Jordan's Sira Expands to UAE, Partnering with Sheraa for Inclusive Network Building
Sira, a social enterprise originating from Jordan focused on fostering community connections, is expanding its operations into the UAE, establishing a strategic partnership with entities such as the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) to cultivate inclusive, trust-based networks within diverse local communities.
Key Details of the Expansion
The expansion sees Sira bringing its unique model of community building to the United Arab Emirates. This move is aimed at replicating and scaling their success in creating cohesive and opportunity-rich environments for various community segments, including local residents, migrants, and refugees. A significant facilitator of this expansion is the support from key UAE institutions like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), signaling regional institutional backing for Sira's mission. The focus is on building trust and leveraging human-centered design principles to connect individuals and groups.
The Sira Approach and Impact
Sira specializes in developing inclusive networks that bridge gaps between different community members. Their methodology is rooted in human-centered design and emphasizes building trust-based relationships as a foundation for stronger communities. In Jordan, they have demonstrated success in fostering connections that lead to positive social and economic outcomes for participants. The expansion into the UAE seeks to apply these proven methods to a new, diverse context, addressing the specific needs and opportunities present in the Emirates. The core idea is to create pathways for individuals to access support, resources, and opportunities through robust, reliable community networks.
Strategic Importance for the UAE and MENA
This expansion holds strategic significance for both the UAE and the broader MENA region. For the UAE, it aligns with efforts to promote social inclusion and integration among its highly diverse population, ensuring that various communities can participate fully in the country's growth. By focusing on trust-based networks, Sira's work can help build social capital and resilience within communities. For the MENA region, it represents a successful model of a social enterprise scaling its impact across borders, potentially inspiring similar initiatives focused on community development and inclusion in other countries facing similar demographic and social challenges. The partnership with an established entity like Sheraa also highlights the growing ecosystem support for social innovation in the UAE.
About Sira
Sira is a social enterprise founded in Jordan with a mission to build inclusive, trust-based networks. They work by applying human-centered design principles to understand community needs and facilitate connections that empower individuals and strengthen social fabric. Their efforts focus on creating environments where diverse groups, including refugees, migrants, and local populations, can connect, share, and access opportunities, fostering both individual growth and collective well-being.
Looking Ahead
With the establishment of operations in the UAE, Sira plans to implement its network-building programs, initially focusing on strategic locations and communities, potentially in partnership with Sheraa and other local stakeholders. The focus will be on adapting their successful methodologies to the specific cultural and social landscape of the UAE and measuring the impact of their network-building activities on community integration and access to opportunities. The long-term vision includes scaling their model and demonstrating the power of inclusive, trust-based networks as a key driver for social and economic participation across the region.
Source: Wamda