SBWC empowers women entrepreneurs as the Sharjah Business Women Council marks 2025 as a year of strong growth and deeper impact. The Council strengthened its role as a complete support system for women-led businesses. It helped women move from ideas to global markets. The focus remained on long-term value, sustainability, and scale.
Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, said 2025 reflected a clear strategic shift. The Council worked to build strong and practical opportunities for women entrepreneurs. These efforts align with global indicators on women’s empowerment in the UAE. World Bank data showed women’s workforce participation reached 54.1 percent in 2024. The UAE also achieved a full score in the Women, Business and the Law 2024 report.
SBWC empowers women entrepreneurs by listening to their needs. Early in the year, the Council held consultation sessions in Sharjah and Kalba. These sessions helped shape relevant programmes. SBWC also took part in the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival. It launched the NMU Initiative to support women-led brands. The Business Readiness Bootcamp focused on legal, financial, and marketing skills.
Global exposure remained a key goal. SBWC supported members at major exhibitions like the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show and Expand North Star. Women entrepreneurs also joined a Sharjah trade mission to China. This opened access to international supply chains and new markets.
The Council expanded into new sectors as well. It contributed to national discussions on social entrepreneurship and the circular economy. Special forums supported innovation and sustainable business models.
Through strong platforms and partnerships, SBWC continues to empower women entrepreneurs. It reinforces Sharjah’s position as a hub for women-led business growth.
