Strategic company attraction for the UAE & GCC
Catalyst is Sharika’s dedicated service for governments, free zones, and private institutes that want to move beyond passive enquiries and generic lead lists.
We start by understanding the real economic and sector gaps in your jurisdiction and in the wider region, then we globally source the businesses that can credibly fill them.
What Catalyst Does
From strategic opportunity mapping to onboarding global companies into your ecosystem.
Identify strategic gaps
We analyse emerging needs, gaps and opportunities across UAE & GCC economies, including:
- Sector opportunities aligned with national visions (e.g. Vision 2030, Vision 2050).
- Gaps in existing economic clusters and verticals.
- Innovation, talent and capacity needs.
- New initiatives in free zones, incubators & institutes that require anchor companies.
Source global businesses
Once the opportunity map is clear, Catalyst proactively sources companies that fit:
- High-growth startups and scale-ups ready for UAE/GCC entry.
- Established SMEs seeking a regional hub.
- Proven solutions addressing your ecosystem gaps.
- Alignment with your sector focus & programme structures.
Match, qualify & onboard
Every company is assessed and curated before it reaches your team:
- Regulatory fit & market readiness.
- Sector alignment & scalability.
- Matching to the right jurisdiction, zone or programme.
- Warm introductions & onboarding support into your ecosystem.
Why Catalyst is Different
Catalyst is built specifically for the UAE & GCC context, combining strategic insight, global sourcing and data-driven qualification.
Needs-first approach
We begin with what your jurisdiction genuinely needs, not with a generic database. Every outreach is anchored in your strategy, sectors and economic agenda.
Deep sector focus
Our work is concentrated in high-growth sectors that matter most to the region, enabling sharper targeting and stronger company fit.
Direct global sourcing
We actively scout international ecosystems, accelerators and networks. Catalyst does not wait for inbound interest, it builds strategic pipelines.
Data-driven qualification
Each opportunity is evaluated on economic relevance, scalability, regulatory fit, talent requirements and long-term impact potential.
Sector Specialisation
Catalyst focuses on sectors where the UAE and GCC are investing heavily, and where global companies can meaningfully contribute to national and regional agendas.
Education & EdTech
Innovative platforms, skills & lifelong learning.
Health & Healthcare
Digital health, clinical innovation & care models.
Technology & Digital
Cloud, AI, SaaS and enabling digital infrastructure.
E-commerce & Trade
Platforms, logistics, and cross-border trade enablers.
Tourism & Culture
Experiential, cultural and visitor-led innovation.
How We Work With You
Catalyst is designed to plug directly into your existing strategies, programmes and cluster-building efforts.
Discovery & Focus
Structured discovery to understand your priorities, sectors and programme objectives.
Opportunity Mapping
Map out gaps and opportunities where new businesses can create measurable value.
Global Sourcing
Design and execute targeted sourcing campaigns across international ecosystems.
Qualification
Evaluate each company for sector alignment, scalability and regulatory compatibility.
Onboarding
Facilitate warm introductions, programme fit and a smooth market-entry journey.
Flexible Engagement Models
Catalyst can be tailored to your objectives, from a focused programme to an ongoing company-attraction engine.
Dedicated sourcing
Targeted sourcing for a specific programme, sector or cohort, ideal for new incubator cycles or cluster launches.
Pipeline building
Continuous attraction and qualification of global businesses, giving your jurisdiction a steady pipeline of opportunities.
Joint initiatives
Co-branded campaigns to position your ecosystem as a preferred landing hub for innovators and high-value companies.
Attract the right global companies into your jurisdiction
If you represent a government incubator, free zone, or private institute, Catalyst is designed to support you. Together, we can design a structured company-attraction strategy aligned with your vision and the wider UAE and GCC agenda.