It was important to provide a supportive environment that enables female entrepreneurs to transform their ambitious ideas into successful, sustainable ventures, a forum was told.

Khalid Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Director of Commercial and Industrial Development Department at Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), said SEDD was committed to enhancing women’s participation in the national economic ecosystem, an Emirates News Agency (WAM) report said.

Speaking at a forum themed "Sharjah’s Female Entrepreneurs: From Ambition to Investment", he said the forum serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and experiences, highlighting available opportunities and services, and discussing the challenges faced by women-led ventures. This, in turn, helps create a favourable environment for their growth and expansion, while strengthening their contribution to the emirate’s economic development.

Female entrepreneurs

The forum brought together a distinguished group of female entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and beginners to the labour market, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs looking to transform their ideas into successful business ventures. This initiative is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of women in driving the national economy and to foster a culture of entrepreneurship within the emirate.

The Forum was attended by Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship (Ruwad), Sharjah City Municipality, Health Section, Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), and Nama Women Advancement Establishment. The participating entities showcased their services and initiatives that support women, as well as the opportunities available to female entrepreneurs to develop their ventures and strengthen their presence in the labour market.

The event included an opening speech on behalf of the Department, delivered by Maryam Al Suwaidi, Director of Registration and Licensing Department, which highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship and the growing role of women in this sector. It also featured a presentation by the Ruwad to introduce its services, membership options, and registration procedures, alongside an overview of its key activities and statistics concerning its female members.

Municipal approval

In addition, the programme included a presentation by Sharjah City Municipality outlining the requirements, fees, and fines associated with business activities that necessitate municipal approval, such as salons and food-related enterprises. Furthermore, the session highlighted the roles and privileges of members of Sharjah Business Women Council, as well as the support mechanisms provided by the Nama Women Advancement Establishment.—TradeArabia News Service