As the UAE cements its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, Sharjah has become a driving force in championing women-led enterprises.
At the centre of this movement is H.E. Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), an organisation dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs with mentorship, training, market access, and international exposure. Under her leadership, SBWC has been instrumental in shaping a dynamic ecosystem where women are not only building successful businesses but also setting new benchmarks in creativity, resilience, and global impact. Here, H.E. Mariam shares her vision for the entrepreneurial landscape, the milestones achieved so far, and how SBWC is preparing women to lead in the economy of the future.
How do you see the current entrepreneurial landscape in the UAE, and what role does SBWC play in shaping it?
The entrepreneurial movement in the UAE is driven by an immense amount of talent, ambition, and comprehensive government support; characterised by a powerful shift towards innovation, reinvention, and economic diversification. We are witnessing a new generation of ventures that are inherently digitally-native, globally-minded, and deeply committed to shaping a positive future.
What is particularly inspiring to me is the ecosystem’s increasing inclusivity, where female-led enterprises are not only demonstrating significant economic output but also providing inspirational role models for future generations. When women lead, they ignite progress; and every venture they build is far more than a business, and forms a beacon of resilience, creativity, and change that inspires generations to come.
SBWC plays a major role in this journey empowering women entrepreneurs with comprehensive support systems, including tailored mentorship, world-class training, strategic networking, and facilitated access to global markets. Our fundamental mission is to position female founders at the forefront of innovation and economic diversification, directly aligning with the UAE’s visionary leadership and its strategic goals for a prosperous, knowledge-based economy.
Over the past year, what key developments have you seen in Sharjah’s support for female entrepreneurs?
Sharjah’s support ecosystem for female entrepreneurs has become more interconnected, resource-rich, and empowering than ever before. We have observed a significant and positive shift towards highly collaborative programmes with key ecosystem partners, creating a unified front to elevate women’s business success.
This past year, SBWC has been instrumental in strengthening this framework through targeted initiatives such as our Business Readiness Bootcamp in partnership with Sheraa (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center), which equips early-stage startups with the foundational skills to thrive. We have also continued our efforts regarding international exposure opportunities, such as sponsoring and showcasing our female-led startups at premier global events like Expand North Star.
Another key development is the growing integration of social entrepreneurship and sustainability into the core support framework, encouraging businesses that deliver both profit and purpose. While F&B and retail remain strong sectors for women, we are incredibly encouraged by the upward momentum in high-growth fields like STEM, health-tech, and edtech, signalling a diversification of female talent into the industries of tomorrow.
Can you share some of the most impactful initiatives SBWC is currently running to support small businesses and startups?
SBWC’s initiatives are strategically designed to span the entire entrepreneurial journey and also extend to those within other businesses too, focusing on skill-building, global exposure, and market access. This includes ongoing mentorship programmes and networking forums, which guides established and newly-formed businesses through the complexities of commerce and fosters entrepreneurial thinking among business women and entrepreneurs.
We also facilitate dedicated trade missions to key international markets, providing a direct platform for our members to form partnerships and secure clients. However, these efforts extend beyond the launching of businesses, and help to cultivate leadership, confidence, and unlock powerful networks. We believe that instilling knowledge and skills is even more beneficial in the long term than providing capital, as it lays the foundation for sustained growth and leadership in even the most challenging markets.
Much of your work is centred on empowering women through entrepreneurship. What does empowerment mean to you in this context?
To me, empowerment in this context is a multifaceted commitment to equipping women with the knowledge, tools, and conviction to claim their space in the economy without compromise. It is about proactively creating an environment where a woman’s potential is both recognised and actively supported, nurtured, and celebrated at every stage of her journey, from ideation to scale.
When women are truly empowered, they transcend traditional limitations, erase outdated stereotypes, and in doing so, inspire entire communities to pursue greater possibilities. Our efforts today create a powerful ripple effect; there is no inspiration more potent than a real-world example of a successful woman leader. Although we live in complex times, I truly believe that the future is bright, and by empowering women entrepreneurs, we are building a more inclusive, innovative, and better world for all.
Looking back, what would you consider SBWC’s biggest achievements so far in terms of impact on women-led businesses?
Our greatest achievement is not a single statistic, but the legacy of our members’ success. It is witnessing entrepreneurs who began with little more than a compelling idea evolve into formidable industry leaders and trusted brands, scaling from Sharjah to the international stage. To date, SBWC has empowered thousands of women, and we currently have 2,690 members, enabling them to access new markets, secure vital investment, form strategic partnerships, and, most importantly, develop the knowledge and foresight to scale their ambitions.
Every moment a member overcomes a significant business challenge or achieves a major milestone stands as a powerful testament to the impact of sustained support, a strong community, and the belief in women’s potential.
Are there particular success stories from SBWC members that stand out to you and have left a lasting impression?
The SBWC community is full of inspiring success stories and visionary business concepts, each one a unique lesson in leadership and business acumen. I am continually moved by these stories, such as members who transformed a cherished family recipe into nationally recognised F&B brands, and those who have reimagined culture and heritage into contemporary business models. Equally impressive are the innovators who have embedded sustainability into the core of their enterprises, such as those creating low-impact digital solutions or ethical fashion, proving that profitability and environmental consideration can co-exist.
There are also countless stories of women who, in chasing their own dreams, have created extensive opportunities for others, building teams and supporting local supply chains. These journeys, filled with both challenges and great success, remind us that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth and community impact as it is about business growth.
What can we expect from SBWC in the year ahead? Are there new initiatives or projects you’re particularly excited about?
In the year ahead, SBWC will continue to expand in its efforts to empower women entrepreneurs with the precise tools, knowledge, and networks required to thrive in an increasingly digital and globalised economy. While we will also continue our proven programmes, trade missions, and presence at trade shows and conferences, we are particularly excited about increasing our efforts to support STEM sectors, innovation, and accelerating our members’ digital readiness. We are also adding towards our efforts to facilitate cross-border partnerships and virtual networking, ensuring our members can build global connections from day one. Ultimately, everything we do is designed to ensure that women-led enterprises are active contributors to the UAE’s future economic trajectory.
How do you envision SBWC’s role evolving in the next five to ten years?
SBWC’s journey, guided through the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Patron of Sharjah Business Women Council, is rooted in purpose and strategic proficiency. I would say we are well on our way to becoming a globally recognised example for comprehensive female entrepreneurial support, serving as an essential enabler for businesswomen across the emirate, the nation, and the region.
In the upcoming years we will also deepen our role as a thought leader, contributing data and strategic recommendations to inform policy on SMEs and women’s economic participation. Our aim is to scale our support into frontier sectors like the digital economy, green technology, and advanced sciences, while harnessing digital platforms to create a truly connected global community of women entrepreneurs. As the global economy grows more complex, SBWC’s commitment to creating an ecosystem that fosters personal and professional growth will affirm our legacy as an institution that empowered generations of women to be the very best versions of themselves.
Who has been your greatest inspiration, personally or professionally?
I am consistently inspired by the visionary leadership of women in the UAE, most notably Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, and Patron of the Sharjah Business Women Council. Her Highness’s dedication to women’s advancement, her profound compassion, and her strategic foresight are a guiding light and a continuous call to action for all of us at SBWC. What I find most inspiring is that everything Her Highness does comes full circle, and the core of it all is the human connection and creating a better world for all people of the world. I also draw immense inspiration from every SBWC member I meet. Each woman, with her unique story of passion and perseverance, reinforces my belief in the extraordinary drive and brilliance of women and the limitless potential that collective support and guidance can unlock.
What is one life lesson that has shaped the way you lead and approach your work?
A fundamental lesson that has shaped my leadership is the understanding that while success is personally defined, it is almost never achieved alone. Authentic collaboration, deep empathy, and the courage to continuously seek mentorship and guidance are the cornerstones of impactful leadership. When we consciously choose to lift one another up, celebrate our differences as strengths, and generously share our resources and knowledge, we collectively transform what is possible. This philosophy of community-centric leadership informs every initiative I lead and every partnership I pursue, ensuring our work remains grounded in shared success.
What advice would you give to young women in the UAE who want to enter entrepreneurship but may feel hesitant?
My advice is to begin by nurturing a true belief in yourself, your idea, and your ability to make your dream come true, even if it feels intimidating or “impossible”. Do not wait for the perfect moment and work towards your goals; take small, steady steps every day, and you will be amazed at how much you can achieve. I also advise surrounding yourself with a community of mentors and peers, and SBWC provides a perfect setting for this; those who will challenge your thinking and encourage you on your journey.
Remember that failure is natural and not the end, and these lessons give us valuable steps toward lasting growth and resilience. The entrepreneurial path requires courage, but you are not walking it alone; SBWC and an entire ecosystem of support exists precisely to provide you with the guidance, connections, and resources you need to thrive. Your ambition is celebrated, and the world is ready for your contribution!
Beyond your role, what are you personally most passionate about, and how does that passion influence your professional journey?
I would say what really sparks my passion lies at the intersection of education, empowerment, and authentic human connection. From an early age, my family instilled in me the value of mutual respect, kindness, the upliftment of others, and the power of knowledge and personal growth. I carry with me the motto: “Water your mind to grow your soul,” and it is a constant reminder to nourish my inner self through continuous learning, reflection, and empathy; and to remain a student for life. This also forms the foundation of my professional journey, and the work we do at SBWC stems from a fundamental belief that every woman deserves access to opportunity, mentorship, and a platform to thrive.
