Sharjah has become a major player in the startup ecosystem in GCC, securing 4th place in the GCC and 7th in the MENA region in the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings. The latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER), revealed at London Tech Week, shows that Sharjah has risen significantly from its position in 2023.
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of Sheraa, Sharjah’s pioneering startup incubator, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Ranking 4th in the GCC region and 7th in the MENA startup ecosystem shows that Sharjah’s strategic focus on entrepreneurialism is working — and it’s getting noticed. Our startup ecosystem is investor- and business-friendly, committed to nurturing innovation, and it’s a dynamic global hub where forward-thinking minds converge. We’re on the right track, and this step forward strengthens our resolve to empower entrepreneurs in Sharjah and drive sustainable economic development in the region and beyond.”
The report underscores Sharjah’s strengths across key sectors such as Cleantech, Digital & Creative Industries, and Edtech, all of which have thrived due to abundant talent, robust support infrastructure, and a vibrant startup community.
Sharjah’s performance is further highlighted by its impressive rankings in metrics like ‘Bang for Buck’, Funding, and Market Reach, solidifying its status as a top-tier ecosystem. Notably, the emirate features prominently in the Knowledge and Performance categories, testament to its innovation prowess and economic impact.
Factors contributing to Sharjah’s success include its strategic location, substantial investments in education, extensive Free Zones and industrial zones, and the Sharjah Investors Services Centre (SAEED), facilitating streamlined business setups.
Najla Al Midfa, vice chairperson of Sheraa, emphasized Sheraa’s pivotal role in driving Sharjah’s entrepreneurial growth: “Sharjah’s rise to the 4th in the GCC and 7th best ecosystem in MENA reflects our unwavering commitment to harnessing the transformative power of entrepreneurship. By nurturing homegrown talent and ventures, and partnering with stakeholders across the ecosystem, we have cultivated a founder-focused environment where innovative early-stage ventures thrive with access to essential talent, capital, and markets. As we look ahead, we are excited to scale our impact by further enhancing our startup’s offerings and driving growth in key sectors such as sustainability, edtech, advanced manufacturing, and the creative industries.”
The Global Startup Ecosystem Report, drawing from data on millions of companies globally, provides a comprehensive analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Sharjah’s rise underscores its dedication to fostering a competitive startup environment, with Sheraa playing a crucial role in this journey.
Sharjah’s rise as a regional startup hub is supported by its increasing economic value and strengths in specific industries. This success positions Sharjah as a standout for entrepreneurial success in the MENA region, ensuring ongoing innovation and future achievements.