its ability to maintain balance and adapt to regional and global developments.

The university has operated on that model since its founding in 1997 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with a vision treating education as a means of building people and serving society — a vision the Chancellor said is promoted and closely followed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and President of the University of Sharjah.

What did the forum actually produce?

The Chancellor said the event had moved ideas "from notebooks to exhibition platforms," with graduates and students demonstrating they can turn knowledge and skills acquired in lecture halls into working projects. He said he hopes the ventures will lead to contracts and partnerships with supporting entities and grow into national success stories that contribute to economic growth.

He addressed the students directly:

"The degree you hold is not the end of the road; it is your first contract with the future, and you have signed it through your projects. The university, represented by its Alumni Association Center, will remain your partner at every stage, both before and after graduation."

Ibrahim Fakri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regulation and Governance of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sector at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, also spoke. He stressed the importance of fostering an entrepreneurial culture in higher-education institutions, creating opportunities that support innovation, and connecting educational outcomes with labor-market needs so young people contribute more to the national economy.

"The UAE Alumni Entrepreneurship Forum 2026 represents an important platform for promoting a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in higher-education institutions, showcasing the creative potential of students and graduates, and enabling them to transform their ideas into promising economic opportunities that support the national economy and enhance its competitiveness," H.E. Fakri said.

He added that the ministry prioritizes strengthening higher-education institutions' role in preparing talent with the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills the future economy demands — through integration of academic education and practical application, expanded partnerships with economic sectors, and an environment that encourages innovation.

What else happened on the day?

The ceremony included:

• announcement of a competition to design an alumni identity
• recognition of partners, supporting organizations and participants
• a short theatrical performance on entrepreneurship by 'Rubu' Qarn' for Creating Leaders and Innovators

Prof. Agamy and guests also toured the entrepreneurship projects exhibition, which ran throughout the week and featured the 15 projects by UOS students and alumni — spanning innovative ideas, products, solutions and services. The exhibition gave entrepreneurs a stage to present their initiatives and build contacts with participating entities to explore cooperation and build partnerships. Organizers said those connections will help support and develop the projects and expand their presence within the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

With the ministry backing the format and the university's Alumni Association Center pledging long-term support, the forum's real test will be whether notebook-stage ventures on this year's exhibition stands convert into contracts and lasting partnerships.