The Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SPARK) is accelerating its international growth by forging stronger ties with Europe’s innovation and business ecosystems.
This follows a high-level discussion with European Union ambassadors aimed at unlocking new opportunities for collaboration in technology, research, and industry.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in innovation, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and sustainable development.
Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SPARK, met with Lucie Berger, Ambassador of the European Union to the UAE, along with ambassadors from EU Member States.
Both sides emphasized the importance of connecting Sharjah’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem with leading European research and commercial networks.
SPARK announced its accession to the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) as the first UAE entity to join as an International Network Partner. The milestone is expected to boost UAE–EU cooperation and support SMEs and startups seeking access to the EU’s Single Market with over 450 million consumers.
The Enterprise Europe Network, the world’s largest SME support platform, unites approximately 600 organizations across more than 50 countries, supported by over 3,000 experts.
EU Ambassador Lucie Berger said that, “This milestone reflects our shared commitment to innovation and deepening EU–UAE cooperation. It will create new opportunities for innovation, trade, and sustainable growth.”
Hussain Al Mahmoudi stated that, “Joining the Enterprise Europe Network marks a new chapter in connecting local talent with global opportunity and accelerating sustainable, knowledge-driven economic growth.”
The meeting explored opportunities for joint projects, startup support, and broader cooperation in emerging technologies, research and development, and programs like Horizon Europe. The visit emphasized the growing partnership between the UAE and the EU, driven by shared priorities in innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement.
