Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival to feature global music stars
- Last updated: January 28, 2025 | 12:28
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter
At the core of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025’s mission is connection, echoed under this year’s theme of “Where We Belong”. SEF 2025 presents a perfect fusion of performance and culture, featuring some of the most prominent names in the global music scene, including Canadian duo ‘Music Travel Love’, Egyptian singer and songwriter ‘Hamza Namira’, and Kuwaiti rap group ‘Sons of Yusuf’.
Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), SEF 2025 is doubling its agenda across 10 immersive zones and 5 stages. Featuring over 250 activities, including interactive sessions, inspiring talks, artist showcases, and 45 workshops and masterclasses, the festival aims to inspire the next generation of pioneers, drive economic transformation, and deliver a vibrant, fun-filled atmosphere.
Unmissable performances to set the stage alight
The star-studded lineup at SEF 2025 guarantees moments you’ll never forget, and the Canadian duo Music Travel Love will headline with their soul-stirring music that’s reached billions of listeners worldwide. With a performance during the opening ceremony, and a performance and talk on the Creative Stage on the first day, the duo is set to captivate audiences with their heartfelt melodies and acoustic renditions, while sharing insights into their creative journey and global success.
Another unmissable performance will be from the Kuwaiti duo Sons of Yusuf, whose innovative ‘Arabhop’ genre fuses hip-hop with soulful Arabic poetry and traditional instruments. More than just musicians, they are cultural revolutionaries, using their art to bridge the gap between Middle Eastern traditions and global contemporary culture.
With electrifying performances taking place on the Creative Stage on day 1, and day 2 within the SEF Academy, the duo’s thought-provoking lyrics will show how they have captivated audiences worldwide, challenging stereotypes and celebrating their heritage with a modern twist.
Egyptian icon Hamza Namira will bring his unique fusion of contemporary and traditional sounds to the Impact Stage on day 2 during the closing ceremony, delivering an experience that resonates deeply with music lovers across the Arab world and beyond.
Renowned for his socially conscious lyrics and powerful vocals, Namira has become a voice for a generation, inspiring hope and unity through his music. His ability to weave cultural heritage into modern melodies creates an unparalleled auditory journey that audiences can’t help but feel deeply connected to.
This year’s festival promises not just a platform for thinkers, disruptors, and changemakers but also a melting pot of culture, creativity, and memories in the making. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an artist, or just someone who loves good vibes, SEF 2025 has something for you. Taking place on February 1st and 2nd, 2025, at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, the festival offers an unmissable experience. For more information, to secure your ticket, and to see performance timings visit sharjahef.com.
12,000 attendees
As the largest event of its kind in the region, this year’s Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is poised to empower and upskill an expected 12,000 attendees with over 250 activities including 45 specially designed workshops and masterclasses tailored to address various aspects of the entrepreneurial journey, including business development, finance, mental health, and global expansion.
Expanding its scope through its 10 specialised zones and 5 captivating stages, SEF 2025 will also focus on personal well-being and responsible business practices through the Sustainability & Wellness Zone, powered by Emaar. This zone will host over 50 regional and global experts on the engaging Balance Stage.
Hosted by Caroline-Lucie Ulbrich and Melissa Yacoub, this session addresses the stark reality that around 90 per cent of startups fail. The experts will guide first-time founders through strategies to embrace setbacks, foster innovation, and build resilient teams.
Aqsa Khalifa and Alistair Aranha’s workshop offers recent graduates strategies for job hunting, personal branding, and networking, empowering them to craft a roadmap for personal growth and career success.
Hosted by Andersen (UAE), this workshop will cover business and tax strategies tailored to the UAE market, crucial for entrepreneurs navigating the region’s competitive ecosystem.
Dr. Adel Karrani’s workshop focuses on actionable strategies to mitigate stress, foster resilience, and create supportive work environments, highlighting the importance of mental health in today’s business landscape.
Led by Mohammed Saeed Almazrouie, this introductory workshop provides foundational knowledge of robotics, covering robot design, control systems, and programming through hands-on activities.