Sheraa - a launch pad for aspiring entrepreneurs in the UAE - is expanding the portfolio of industries tapped by its growing community of budding entrepreneurs by collaborating with Air Arabia to launch the ‘Travel and Tourism’ track at Sheraa’s co-working space.

Najla Al-Midfa, general manager of Sheraa, said: “We are proud to be associated with Air Arabia and launch the travel and tourism vertical. This presents a tremendous opportunity for new entrepreneurs to learn from an organisation that plays a crucial role in the region’s aviation sector, and has been at the forefront of promoting tourism for Sharjah and the UAE at large. Travel and tourism - which encompasses aviation, hospitality and culture – is also integral to the nation’s economic diversification process and presents a wide scope for opportunities for new entrants.”

Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer of Air Arabia, said: “We are glad to join hands and support Sheraa’s active role in developing and nurturing local talents and innovations. We are very keen to support the local initiatives that bring human value and economic prosperity. We look forward at working closely with Sheraa’s team and provide the support needed in the travel and tourism track.”

Budding entrepreneurs interested in the travel and tourism sector will undertake mentorship sessions at the Sheraa hub where they will address relevant topics and explore new business opportunities. Design thinking workshops will also be organised in the stages leading up to the incubator to understand revenue models within travel and tourism businesses, explore logistical dynamics in aviation, dissect customer demands and learn new industry-relevant skills. Air Arabia will also participate in the seed funding process that is earmarked for successful incubator teams to support their entrepreneurial journey and make their ventures viable.

Al-Midfa added: “Sheraa provides a vibrant platform where young minds can interact with industry experts and give rise to a new wave of innovative businesses that contribute to the industry’s long-term growth. I am confident that Air Arabia will be equally inspired by the positive and engaging atmosphere, and eagerly play their part in passing on the baton for travel and tourism’s success to the next generation.”

Sheraa’s incubator programme launched in March 2017 and the four-month intensive accelerator begins in September 2017. - TradeArabia News Service