Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Chinese company HORIVISTA have signed a MoU to support cross-border startup growth, providing subsidised licensing, workspace, and advisory services to Chinese startups expanding in the UAE, while facilitating Sheraa startups’ entry into China’s market.
The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and HORIVISTA, a China-based company, marks a significant step in strengthening the connections between the United Arab Emirates and China. This collaboration was unveiled during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’ forum and represents a strategic response to the growing demand for cross-border cooperation in the startup ecosystem.
This agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation, allowing Sheraa to support eligible Chinese startups that seek to expand into the UAE market, particularly through establishing a presence in Sharjah. As articulated by Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, this initiative reflects a broader vision of enabling startups to scale beyond their domestic confines, thereby contributing to resilient and future-ready economies. The partnership aims to open new avenues for entrepreneurial collaboration, fostering innovation between the two nations.
Under the MoU, Sheraa will extend various forms of support, including subsidised business licensing, coworking facilities, and tailored advisory services designed to facilitate the operational setup of these startups. This hands-on approach aims to attract innovative Chinese enterprises already having a foothold in their home market, thereby enriching the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape. In return, HORIVISTA will assist Sheraa-backed startups in navigating the complexities of the Chinese market, providing insights, access to local business networks, and guidance through the regulatory landscape, crucial for a seamless market entry.
The backdrop of this agreement is further reinforced by Sheraa’s extensive array of initiatives aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship within the UAE. The Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) provides a robust incubator programme designed to prepare early-stage startups for investment, while the Access Sharjah Challenge serves as a bridge for growth-stage companies to co-create pilot projects with local partners. These structured programmes indicate a comprehensive strategy to cultivate sustainable business ventures that can thrive in both local and international markets.
Additionally, Sheraa’s collaboration with local entities, such as the Sharjah Business Women Council, underscores its commitment to promoting diverse entrepreneurial talent. Recent agreements have focused on empowering female entrepreneurs, highlighting Sharjah’s ambition to transform into a global hub for women’s entrepreneurship. This multifaceted approach not only enhances the ecosystem for startups but also promotes inclusivity within the business community.
The strategic alignment of Sheraa with entities like HORIVISTA and partnerships with organisations like Endeavor further solidify its mission to support high-impact startups. Through these collaborations, Sheraa aims to elevate the MENA region as a thriving centre for innovation and economic growth. According to industry insights, this approach could catalyse a significant two-way flow of talent and investment, propelling both regions into a new era of collaborative entrepreneurship.
As the UAE cements its position as a pivotal player in the global business landscape, Sheraa’s initiatives exemplify a forward-thinking model that champions cross-border synergies. The emphasis on partnership and collective growth sets a positive precedent for other regions seeking to enhance their entrepreneurial ecosystems, fostering economic dynamism that is inclusive and future-facing.
By leveraging the unique strengths of both nations, this partnership could indeed redefine the pathways for startups seeking expansion and sustainability in today’s competitive environment.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.gccbusinessnews.com/sheraa-and-horivista-sign-mou/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/sbwc-sheraa-mou-strengthens-transformation-of-sharjah-into-hub-for-women-entrepreneurship – The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster and promote female entrepreneurship in the UAE. The MoU aims to transform Sharjah into a global hub for female talent and entrepreneurship by jointly executing high-impact programs and initiatives. These include support programs, competitions, and networking events designed to empower women business owners. The agreement reflects a shared vision to attract top-tier businesses to Sharjah and strengthen the emirate’s status as a fertile ground for business growth and scaling.
- https://www.eci.gov.ae/en/news/moiat-eci-sheraa-to-empower-smes-entrepreneurs-in-industrial-sector – The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide technical support, strategic consultation, and capacity building for entrepreneurs and industrial SMEs. The MoU aims to help these businesses access local and international markets. The agreement was signed during the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum, organized by MoIAT in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADNOC. The partnership focuses on enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector in the UAE.
- https://endeavor.org/stories/sheraa-endeavor-sign-mou-strengthen-entrepreneurship-uae/ – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Endeavor, a global non-profit pioneering in the high-impact entrepreneurship movement, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure alignment and closer collaboration. The MoU aims to support high-growth scalable startups at different stages of their journey. The agreement was signed by Najla Al-Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, and Badr Jafar, Chairman of Endeavor UAE and CEO of Crescent Enterprises. The partnership seeks to cultivate a pool of high-impact startups that contribute to innovation and job creation, providing entrepreneurs access to Endeavor’s prestigious network.
- https://www.crescententerprises.com/our-approach/corporate-citizenship/entrepreneurship – Crescent Enterprises has partnered with Sheraa to launch its social entrepreneurship track. Sheraa offers five programs to support entrepreneurs: IdeaLab, Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A, and Scale-Up. These programs are designed to help founders build unique and validated business models, achieve product-market fit, and scale their businesses. To date, 163 ideas have been validated through IdeaLab, and 80% reduction in licensing costs for Sharjah-registered start-ups has been achieved. The partnership aims to make Sharjah an entrepreneurship hub for the region by enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/articles/2024/05/31/zz16 – The Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), and Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide technical support, strategic consultation, and capacity building for entrepreneurs and industrial SMEs. The MoU aims to help these businesses access local and international markets. The agreement was signed during the third edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum, organized by MoIAT in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADNOC. The partnership focuses on enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the industrial sector in the UAE.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/03/09/d70 – The Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025 convened in Mleiha, focusing on Sharjah’s industrial future and its impact on regional and local economic growth, especially regarding manufacturing. The event was organized by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), and the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park). The Majlis included the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing innovation and the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Sharjah. One of the MoUs was between Sheraa and Emarat, focusing on facilitating startups’ access to funding and investment opportunities.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports on a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and HORIVISTA, a China-based company, announced during the ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’ forum. The earliest known publication date of similar content is May 31, 2024, reporting on a different MoU involving Sheraa. ([eci.gov.ae](https://www.eci.gov.ae/en/news/moiat-eci-sheraa-to-empower-smes-entrepreneurs-in-industrial-sector?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of being republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The MoU is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative includes a direct quote from Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, articulating the initiative’s vision. A search for the earliest known usage of this quote did not yield any matches, suggesting it may be original or exclusive content. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, and no variations in wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from GCC Business News, a regional news outlet. While it is not as widely recognized as global media organizations, it is a legitimate source. The report mentions HORIVISTA, a China-based company; however, no verifiable online presence or records for HORIVISTA were found, raising concerns about its authenticity. This lack of verifiable information about HORIVISTA is flagged as potentially fabricated.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative reports on a strategic partnership between Sheraa and HORIVISTA to support Chinese startups entering the UAE market. This aligns with Sheraa’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. However, the lack of verifiable information about HORIVISTA raises questions about the partnership’s authenticity. The report lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is flagged as a credibility risk. The language and tone are consistent with typical corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a recent MoU between Sheraa and HORIVISTA, with a direct quote from Sheraa’s CEO. However, the lack of verifiable information about HORIVISTA raises concerns about the partnership’s authenticity. The report lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is flagged as a credibility risk. Given these issues, the overall assessment is ‘FAIL’ with medium confidence.
