Sharjah’s SPARK Unveils Base 39 Accelerator to Boost Creative Economy

Sharjah has taken another confident step in nurturing its creative economy, with SPARK unveiling the new Base 39 Creative Accelerator at its recently launched hub. The idea is simple enough on paper—give designers and other creative talents the space, tools and guidance to turn their concepts into market-ready products—but anyone who's worked with early‑stage creatives knows it’s rarely as straightforward as that. Still, I reckon this initiative could be spot on for those who often feel stuck between inspiration and execution.

The accelerator sits inside Base 39, a multidisciplinary space that brings together designers, architects, artists and creative entrepreneurs. It mixes workshops, fabrication labs and collaborative studios, creating what SPARK describes as a full ecosystem for moving from sketches to prototypes and, hopefully, commercial success. I remember visiting a similar creative space in Amman years ago; half the magic came from simply bumping into people who thought differently. Base 39 seems to chase that same energy.

For the first cohort, the focus will be on furniture and collectible design—an interesting choice in a region where craftsmanship has strong cultural roots. Participants will have access to expert mentorship, hands‑on prototyping support, and guidance on branding, pricing and storytelling. And believe it or not, every participant also receives a fixed amount dedicated to prototyping, along with visibility across SPARK’s wider network. The top three projects will walk away with cash prizes, which never hurts when you’re trying to get a studio off the ground.

Khalid Hassan Albanna, who directs Base 39, said the accelerator marks a strategic milestone for SPARK as it works to weave creativity more deeply into Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem. He pointed out that creative industries are becoming a key pillar of the knowledge economy, and the programme aims to help designers build scalable, investment‑ready products while connecting them to markets and investors. On the flip side, he also stressed that Base 39 isn’t just a physical space but a platform that pulls together talent, technology and partnerships in one place.

The structure is fairly straightforward: SPARK has opened applications, and 20 designers or studios will be selected. They’ll go through a programme combining mentorship, practical workshops and development time. Everything leads to a final showcase where participants pitch their work to a jury of experts and potential partners—always a bit of a faff, but often the moment when ideas finally click for people.

Sharjah has been building its reputation as a creative and cultural centre for decades, and this accelerator folds neatly into that larger vision. SPARK itself has already launched several sector‑driven programmes, including an advanced industries accelerator focusing on deep‑tech and manufacturing. Adding a creative track feels like a natural progression, especially as the emirate continues positioning itself as a destination for innovation-led businesses.

Base 39 only opened in late 2025, but it’s already shaping up to be a serious anchor for creative talent in the region. With studios, labs, fabrication facilities and incubation support all under one roof, it gives early‑stage designers something they often lack: room to experiment without breaking the bank. And honestly, that’s something we at Arageek hear creatives complain about all the time… resources are there, but access can be a different story entirely.

If SPARK manages to keep the momentum going, this accelerator might just help turn more regional ideas into global products—something the MENA design scene has been hungry for. Let’s see how it plays out, but I’m quietly optimistic, even if optimism these days can feel a bit old‑fashioned, or should I say old‑fashoined.

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