The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Growth Fund to strengthen cooperation in supporting SMEs and start-ups operating in national priority sectors. Moreover, the partnership aims to advance economic diversification and enhance the competitiveness of UAE-based enterprises across key industrial and investment areas.
The signing ceremony was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber, and Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Emirates Growth Fund. Additionally, the agreement was signed by Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber, and Khalifa Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates Growth Fund.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates, held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 May.
Focus on SME Financing and Ecosystem Development
The MoU outlines four key areas of cooperation, including exploring joint opportunities to support SMEs and start-ups in Sharjah. Additionally, it focuses on strengthening data sharing and coordination to identify eligible ventures, while expanding access to financing and investment solutions provided by the Emirates Growth Fund.
Moreover, the agreement aims to enhance the efficiency of the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and improve capital accessibility for chamber-affiliated businesses.
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi stated that the MoU aligns with the Sharjah Chamber’s strategy to strengthen the business environment and expand support for entrepreneurs and SMEs. He noted that the partnership adds value to the Chamber’s services and will help unlock new financing and development pathways.
Al Awadi added that the agreement improves connectivity between entrepreneurs and domestic capital sources. As a result, it is expected to address funding gaps within the SME ecosystem.
Investment Support for Priority Sectors
Khalifa Al Hajeri said the partnership reflects the Emirates Growth Fund’s commitment to supporting economic diversification by directing investment into SMEs within priority sectors. Additionally, he said the agreement strengthens the fund’s role as an enabler of sustainable economic growth.
He noted that the MoU provides access to Sharjah’s diversified business ecosystem, supported by a developed industrial and commercial base. Moreover, he said it supports a growing pipeline of high-potential ventures.
“Through collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber, EGF aims to deploy tailored investment solutions that accelerate business growth, strengthen competitive positioning, and expand market reach across local, regional, and global markets,” Al Hajeri added.
