Omar Saif Ghobash advocates Emirati solidarity at SEF 2025

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

On day one of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025, Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Cultural Affairs, took the stage to discuss cultural diplomacy in a session titled ‘Youth as Architects of the Future: Leadership, Culture and Innovation’.

At the SEF Impact stage, Ghobash was in conversation with Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Federal Youth Authority, about the importance of cultural engagement, the future of work and community building.

He noted that SEF, organised by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), is bringing entrepreneurs from all walks of life who are constantly upskilling and trying to build a strong brand for their companies and themselves. “Speaking of brand value... Over the last 53 years, the UAE has cemented itself as the brand that offers the best. But how has the country achieved so much in such little time?” he asked.

“For many of us, the story of UAE’s remarkable success starts from 1971. But, when you look at the history of the Trucial States, you will realise that our ancestors had to survive in extremely tough environments. Many people have romanticised the past of pearl diving and desert life. However, it was incredibly tough. So, when I think of the Emirati identity, I think of what has pushed our leadership to create such an innovative and creative environment. The answer lies in our traditional memory, which has directed our leadership towards building a country full of opportunity.”

Today, the UAE invites global players and its business environment is sought by some of the world’s most intelligent people.

‘ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B’: “For example, if you succeed in retail here, you can pretty much walk into any other global market,” he emphasised. “So, the experiments conducted in this environment develop into a playbook you can take to the region and beyond. You often see restaurants that started in the Emirates expand abroad. We’re also some of the best real estate developers in the world. So it’s very exciting to see these successes. I think it’s important that even though we can get a lot of exposure as Emiratis here, these companies, as they expand globally, should be assisting Emirati talent in getting exposure globally as well.”

Sharing his own example, he said he wears several hats because he has worked to acquire them rather than being rewarded. “If you are anxious or worried that you’re losing your skills, you will immediately find a way to develop new skills. You can be prepared for anything if you have a Plan B. Developing your skill set is immensely rewarding and happens much quicker than you think. It’s much less work than you expect because it is a gift you reward yourself with.”

He advises the younger generation that while they have their own desires and ambitions, they should remember that the real world can destroy them if they don’t fit in. “You can’t win with just enough intelligence or technical know-how. You need to understand the lay of the land first and then begin to push back and create your own identity. You need to see obstacles as opportunities.”

In conclusion, he said: “You can be a hustler, but hustle with the outsider and stand in solidarity with Emiratis. Many Emirati businessmen and women don’t have time to assist the up-and-comers. This pie is large enough. Why not mentor, assist and encourage the young generation? They are not the competition. The competition is the open economy that is coming to the UAE.”

Connecting the global ecosystem under the theme of “Where We Belong,” SEF 2025 champions the impact of community and the spirit of innovation. Across 10 specially curated Zones and 5 Stages, the festival features more than 300 speakers from 45 countries, 150 startup pods, and 320 investor meetings. SEF has been organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (Sheraa) and is being held at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP).