For Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), entrepreneurship is more than a career path—it’s a means to inspire and drive lasting societal change. A trailblazer in the UAE’s startup ecosystem, Najla is known for her commitment to fostering an environment where youth can navigate their careers with purpose, resilience, and innovation. Through initiatives like Khayarat, which she founded to help young Emiratis make informed career choices, she has built bridges between aspirations and opportunities, empowering local talent to shape fulfilling futures. Her work with Sheraa has placed her at the heart of Sharjah’s innovation landscape, leading transformative projects that have strengthened the UAE’s place as a hub for inclusive and forward-thinking entrepreneurship.
Building Sheraa into a World-Class Ecosystem
As the Founding CEO of Sheraa, Najla envisioned an incubator that would serve as more than just a launchpad for startups. She aspired to build a collaborative community where founders, investors, and thought leaders could converge, exchange ideas, and tackle challenges. Since Sheraa’s establishment, Najla has overseen the incubation of over 180 ventures, helping these startups collectively raise more than $170 million in investment capital and create thousands of jobs. By championing a supportive ecosystem for emerging businesses, Najla has turned Sheraa into a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic development.
Through initiatives like Sheraa’s Access Sharjah Challenge and Full-Stack Program, she has provided comprehensive support to young entrepreneurs, including mentorship, investor networks, and industry-specific resources. Her work has made Sheraa a vital part of the UAE’s vision for a robust and diverse economy fuelled by entrepreneurial success.
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival: A Platform for Visionary Thinkers
Launched in 2017 by Najla, the annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has quickly grown into one of the most dynamic gatherings in the MENA region. SEF attracts over 10,000 attendees, including entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders passionate about creating impactful solutions to real-world challenges. Under Najla’s guidance, SEF has become a space where changemakers connect, collaborate, and inspire each other. The festival’s diverse range of workshops, keynote speeches, and networking events reflects her vision for an inclusive entrepreneurial community that fosters a spirit of innovation across industries.
Khayarat: Empowering Emirati Youth for a Purpose-Driven Future
Najla’s commitment to empowering youth extends into Khayarat, a platform she founded to help young Emiratis navigate career choices and build essential life skills. Through Khayarat, Najla has equipped young people with tools to make informed decisions about their professional journeys. This initiative is a testament to her dedication to preparing the next generation for the workforce with resilience and purpose.
Khayarat emphasises real-world insights, mentorship, and career guidance—essential elements that help young professionals pursue fulfilling career paths. For Najla, Khayarat represents a vital component in building a strong, adaptable workforce to shape the UAE’s future with confidence and vision.
Strategic Leadership Across Multiple Sectors
Najla’s influence extends beyond Sheraa, with key board positions in banking, energy, and education, showcasing her commitment to governance that values resilience and sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience at organisations like McKinsey & Company, PwC, and Shell, she brings a wealth of strategic expertise across multiple industries to her board roles. This cross-sector experience allows her to further strengthen Sheraa’s mission by integrating broader perspectives on community development and economic sustainability.
Shaping UAE’s Future Economy Through Inclusive Leadership
At the core of Najla’s leadership philosophy is a belief in inclusivity and empowerment. Under her guidance, Sheraa has developed into a supportive ecosystem that champions diversity and encourages the participation of women and young people in the UAE’s entrepreneurial community. Her strategic focus on inclusivity has created a diverse portfolio of startups within Sheraa’s ecosystem, covering a wide array of industries from FinTech and EdTech to sustainability-focused social enterprises. By fostering a collaborative culture, Najla is setting a standard for a resilient, diverse economy that benefits society as a whole.
A Lifelong Commitment to Learning and Leadership
Najla’s journey in leadership is rooted in her commitment to lifelong learning. She holds an MBA from Stanford University, which has shaped her strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Her participation in the Aspen Institute’s Middle East Leadership Initiative and the Aspen Global Leadership Network has further honed her leadership philosophy, integrating values of empathy and social responsibility into her approach.
This dedication to purpose-driven leadership allows her to address challenges facing today’s entrepreneurs and create positive impact. Her journey exemplifies the importance of continual growth, mentorship, and fostering a culture that prioritises both individual and community advancement.
