Under to patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah

Upcoming conference will boost creative ideas & economic development amongst UAE's young entrepreneurs

Sharjah, 28th November, 2011:- The inaugural Sharjah Tatweer Forum's 'Inspiring and Aspiring Entrepreneurs' 2011 Conference, is set to inspire the UAE's aspiring young entrepreneurs through a series of targeted, tailored sessions that will encourage discourse on creative ideas and economic development.

Under the theme of 'Inspiring and Aspiring Entrepreneurs' the Conference will encourage young people in the UAE to come up with and exchange creative ideas and mould these into entrepreneurial projects. The wide range of opportunities available in Sharjah will be presented, alongside valuable perspectives from entrepreneurs themselves. Practical solutions to entrepreneurial ventures will be coupled with the keys to success. The Forum is a platform that will allow attendees to think and create together through strong discourse, networking and idea generation and will produce a detailed document, profiling successful Sharjah entrepreneurs.

Held on 21 December at the Sharjah Expo Centre in partnership with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the Conference will welcome esteemed delegates from throughout the UAE representing the Emirates' entrepreneurs, private sector, Federal UAE Government, Sharjah Government, funding institutions and banks, academia and students - valuable future entrepreneurs in the burgeoning market.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah is also Honorary Chairman of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum and will inaugurate the conference.

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan will also tour the corresponding one-day exhibition that will showcase SMEs, and funding authorities. Aimed at enabling new and existing SMEs and Government organisations to invest in new business ideas, the inaugural exhibition is open to all those keen to activate their entrepreneurial journey. The event will provide unique networking opportunities, which will be encapsulated by the launch of the Sharjah Tatweer Entrepreneurs Network: a scheme set to open communication channels amongst Sharjah entrepreneurs.

The dedicated one-day conference will comprise of four key sessions. 'Opportunities' will review the opportunities available in the UAE with particular emphasis on Sharjah. During the event there will also be invaluable opportunities for attendees to meet organisations that fund entrepreneur programmes and foster the growth of SMEs. 'Enablers' will discuss regulations, funding and support, while a session entitled 'Profiling Entrepreneurs will discuss the traits that lead to success' - The final session will showcase success stories of Entrepreneurs who successfully ventured into private business and their experiences.

"Sharjah Tatweer Forum's 'Inspiring and Aspiring Entrepreneurs 2011' Conference aims to inspire and encourage entrepreneurship amongst aspiring young nationals. The Emirate of Sharjah holds key components for the development of a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, including a skilled young population, a culture and history of trade and family businesses along with commitment by the Government in promoting private sector growth," Mr Jassim Al Bloushi, Chairman of the Sharjah Tatweer Forum, said.

"Through the Conference, entrepreneurs  will gain the opportunity to take their dreams and goals from paper to reality. The ideas and concepts formulated by young Emirati entrepreneurs will be merged with the UAE's strategies in terms of economic and social development, through the 'Inspiring and 'Aspiring' Conference. Giving birth to SMEs in this way will enable young UAE nationals to play a major role in the UAE's economy," he said.

High-profile distinguished guests to the Conference include H.E. Engineer Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

Sharjah Tatweer Forum's 'Inspiring and Aspiring Entrepreneurs 2011' Conference will draw upon the knowledge and experience of local and regional experts with the aim of providing a realistic outlook on the sector, opportunities available and to inspire more creative ideas. Further high-profile keynote speakers will be detailed in an exclusive announcement to come.

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About Sharjah Tatweer Forum
Sharjah Tatweer Forum (STF) is a non-profit independent entity established in May of 2005 by an Emiri Decree (29-2005) by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, and the Honorary Chairman of Tatweer.  The Forum aims to contribute to the progress and the sustainable development of the Emirate of Sharjah through enabling young leaders; supporting the implementation of viable projects and the productive interaction with society to achieve a better future based on the cultural heritage of Sharjah.

STF is comprised of over 600 members who contribute to the overall objectives of STF through suggestions and ideas, initiatives and activities and voluntary social work.  STF also provides a platform for networking and communications between a large segment of youth. Membership in STF is open to all nationalities from within or from abroad, although membership in the Board of Directors is limited to UAE nationals.

In February of 2010, a new Board of Directors was selected and confirmed by the Executive Council to serve a two-year term in office. The decree also established an Honorary Council of Founding Members that incorporates the five original founders of STF, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

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© Press Release 2011