Al Fardan Exchange has entered into a strategic partnership with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) to enhance financial access for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises across the UAE. The agreement was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding during the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026. The collaboration signals a joint commitment to strengthening the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through tailored financial services and institutional support.
Partnership Formalised at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
The MoU was signed by Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, Chief Executive Officer of Al Fardan Exchange, and H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, Chief Executive Officer of Sheraa. The signing took place on the sidelines of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, one of the region’s key platforms for founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers. The event provided a strategic setting for announcing a partnership designed to address the evolving financial needs of startups and SMEs.
Under the agreement, Al Fardan Exchange will engage directly with Sheraa’s network of more than 500 startups and SMEs. The focus will be on understanding operational challenges and identifying opportunities to offer tailored money transfer and financial solutions. Both organisations aim to create a structured pathway for founders to access compliant, secure, and scalable financial services.
Strengthening Financial Access for Startups and SMEs
The partnership will see Al Fardan Exchange participate in selected Sheraa initiatives, including demo days, investor forums, and community programmes. Through these engagements, founders will gain exposure to financial expertise and practical insights that can support business expansion and cross-border operations. The initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate financial service providers more closely into entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Hasan Fardan Al Fardan emphasised that startups and SMEs represent a critical driver of economic diversification and innovation in the UAE. He noted that access to trusted and compliant financial infrastructure plays a vital role in enabling sustainable growth and resilience. According to him, the collaboration aims to better understand founders’ operational realities and facilitate meaningful financial inclusion.
Supporting the UAE’s Entrepreneurial Ambitions
The agreement comes at a time when the UAE continues to reinforce its standing as a global hub for entrepreneurship. The country was ranked first worldwide in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024–2025 report, underscoring its supportive regulatory environment and strong business infrastructure. Against this backdrop, partnerships between financial institutions and entrepreneurship enablers are becoming increasingly significant.
H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi highlighted the importance of SMEs in driving innovation-led growth and economic sustainability. She stated that Sheraa remains committed to equipping founders with the partnerships, resources, and expertise required to scale effectively. The collaboration with Al Fardan Exchange is intended to help startups operate more efficiently and expand into new markets while contributing to the UAE’s diversified economy.
Established Institutions Backing Innovation
Founded in 1971, Al Fardan Exchange operates as part of the Alfardan Group, whose roots date back to 1954. The company has built a nationwide presence with more than 92 branches across the Emirates and maintains relationships with over 150 global banks and financial institutions. Its services are supported by a digital application that facilitates money transfers and payments for a diverse customer base.
Sheraa operates under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi and plays a central role in Sharjah’s entrepreneurial landscape. Through its accelerator and incubation programmes, as well as investor access and ecosystem platforms, Sheraa supports founders at various stages of their journey. Its growing network has positioned it as a key connector between startups, capital providers, and strategic partners.
The partnership between Al Fardan Exchange and Sheraa reflects a broader trend of collaboration between established financial institutions and entrepreneurship support organisations in the UAE. By combining financial infrastructure with ecosystem reach, the two entities aim to create a more resilient and globally competitive environment for startups and SMEs. As the country advances its innovation-driven agenda, such alliances are expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping sustainable economic growth.