Latest news with #AliAlHosani
Sharjah 24
07-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa unveils the 7th edition of Access Sharjah Challenge
With a total prize value of AED 500,000, the Access Sharjah Challenge is now open for applications from education-focused startups around the world that have validated prototypes and are looking to scale internationally. Applications will be accepted until August 17. The challenge is being held in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy. The prize money will be divided equally between two winners, enabling them to test and implement their solutions at Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School and Al Badee Nursery. The upcoming edition, organized by Sheraa in collaboration with key implementation partners, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) invites leading global education startups at the Pre-Series A, Series A, B, and C+ stage to submit innovative solutions addressing two priority education challenges: Future-Ready Skills Challenge, which focuses on equipping students with foundational and digital skills to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging to the Arabic language and embedding it as a core part of a child's identity from an early age. This collaborative approach ensures that all challenge statements reflect real-world needs and that submitted solutions are positioned for meaningful and scalable impact across Sharjah's education ecosystem. Sharjah leads the future of education Commenting on the launch, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: We believe that meaningful innovation is defined by its ability to create real impact and expand access to learning. The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into scalable, real-world educational solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich an already vibrant learning ecosystem, offering educators and students renewed opportunities to embrace tools and technologies that nurture lifelong learning and spark intellectual curiosity.' She added: 'Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and private sectors. This solid foundation positions the emirate as a leader in reimagining the future of education. The Access Sharjah Challenge is an open invitation to the world's most innovative education startups to help shape an inclusive, agile, and future-ready learning model, built from within a community that champions creativity and innovation.' Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), emphasized the importance of the Authority's participation in the Sharjah Gateway Challenge. Through its presence, the Authority seeks to contribute to building an informed and empowered society grounded in knowledge and science. He noted that innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development, shaping the future, and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. He stressed that adopting innovative thinking mechanisms and providing a nurturing environment for talent are fundamental pillars in building a prosperous future for students. He said, "Through the educational brainstorming workshop, the Authority contributed to shaping the "Future-Ready Skills Challenge" as a key theme, driven by our belief in its role in leading a qualitative transformation in the education system." He expressed his pride in cooperating with Sheraa and the Sharjah Education Academy to launch this challenge, which represents an effective model for the integration of roles between educational institutions in the emirate. Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, the Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed: "We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) through the 'Access Sharjah' Challenge by launching our unique challenge, 'Arabic Language in Early Childhood'. This collaboration demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering educational innovation and entrepreneurial solutions that restore the Arabic language as a vital component of children's lives, serving as a means of identity, culture, and belonging, rather than just a communication tool." She added: "At Sharjah Education Academy, we strive to reimagine the presence of the Arabic language in our children's lives by integrating it in fun and engaging ways into everyday learning activities. We are committed to empowering teachers, involving families, and designing stimulating learning environments that make Arabic a vibrant, meaningful experience rooted in belonging from the earliest years of a child's life. We hope this challenge inspires innovative ideas that strengthen Arabic language learning and deepen generational connections to it." Eligibility and program criteria ASC 2025 is open to global startups with a previous track record in working with corporate or government collaborations. Applicants must offer impact-driven, adaptable, and market-ready educational solutions aligned to the program's challenge statements. Startups should also demonstrate strong leadership, market traction with existing users, and a willingness to establish a local presence in Sharjah to scale their solutions regionally. From over 2,000 applications, 10 startups will be shortlisted through a rigorous two-stage selection process. The first, Criteria-Based Filtering, will assess alignment with challenge themes, market readiness, and scalability. The second, Interview-Based shortlisting, will evaluate the startup's fit for Sharjah's context, pilot readiness, and long-term potential. AED 500,000 prize and pathway to scale Following the selection of the top 10 startups, a dedicated 'Champions Training' program on August 20 will prepare implementation leads from partner organizations to effectively guide the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase. These champions will be trained in best practices for startup mentorship, PoC management, and adaptive troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and impactful collaboration throughout the program. Participants will then undergo a tailored 'Startup Readiness Sprint' on August 27–28, designed to ensure alignment with the challenge. The program will focus on technical fit, pitch refinement, and collaboration readiness, equipping startups with a deep understanding of the challenge statements, partner expectations, and local market dynamics. The Startup Readiness Sprint concludes with a pitch to a judging panel comprising of the implementation partners, industry experts and key stakeholders; two winning startups will receive an equity-free grant of AED 250,000 each to pilot their solutions across schools and early childhood development centers in Sharjah. The pilot phase, starting on 22nd September 2025, will provide real-world testing environments, continuous support, and potential for long-term partnerships and scale. The program culminates in a showcase of pilot results at Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on 14 – 15 February 2016, where winners will be announced.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sheraa unveils the 7th edition of Access Sharjah Challenge to spark educational innovation
The challenge reinforces Sharjah's position as a leading hub for educational innovation in the region. Supporting the UAE's vision for Higher Education 2030 with a focus on innovation, creativity, and future readiness. AED 500,000 prize pool awaits global startups ready to redefine the future of education. Applications are open until 17 August 2025 for education-focused startups from around the world. Sara Al Nuaimi: Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure. Ali Al Hosani: Innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. Pauline Taylor-Guy: We are committed to empowering teachers, engaging families, and creating vibrant learning environments that make Arabic a meaningful experience rooted in belonging. Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) announced the opening of applications for the seventh edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge on July 7th, 2025, with this year's focus on the education sector. The challenge seeks to empower innovative solutions that leverage the transformative power of education to tackle key challenges in learning. This aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which aims to build an education system that nurtures knowledge, creativity, and future-ready skills. With a total prize value of AED 500,000, the Access Sharjah Challenge is now open for applications from education-focused startups around the world that have validated prototypes and are looking to scale internationally. Applications will be accepted until August 17. The challenge is being held in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy. The prize money will be divided equally between two winners, enabling them to test and implement their solutions at Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School and Al Badee Nursery. The upcoming edition, organized by Sheraa in collaboration with key implementation partners, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) invites leading global education startups at the Pre-Series A, Series A, B, and C+ stage to submit innovative solutions addressing two priority education challenges: Future-Ready Skills Challenge, which focuses on equipping students with foundational and digital skills to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging to the Arabic language and embedding it as a core part of a child's identity from an early age. This collaborative approach ensures that all challenge statements reflect real-world needs and that submitted solutions are positioned for meaningful and scalable impact across Sharjah's education ecosystem. Sharjah leads the future of education Commenting on the launch, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: We believe that meaningful innovation is defined by its ability to create real impact and expand access to learning. The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into scalable, real-world educational solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich an already vibrant learning ecosystem, offering educators and students renewed opportunities to embrace tools and technologies that nurture lifelong learning and spark intellectual curiosity.' She added: 'Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and private sectors. This solid foundation positions the emirate as a leader in reimagining the future of education. The Access Sharjah Challenge is an open invitation to the world's most innovative education startups to help shape an inclusive, agile, and future-ready learning model, built from within a community that champions creativity and innovation.' H.E. Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), emphasized the importance of the Authority's participation in the Sharjah Gateway Challenge. Through its presence, the Authority seeks to contribute to building an informed and empowered society grounded in knowledge and science. He noted that innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development, shaping the future, and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. He stressed that adopting innovative thinking mechanisms and providing a nurturing environment for talent are fundamental pillars in building a prosperous future for students. He said, "Through the educational brainstorming workshop, the Authority contributed to shaping the "Future-Ready Skills Challenge" as a key theme, driven by our belief in its role in leading a qualitative transformation in the education system." He expressed his pride in cooperating with Sheraa and the Sharjah Education Academy to launch this challenge, which represents an effective model for the integration of roles between educational institutions in the emirate. Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, the Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed: "We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) through the 'Access Sharjah' Challenge by launching our unique challenge, 'Arabic Language in Early Childhood'. This collaboration demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering educational innovation and entrepreneurial solutions that restore the Arabic language as a vital component of children's lives, serving as a means of identity, culture, and belonging, rather than just a communication tool." She added: "At Sharjah Education Academy, we strive to reimagine the presence of the Arabic language in our children's lives by integrating it in fun and engaging ways into everyday learning activities. We are committed to empowering teachers, involving families, and designing stimulating learning environments that make Arabic a vibrant, meaningful experience rooted in belonging from the earliest years of a child's life. We hope this challenge inspires innovative ideas that strengthen Arabic language learning and deepen generational connections to it." Eligibility and program criteria ASC 2025 is open to global startups with a previous track record in working with corporate or government collaborations. Applicants must offer impact-driven, adaptable, and market-ready educational solutions aligned to the program's challenge statements. Startups should also demonstrate strong leadership, market traction with existing users, and a willingness to establish a local presence in Sharjah to scale their solutions regionally. From over 2,000 applications, 10 startups will be shortlisted through a rigorous two-stage selection process. The first, Criteria-Based Filtering, will assess alignment with challenge themes, market readiness, and scalability. The second, Interview-Based shortlisting, will evaluate the startup's fit for Sharjah's context, pilot readiness, and long-term potential. AED 500,000 prize and pathway to scale Following the selection of the top 10 startups, a dedicated 'Champions Training' program on August 20 will prepare implementation leads from partner organizations to effectively guide the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase. These champions will be trained in best practices for startup mentorship, PoC management, and adaptive troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and impactful collaboration throughout the program. Participants will then undergo a tailored 'Startup Readiness Sprint' on August 27–28, designed to ensure alignment with the challenge. The program will focus on technical fit, pitch refinement, and collaboration readiness, equipping startups with a deep understanding of the challenge statements, partner expectations, and local market dynamics. The Startup Readiness Sprint concludes with a pitch to a judging panel comprising of the implementation partners, industry experts and key stakeholders; two winning startups will receive an equity-free grant of AED 250,000 each to pilot their solutions across schools and early childhood development centers in Sharjah. The pilot phase, starting on 22nd September 2025, will provide real-world testing environments, continuous support, and potential for long-term partnerships and scale. The program culminates in a showcase of pilot results at Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on 14 – 15 February 2016, where winners will be announced.
Sharjah 24
25-03-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPEA opens partnerships for ‘Qum Lil Muallim' initiative
Invitation for public and private sector collaboration SPEA has extended an invitation to both governmental and private sector entities to actively contribute to supporting teachers by submitting applications to join the initiative. Those interested in participating or seeking further details about the eligibility criteria and conditions can reach out to the authority via email at The significance of teacher support His Excellency Ali Al Hosani, Director-General of SPEA, underscored the critical importance of supporting teachers and recognising their invaluable contributions. He stated: "Teachers form the foundation of the educational process, and 'Qum Lil Muallim' is a heartfelt message of gratitude and appreciation for their indispensable role in shaping future generations." He further elaborated on the initiative's objective of offering exclusive benefits, discounts, and services designed to empower teachers, enhance their skills, and elevate their expertise. The ultimate goal is to enable teachers to excel in their careers while fostering a high-quality educational environment across the Emirate of Sharjah. Al Hosani also emphasised: "By opening the door for partnerships, we aim to establish an expansive network of strategic allies who share our commitment to valuing, empowering, and supporting teachers. We are confident that this initiative will leave a lasting positive impact on the education sector and reinforce Sharjah's reputation as a leading educational hub." The initiative as part of Sharjah's education strategy The 'Qum Lil Muallim' initiative is aligned with SPEA's strategic framework for 2022–2024, which seeks to elevate the quality and efficiency of private education within the emirate. This initiative is dedicated to fostering a learning environment that promotes creativity and innovation while reinforcing the significance of educators and recognising their indispensable efforts in shaping a knowledgeable and inventive generation. By forging strategic alliances with both public and private entities, the initiative provides educators with a range of benefits, including academic and healthcare services, in addition to privileges in entertainment, shopping, and various public services. Primary goals of the initiative The initiative is designed to achieve several key objectives, including: Strengthening the social and professional standing of educators. Enhancing their overall quality of life, both professionally and personally. Encouraging innovation and creative thinking within the educational workspace. Attracting top-tier professionals to the private education sector. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of education within the emirate. Establishing Sharjah as a premier educational centre that nurtures, supports, and provides an enriching environment for educators to thrive and excel.
Sharjah 24
24-02-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
SPEA collaborates with Air Arabia to support teachers
Partnership details and benefits The agreement, signed by His Excellency Ali Al Hosani, Director General of SPEA, and Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia, aims to enhance the professional and personal well-being of teachers. The partnership includes offering "Rise for the Teacher" cardholders and their immediate families a 10% discount on all Air Arabia flights, valid until October 31, 2025. To access these benefits, cardholders must present their 'Rise for the Teacher' card along with their Emirates ID. Commitment to supporting teachers Her Excellency Dr Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority, emphasised the importance of investing in teachers to enhance the future of education. The initiative is part of Sharjah's broader vision to support and empower teachers, aligning with efforts to improve education quality. Air Arabia's role in supporting education Adel Ali of Air Arabia expressed pride in the partnership, emphasizing the company's commitment to supporting the education sector and acknowledging the pivotal role teachers play in shaping future generations. Future initiatives This agreement sets the stage for further collaboration between the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Air Arabia, with possibilities for expanding the partnership to continue supporting and developing the educational process. The summit provided an ideal platform for launching such impactful initiatives to enhance education quality and empower teachers.
Sharjah 24
12-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Final-phase interviews for Educational Excellence Award
Award categories The award consists of two primary categories. The Outstanding Individuals category encompasses exceptional students, remarkable students in special categories, exemplary parents, commendable supporting roles, distinguished teachers, and notable educational leaders. The Outstanding Institutions category encompasses exceptional schools, remarkable nurseries, and distinguished educational institutions and partnerships. The "Jewel of the Arabic Language" award also seeks to enhance and reinforce the significance of Arabic in the school community. Methodical selection procedure The selection process adheres to a structured and systematic approach. The award committee has enhanced its dialogue with the education sector to guarantee a seamless and equitable evaluation process. Finalists undergo assessment according to revised excellence criteria, which are in harmony with the continuous enhancements in the award's framework. Award's impact and leadership reflections Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), highlighted that the award has transformed into a platform that fosters creativity and innovation within the education sector. Alia Ibrahim Al Hosani, director of the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence, reiterated the organisation's dedication to fostering excellence and supporting the nation's development objectives. Community engagement and winner announcement The official platforms and social media channels invite the public to engage with and support the finalists as they progress through the award. The anticipation grows as the announcement of this year's winners draws near.
