Sheraa Launches Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship to Empower Female Founders
Sharjah is building its reputation as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. A new program called the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship (SWIF) has been launched to support women entrepreneurs. This initiative was announced under the vision and leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).
The fellowship aims to help women founders grow their businesses, gain leadership skills, and make a lasting impact on society. It officially started on August 28, 2025, and will run as a structured program for selected participants.
Applications are now open and will close on October 5, 2025. Women founders across the UAE and beyond can apply through the official portal: https://www.swif.sheraa.ae.
Sheraa’s Focus on Women Empowerment
Sheraa has always supported women-led businesses. More than half of its portfolio (52%) is already run by female founders, which is higher than global averages. The launch of SWIF is another step in continuing this mission.
The program provides financial support, mentorship, leadership training, and global exposure. It is designed to create a new generation of women leaders who can scale their ventures successfully and contribute to the UAE’s economy.
By empowering women, Sheraa strengthens innovation and creates more opportunities for inclusive growth.
Fellowship Duration and the 4D Framework
The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship will run for 16 weeks, from November 2025 to February 2026. Only 12 founders will be selected. These will be entrepreneurs who already have proven businesses and are ready to grow further.
The program follows a 4D framework: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deepen.
Discover: Participants explore their leadership style and personal vision.
Define: Business models are refined, and market opportunities are identified.
Develop: Entrepreneurs work in Sheraa’s Founder’s Practice Lab to test and improve their solutions.
Deepen: The final phase includes investor roadshows, leadership retreats, and opportunities to present at global events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival.
By the end of this journey, fellows will have stronger leadership skills, clear strategies, and wider exposure.
Visionary Leadership Behind the Fellowship
This fellowship reflects the vision of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi. She has always highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment as a foundation for progress.
At the launch, Sheikha Bodour said:
“Sharjah has long championed women’s empowerment and strengthened their leadership roles. Today, we are entering a new phase of empowerment, one where women’s success becomes a platform that elevates society toward broader horizons of growth and innovation.”
Her words show how the fellowship is not only about supporting individuals but also about uplifting society through innovation and inclusivity.
Women Driving the UAE’s Economic Growth
Sheraa’s leadership team also spoke about the impact of SWIF.
Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of Sheraa, said:
“The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship places women entrepreneurs at the very center of our nation’s growth story. It equips them with the capital, mentorship, and influence to scale with confidence and purpose.”
H.E. Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, added:
“SWIF is an investment in leadership that will define the next chapter of our region’s growth. This fellowship is where ambition meets purpose, and where those ready to shape the future will find the platform to do it.
Their messages show that this is more than a program it is a strategic investment in the UAE’s future.
Financial Support Backed by Legacy
One unique feature of SWIF is the financial grant offered to each fellow. Every participant will receive Dhs500,000 in equity-free funding.
This grant is provided by the family of the late Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Fikri, a respected UAE public servant and former WHO Regional Director. His daughters made this contribution to honor his legacy.
The funding ensures participants can scale their ventures without losing ownership or equity. It also reinforces Sheraa’s focus on social impact and long-term sustainability.
Who Can Apply
The fellowship is open to women entrepreneurs across the UAE from different industries. It welcomes both startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Although the program is based in Sharjah, selected fellows must establish a presence in the emirate. This strengthens Sharjah’s position as a center for innovation and women’s empowerment.
Applicants should show that their business is viable, scalable, and has the potential to create meaningful change. The goal is to select ambitious leaders who can become role models for others.
Long-Term Impact
SWIF is not just about one group of fellows. It marks the start of a wider movement to make women’s empowerment a key part of entrepreneurship in the UAE.
By combining mentorship, funding, leadership training, and global connections, the program creates long-term value. Fellows will go on to lead industries, create jobs, and inspire others.
Through this initiative, Sharjah strengthens its economy, supports diversity, and positions itself as a global hub for innovation.
A Bold Step for the Future
The Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship is more than a training program it is a movement for inclusive growth. It reflects Sharjah’s vision of empowering women to become leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
With mentorship, equity-free grants, and international exposure, SWIF provides the tools women need to succeed. The deadline for applications is October 5, 2025, and women founders are encouraged to apply.
For ambitious entrepreneurs, this fellowship is a chance to scale businesses, create impact, and be part of shaping the UAE’s future.
