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A recent report compiled by the Sharjah Center for Entrepreneurship (Sherah) in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah (AUS) reveals encouraging trends in student entrepreneurship in Sharjah. According to the report’s findings, 40% of students surveyed plan to start their own business within five years of graduation, and 17% plan to start their own business right away. These figures reflect the growing entrepreneurial spirit among Sharjah’s youth, positioning the emirate as a potential leader in nurturing businesses led by young graduates.
The report, led by Dr. Rodrigo Vasco, AUS Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al-Qassimi Chair of Family Business, highlighted the challenges of growing self-confidence, a supportive ecosystem, and the availability of resources to encourage students. It highlights the factors that promote this entrepreneurial interest. Explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. But can these ambitions translate into concrete success, and can Sharjah really become a hub for student entrepreneurship?
Sarah Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sherrah);
Source: Sierra
Increasing trend of entrepreneurial orientation
Data from the report shows a significant increase in entrepreneurial orientation among students in Sharjah and the UAE. 17% of students expressed a strong desire to become an entrepreneur, consistent with global benchmarks for student entrepreneurship. However, the numbers become even more convincing when viewed from a medium-term perspective. 40% of students say they plan to start their own business within five years. In 2018, only 5% of students planned to start a business after graduation. The latest findings show that the desire to start a business right away has increased by nearly three times, with 14% of Emirati students preparing to start a business immediately after completing their studies. This shift confirms growing confidence in the viability of entrepreneurship in Sharjah, and a broader shift in the number of young people increasingly seeing entrepreneurship as a path to both professional and personal fulfillment. This reflects global trends.
High levels of entrepreneurial self-efficacy reported among Sharjah students
Central to the report’s findings is the high level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy among Sharjah students. They scored 71 out of 100 on the Self-Efficacy Scale, a measure of confidence in their ability to succeed as entrepreneurs. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, with students in Sharjah and the UAE scoring 16 points higher than students around the world. This increased confidence is essential to entrepreneurial success because it directly impacts students’ potential to take risks, innovate, and overcome challenges. Dr. Basco’s report emphasizes that self-efficacy is one of the most important psychological characteristics for aspiring entrepreneurs. Students who believe in their abilities are more willing to accept the uncertainty that characterizes entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the report suggests that the strong support system available to Sharjah students, including access to mentorship programmes, incubators and entrepreneurship training, plays a major role in building this confidence.
Sierra’s role in entrepreneurship development
One of the key factors contributing to the rise in entrepreneurship among Sharjah students is the support provided by the emirate’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Founded in 2016, Sheraa has played a pivotal role in shaping this environment. The center offers a variety of programs including workshops, mentorship opportunities and access to funding, all of which have contributed to the development of Sharjah’s thriving startup community.
Scherer also works closely with faculty to incorporate entrepreneurship into the university’s curriculum. Sheraa’s collaboration with AUS, where the majority of student entrepreneurs are based, ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs have the resources and guidance they need at every stage of their journey. As part of this collaboration, the Sheraa Hub at AUS was established. This is the center’s first physical location dedicated to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Startup Dojo is an intensive program for early-stage startups that provides students with hands-on experience, mentorship from industry leaders, and the opportunity to pitch to investors along with equity-free grants. This type of support is essential for turning an entrepreneur’s intentions into a successful business venture.
In addition, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), which is now a key event on the UAE’s entrepreneurial calendar, has been held for the seventh time, welcoming 30,000 participants and encouraging young entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and share their ideas with the world. We offer a vibrant platform to connect with business leaders and increase visibility. within the broader startup ecosystem. Over the years, SEF has provided a cash pool of more than $150,000 in prizes to startups that win in various competitions. These initiatives, combined with a business-friendly regulatory environment, make Sharjah an attractive location for young entrepreneurs.
Challenges faced by student entrepreneurs
Despite the encouraging statistics, the report also highlights some challenges faced by student entrepreneurs in Sharjah. Financial constraints are one of the biggest barriers to entry for student entrepreneurs. Starting a business requires access to capital, and thanks to initiatives and funding programs like the one Scherer designed, young entrepreneurs have access to the finances they need to cover all the costs associated with starting a business. You can get support from others. Additionally, students often lack the industry experience and professional networks that are critical to success in the early stages of a startup.
The report also touches on the issue of family business succession, finding that while 50% of students come from families that run businesses, only 6% are interested in joining such ventures. Pointed out. This trend reflects a global pattern, with younger generations increasingly seeking to forge their own path rather than inheriting established businesses. This change is both a challenge and an opportunity for family businesses in Sharjah, which may need to rethink succession strategies and incorporate innovation into operations.
Dr. Rodrigo Basco is Sheikh Saud bin Khalid Al-Qasimi Professor of Family Business at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). Source: Sierra
The importance of long-term support
Although Sharjah’s ecosystem is strong, the report suggests that long-term support is essential to sustain students’ entrepreneurial aspirations. Sheraa’s work provides a strong foundation for funding, mentorship and access to professional networks, making a strong case that these should be available to students not only during their studies but also after graduation. is shown.
For Sharjah to lead in student entrepreneurship, it must continue to build on existing infrastructure, expand access to resources, and reduce barriers to entry.
The report recommends greater emphasis on collaboration between academic, government, and private sector partners to provide a seamless support system for student entrepreneurs. Additionally, the report suggests that more emphasis should be placed on practical, hands-on entrepreneurship education. Although theoretical knowledge is important, students need real-world experience to navigate the complexities of starting and operating a business.
Can Sharjah lead the way?
The data presented in the Sheraa-AUS report paints an optimistic picture of student entrepreneurship in Sharjah. The emirate has a growing number of young people who have the desire, confidence and ambition to start their own businesses.
However, challenges remain, particularly when it comes to access to funding, professional networks, and the transition from academic entrepreneurship to real-world business. Sharjah is making great strides in fostering student entrepreneurship, but staying at the forefront depends on sustained investment in education, ecosystem development and removing barriers to entry . If its current trajectory continues, Sharjah has the distinct potential to emerge as a model for other cities looking to develop the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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– 14% of UAE students are preparing to start their own business immediately after graduation.
– 17% of all students surveyed have a strong desire to become an entrepreneur.
– In 2018, only 5% of students planned to pursue entrepreneurship after graduation, showing a significant increase in entrepreneurship over time.
– Entrepreneurial self-efficacy scores of 71 out of 100 students surveyed indicate confidence in their ability to succeed as entrepreneurs. This is 16 points higher than the global average.
– 50% of students come from families that own businesses.
– Only 6% of students expressed an interest in joining a family business.
Related: Nurturing Innovation: Sheraa Chairman HE Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi
