The Maldives has taken part in the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, one of the region’s largest business and innovation events, as part of efforts to promote Maldivian enterprises and expand access to international markets.

The Maldivian delegation at the festival is being led by the Business Centre Corporation (BCC). The festival is being held in Sharjah from 31 January to 1 February and brings together startups, innovators, investors, policymakers and business leaders from across the Middle East and beyond.

According to BCC, the Maldives is showcasing three technology-based businesses at the festival: Pi Networks, Javaabu and Eeezap. The corporation said the participation aims to highlight Maldivian innovation at the regional level while also strengthening cultural and business linkages with international partners.

BCC said a key objective of its participation is to create opportunities for Maldivian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to enter and compete in international markets. The exhibitions and networking sessions held during the festival are expected to provide platforms for collaboration in the technology sector, as well as opportunities to attract investment and strategic partnerships.

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival is regarded as a major regional platform for entrepreneurship, bringing together startups and innovators from multiple countries to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities. The event also facilitates dialogue between the private sector and policymakers on innovation-led growth.

BCC said its participation in the festival forms part of efforts to promote Maldivian businesses, strengthen the competitiveness of the private sector, and connect local enterprises with global innovation networks.