Shams News

Shams Strengthens Entrepreneur Support Through Strategic Partnership with Mashreq Bank

To Empower Startups and SMEs in the UAE

Sharjah, September 16, 2025:
Sharjah Media City (Shams) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mashreq Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in the region, aimed at supporting and empowering startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE.
This collaboration comes as part of Shams’ ongoing efforts to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and provide innovative solutions that simplify the process of establishing and scaling businesses.

The MoU seeks to streamline the entrepreneurial journey by combining Shams’ licensing and business support services with Mashreq’s advanced digital banking capabilities. Through this strategic partnership, entrepreneurs will benefit from a comprehensive suite of services, including business licenses, financial solutions, and tailored digital tools designed to accelerate the growth of startups and SMEs.

Ahmed Al Noman, Director of Finance at Sharjah Media City (Shams), said: “This partnership with Mashreq reflects Shams’ ongoing commitment to empowering SMEs and entrepreneurs. By integrating our supportive business ecosystem with Mashreq’s innovative digital banking services, we aim to provide a seamless path for entrepreneurs to establish, grow, and succeed in the UAE.”

Raj Tatavarti, Head of Digital Product Management for Business Banking and “NeoBiz” at Mashreq Bank, commented: “We are pleased to collaborate with Sharjah Media City to expand opportunities for SMEs in the UAE. This partnership underscores our strong commitment to supporting this vital sector, which represents the backbone of our economy. Through our advanced digital banking solutions, we aim to deliver fast, seamless, and innovative services that help businesses grow smarter, scale faster, and achieve long-term sustainable success.”

The MoU signing took place during an exclusive networking event hosted by Shams in collaboration with Tablon, a platform specializing in connecting investors with startups and SMEs. The event witnessed strong participation from entrepreneurs, startup founders, and industry experts, and included a panel discussion featuring Mashreq Bank representatives on collaborative opportunities and shared visions for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

With this initiative, Shams reaffirms its dedication to continuously developing a supportive business environment in collaboration with strategic partners, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.