Abu Dhabi: Jasour – News Desk
In the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center “Sheraa,” the eighth edition of the “Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival” kicked off yesterday, with the participation of a group of global business leaders, change-makers, and influential figures committed to shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.
Among them were Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of the Sharjah Art Foundation, Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud, Secretary General and member of the Board of Trustees of Alwaleed Philanthropies, and H.E. Aliyah bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship.
In an unprecedented achievement in the field of communication technology, the festival’s opening ceremony witnessed the unveiling of “Ishara,” the world’s first system for translating Arabic sign language using artificial intelligence. This system was developed by the winners of the Dojo+ program at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), marking a pioneering step towards empowering special needs individuals with hearing impairments and enhancing inclusion and communication.
During the festival’s opening day, a panel discussion titled “Addressing Social Challenges and Enhancing Cultural Convergence through Art, Philanthropy, and Humanitarian Work” was hosted, featuring Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi and Princess Lamia bint Majed Al Saud.
They discussed the role of art in fostering cultural dialogue and understanding, as well as the impact of philanthropy and humanitarian work on driving the desired social change. The session highlighted the pivotal role that creative expression and collective giving play in overcoming global challenges.
In her speech during the session, Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasized that every project she works on reflects her personal vision, inspired by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who always stresses the importance of society writing its own history instead of having it written by others.
She pointed out the importance of the integration between culture and entrepreneurship, and that supporting sectors such as museums, culture, and education, among others, rests on the shoulders of individuals and institutions to ensure their sustainability and enhance their impact on society.
