If you’re the kind of person who saves podcast episodes about founders and follows business leaders on LinkedIn, this one’s for you. Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 is back this weekend, promising to become a proper meeting point for ambition, creativity, and sharp thinking. Over two days, more than 300 speakers will take the stage, with Khabib Nurmagomedov among the headline names.

Now in its ninth edition, the festival brings together founders, investors, and decision-makers from across the region and beyond. It will take place at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) on January 31 and February 1, 2026.

One of the headline names this year is Khabib Nurmagomedov. Known worldwide for his discipline, he’s now deeply involved in business and mentorship. Recently, the UFC legend opened a sneaker store in Dubai and teased fans with plans to open a restaurant in the city’s prime location.

His session at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 will zoom in on leadership and performance, drawing from his shift from elite sport to entrepreneurship, a journey many founders may find surprisingly familiar.

Among the notable speakers, you’ll also spot Brooke Bellamy, founder of Brooki Bakehouse, sharing her journey of turning a passion project into a global brand; Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion now focused on purpose-driven entrepreneurship; and John Sullivan from WHOOP, who will dive into how the performance wearable brand blends data, community, and storytelling to build loyalty around human performance.

The line-up also features Patrick Chalhoub, Rachid Mohamed Rachid, and Mounaz Abdel Raouf, who will explore how regional luxury brands are scaling globally while staying true to their identity.

There are plenty of other familiar names on the agenda of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026:

  • Mo Gawdat will speak about innovation and emerging technologies
  • Kartik Renjen will share insights on where AI startups in the Middle East and North Africa are heading
  • Badr Jafar will look at how large organisations are adjusting to shifting economic and social realities
  • Anas Bukhash will add a creative and cultural layer to the conversations

And if you’re hungry for even more inspiration, check out another event that brings together global leaders in different fields like director James Cameron, chess genius Magnus Carlsen, and motivational author Robert Greene, all sharing valuable lessons on success. Take a look at the full line-up of Mega Campus Summit 2026 in Dubai and see how you can be part of it.

Stay tuned for more announcements and upcoming events worth adding to your calendar. There’s plenty more on the way.