Latest news with #FatimaAlAli
Zawya
17-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
RUWAD funds $778mln worth of projects, welcomes 449 new members in 2024
SHARJAH: The Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), affiliated with the Sharjah Economic Development Department, has issued its annual report for 2024, revealing the funding of 13 projects worth AED2.86 million and the addition of 449 new projects to its membership network. The report coincides with the 20th anniversary of RUWAD's founding as a pioneering government entity in supporting leading national projects in the Emirate of Sharjah, and highlights its central role in empowering the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, said the establishment of RUWAD under a decree by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in 2005, marked a turning point. He affirmed that the Foundation has succeeded in establishing an early and effective government model for supporting entrepreneurship and empowering thousands of Emirati entrepreneurs. He added that RUWAD remains an inspiring and bright chapter in Sharjah's journey of investing in people. Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of RUWAD, affirmed the Foundation's commitment to localising the entrepreneurial environment and driving it toward greater success. The 2024 figures showed that RUWAD organised 57 training programmes benefiting 1,414 trainees, provided 118 consultations, and granted 81 projects government fee exemptions amounting to AED8.727 million. Government purchases from member projects totalled nearly AED3.485 million. Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research and Events Department, said RUWAD acts as an active connector, noting that last year saw 22 business matchmaking deals between projects, 17 development meetings with partners, and participation in 10 external events and exhibitions. Internally, the Foundation achieved an Emiratisation rate of 97 percent and a job satisfaction rate of 88 percent.
Gulf Today
09-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
RUWAD approves financing for 4 projects worth Dhs1.55 million
The Project Financing Committee of the Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurial Projects (RUWAD) approved during its 35th meeting four projects at a total of Dhs1,550,000. The meeting was led by Hamad Ali Abdullah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Development Department. The committee decided to directly fund two of these projects through the RUWAD programme. One project is a new commercial venture located in the Al Saja'a area (Dhs200,000), while the other is a vocational initiative in Dibba Al Hisn (Dhs200,000). Additionally, the committee approved extra funding of Dhs450,000 for one project in the industrial sector, amounting to a specific sum, which will also be provided through direct financing. They also agreed to support another technical project with funding (Dhs700,00) through the bank, which will be done indirectly. So far this year, the committee has approved a total of nine projects, including some that are getting extra funding. The overall amount of money approved for these projects comes to Dhs2,670,000. The committee members talked about several ideas to improve the support and funding for various projects. One suggestion was to combine technical evaluations with legal advice to help ensure better decision-making. They also discussed ways to make it easier for projects to get started and find the right suppliers for their different needs, especially in areas like monitoring, design, decoration, and construction. Additionally, they touched on other topics such as providing clear information about who really owns a project, protecting consumers, and understanding credit ratings. In May, The Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), under the Sharjah Department of Economic Development, launched the first edition of the 'Ruwad Community' initiative in Aljada. The event brought together national small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and 20 private sector institutions, offering them dedicated spaces to showcase their services to entrepreneurs. The initiative aims to strengthen partnerships between SMEs and private companies, fostering a more vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the emirate. Twenty companies and organisations took part in the initiative, representing various sectors including banking, marketing, human resources, feasibility studies, accounting, and e-commerce. Their participation showcased the wide range of support services available to entrepreneurs in Sharjah. Fatima Al Ali, Director of Ruwad, officially inaugurated the event, which was attended by more than 70 entrepreneurs, both male and female, including RUWAD members and young individuals interested in entrepreneurship. The event created valuable opportunities for networking and showcasing various business services. Al Ali stated that the initiative seeks to create a dynamic platform that connects SMEs with private sector companies. She emphasised that the exposure to services and facilities offered by these companies can contribute to project development, access to competitive offers, and the signing of strategic contracts in administrative, financial, and marketing fields. She extended her gratitude to the participating companies, highlighting the strong link between the private sector and entrepreneurship. She noted the vital role of private institutions in delivering high-quality, efficient services, supported by their broad expertise, knowledge, and advanced tools, ultimately creating added value for both sides and enhancing local and foreign investment. The initiative also acted as an excellent promotional platform for Ruwad member projects, enhancing their revenue potential through possible contracts with private sector companies. The initiative connected members with fresh service providers and assisted the Ruwad team in refreshing its database of engaged and prospective individuals in the entrepreneurship landscape within and outside Sharjah. Last Year, RUWAD reported that its member projects had earned Dhs3,484,680 in government contracts across the UAE, a 23.9% increase from 2023. Acting Director Fatima Al Ali stated that this rise underscores RUWAD members' strong position as trusted providers to federal and local government agencies. It also demonstrates a growing trust in the quality of services and goods provided by Emirati entrepreneurs, reinforcing their position in national development and public-private collaborations. She stated that RUWAD is dedicated to increasing its members' competitiveness through focused training programmes, awareness workshops, and discussions on government procurement methods. Members are also urged to join approved supplier platforms and take part in digital tendering processes. WAM
Sharjah 24
09-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Ruwad records 23.9% growth in government contracts in 2024
Improving national economic performance Acting Director Fatima Al Ali stated that this rise underscores RUWAD members' strong position as trusted providers to federal and local government agencies. It also demonstrates a growing trust in the quality of services and goods provided by Emirati entrepreneurs, reinforcing their position in national development and public-private collaborations. Enhancing member competitiveness She stated that RUWAD is dedicated to increasing its members' competitiveness through focused training programs, awareness workshops, and discussions on government procurement methods. Members are also urged to join approved supplier platforms and take part in digital tendering processes. Government partnerships Al Ali also stated that the foundation works with key authorities such as the Ministry of Finance and Sharjah's Central Finance Department to foster a conducive business environment. These collaborations enable increased participation in bids and provide additional incentives and opportunities for enterprises. Expanded reach throughout federal contracts In 2024, 46 RUWAD projects signed 318 contracts with 42 federal agencies. The services provided varied from hospitality and catering to facility management and office operations. Leading contracting bodies included the Sharjah Police Academy, Kalba Municipality, and the Districts Affairs Department. Expansion of supplier base by 250%. By the end of 2024, the number of RUWAD members registered as suppliers with Sharjah's Central Finance Department had grown to 129, up from 14 the previous year, representing a 250% increase. This extension allows more projects to benefit from government procurement privileges. RUWAD members also closed 22 mutual deals as part of the "Tashbeek" initiative, which aims to develop entrepreneurial relationships while also boosting collaboration and service integration.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefit from Ruwad's Programs
Ambitious Development Vision Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated that the foundation is implementing a set of ambitious training projects as part of its vision to empower Emirati talents in entrepreneurship. The programs aim to open promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and support their ventures across sectors, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a preferred destination for national entrepreneurs. Comprehensive Training Approach Al Ali added that Ruwad's training and diploma programs provide participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills in administrative, financial, marketing, and legal fields. These are delivered through an integrated approach that combines real-world theoretical insights with hands-on application. Expanding Training Partnerships She noted that Ruwad has successfully built strong partnerships with various academic institutions, including universities, centers, and institutes, in addition to specialised entrepreneurship training entities. These collaborations support the delivery of advanced training using modern technological tools and applications. Entrepreneurial Topics Covered The training workshops and programs addressed a wide range of topics, from general skill-building and business management to specialized content for launching small projects, financial accounting, and taxation for SMEs. They also included mini-MBA programs, specialized diplomas, introductory workshops, and knowledge development sessions. Diverse Beneficiary Groups Al Ali expressed pride in the foundation's role in upskilling various groups involved in or aspiring to join the entrepreneurial sector. These include existing entrepreneurs, aspiring startup founders, school and university students, government employees, retirees, and holders of home business licenses like Etimad and Masar. Cumulative Training Milestones Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department, revealed that by the end of 2024, Ruwad had delivered a total of 395 training programs and professional diplomas since its establishment. These amounted to 3,555 training hours over 1,139 training days, with a total of 9,724 participants. 2024 Training Outcomes In 2024 alone, Ruwad conducted 56 training programs and workshops, comprising 351 training hours over 106 days. The total number of participants was 1,402, including 483 male entrepreneurs (34.2%) and 931 female entrepreneurs (65.8%). Ambassadors Program Expansion Ruwad also launched the second edition of its 'Entrepreneurship Ambassadors' diploma program, graduating 13 government employees from Sharjah after completing an 8-day course that included 50 training hours. Highlights of 2024 Programs Notable training programs in 2024 included four discussion evenings focused on entrepreneurship in the industrial sector, with participation from 64 projects. The AI-driven marketing innovation program hosted 47 trainees, while 44 participated in the supply chain and logistics program. Additionally, 25 trainees joined the entrepreneurial psychology program, 18 participated in the tourism entrepreneurship program, and 16 attended the digital marketing strategies program. Strengthening Strategic Alliances Throughout the past year, Ruwad enhanced its strategic partnerships for entrepreneurial training. Existing collaborations were strengthened, and new ones were established with institutions such as the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah, the Federal Tax Authority, the Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. New Collaborative Ventures Ruwad also initiated new training partnerships with various Sharjah entities, including the Central Finance Department, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Documentation House, Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Police Academy, Al Dhaid Municipality, and library administrations in Kalba, Khorfakkan, and Al Dhaid.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefit from Ruwad's Programmes
SHARJAH - In 2024, a total of 1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefitted from training programmes and professional diplomas offered by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation 'Ruwad' affiliated with the Sharjah Department of Economic Development. The initiative falls within Ruwad's annual plan to equip project owners with the skills needed to establish and manage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Sharjah. Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated that the foundation is implementing a set of ambitious training projects as part of its vision to empower Emirati talents in entrepreneurship. The programmes aim to open promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and support their ventures across sectors, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a preferred destination for national entrepreneurs. Al Ali added that Ruwad's training and diploma programmes provide participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills in administrative, financial, marketing, and legal fields. These are delivered through an integrated approach that combines real-world theoretical insights with hands-on application. She noted that Ruwad has successfully built strong partnerships with various academic institutions, including universities, centers, and institutes, in addition to specialised entrepreneurship training entities. These collaborations support the delivery of advanced training using modern technological tools and applications. The training workshops and programmes addressed a wide range of topics, from general skill-building and business management to specialized content for launching small projects, financial accounting, and taxation for SMEs. They also included mini-MBA programmes, specialized diplomas, introductory workshops, and knowledge development sessions. Al Ali expressed pride in the foundation's role in upskilling various groups involved in or aspiring to join the entrepreneurial sector. These include existing entrepreneurs, aspiring startup founders, school and university students, government employees, retirees, and holders of home business licenses like Etimad and Masar. Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department, revealed that by the end of 2024, Ruwad had delivered a total of 395 training programmes and professional diplomas since its establishment. These amounted to 3,555 training hours over 1,139 training days, with a total of 9,724 participants.
