News Desk
SHARJAH: Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE’s development-focused financial engine, recently concluded the ninth edition of EDB Connect. This year’s event was themed “Empowering Sharjah’s Economy Through SMEs and Entrepreneurship” and marked the second edition hosted in Sharjah, further strengthening the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World.”
The event gathered a diverse array of stakeholders including industrial entrepreneurs, experts, investors, and incubators. EDB Connect acted as a vital platform for entrepreneurs, offering them direct access to decision-makers who play pivotal roles in financing, regulation, and enabling growth. This synergy created a dynamic environment where ideas could flourish and partnerships could be formed.
H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, emphasized the focus of EDB Connect: “Entrepreneurs come for clarity, not just inspiration. They seek direct answers on financing guidance, regulatory support, and market entry strategies.” His insights highlighted that whether attendees were ready to scale up or just starting out, the event equipped them with actionable pathways to success.
H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), added that the collaboration with Emirates Development Bank is rooted in a shared mission of empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable industrial growth. He noted Sharjah’s impressive economic performance in early 2025 and how collaborations between financial institutions can translate strategic goals into tangible impacts, creating a robust framework for SMEs and startups to thrive.
A highlight of this edition was a dedicated showcase for “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World,” an initiative by the Ministry of Economy aimed at attracting and enabling high-potential entrepreneurs to launch from the UAE. This aligns strongly with the overarching goals of the EDB to lead in innovation and economic advancement.
The programme kicked off with a keynote address by H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, mapping out EDB’s mission in relation to Sharjah’s industrial ambitions. He was followed by notable presentations, including remarks from H.E. Osama Amir Fadhel, who outlined Sharjah’s strategic role within the national industrial framework, and H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, who showcased the emirate’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem.
Panel discussions at the event focused on key areas essential for entrepreneurship, including strategic sectors such as food and healthcare. Other topics encompassed financing tools and mechanisms designed to mitigate risks for SMEs, as well as Sharjah’s potential as a testbed for technological advancements. These conversations encouraged practical engagement, giving entrepreneurs resources and contacts essential for business growth.
The event concluded with an engaging display of EDB 360 Business Banking, a special segment recognizing outstanding contributions to the ecosystem, and facilitated targeted networking between entrepreneurs and specialists from EDB and Sharjah-based partners. This networking was pivotal, opening immediate follow-up opportunities for collaboration and financing.
Moreover, EDB highlighted success stories of local SMEs that have flourished through its financing initiatives, exemplifying its vital role as a catalyst for industrial and entrepreneurial development within the UAE. Such narratives not only inspire but also provide practical blueprints for other aspiring entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs were encouraged to make use of digital tools like EDB 360 Business Banking and to explore initiatives such as AgriX, Make it in the Emirates Accelerators, and EDB Business Lab. These resources aim to empower businesses to reach their full potential in a rapidly evolving market landscape.