The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched an ambitious initiative to train and qualify 1,000 UAE entrepreneurs from Emirati families in a big step toward empowering the startup ecosystem of the nation. Moreover, the program comes as a part of “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign, supervised by Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The initiative is a part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Community Empowerment. Hence, it aims to provide Emiratis with essential entrepreneurial skills, which allow them to create sustainable businesses and contribute to the new economy of the UAE.
A Vision for a Thriving UAE Entrepreneurs Ecosystem
The new program was announced during a meeting in Dubai. Hence, it reflects the commitment of the UAE to boosting a dynamic business environment rooted in innovation and family. Moreover, the event was attended by the top officials. The following is the list of those officials:
- Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism
- Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment
- Sara Shaw, CEO of Majra (National CSR Fund)
- Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted that the “Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families” initiative supports the national efforts to position the UAE as a global startup hub. Moreover, he said, “This initiative embodies the collective step to boost the country’s entrepreneurial and SME ecosystem.”
Program Details and Long-Term Goals under The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World
The initiative has a development program implemented by the New Economy Academy in partnership with Majra, the National CSR Fund. However, it will train around 200 Emirati families per year over five years. So, it focuses on entrepreneurship, business establishment, and project management.
As a participant, you may receive technical assistance, business development support, and marketing guidance. However, they are the essential tools to help you build a competitive and market-ready venture. Yet, the ultimate goal is to motivate Emirati families to launch sustainable businesses to support income stability and self-sufficiency.
Abdullah Al Saleh noted that the program aims to empower self-reliance among the Emirati families. He said, “We are empowering participants to enter the market with confidence, strong capabilities, and a vision for the sustainable local production”.
Empowering National Talent and Innovation
While echoing the sentiment of the program, Aisha Ahmed Yousef highlighted that the Ministry of Community Empowerment prioritizes initiatives that grow homegrown talent. Hence, she said, “Supporting entrepreneurs from Emirati families is one of our goals. We aim to help them create and expand their projects into successful national brands.”
Sara Shaw, CEO of Majra, expressed pride in contributing to the national vision. She said, “Majra is honored to join hands in this transformative journey that will train and qualify 1,000 Emirati family entrepreneurs.”
Similarly, Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, added that the campaign looks to instill an entrepreneurial culture across all segments of society.
A Growing Culture of Entrepreneurship in the UAE
According to official data, the number of UAE entrepreneurs from Emirati families grew by 4.5% in 2024. Hence, the same number rose from 3,166 to 3,307. However, it is an addition of 141 new family UAE entrepreneurs within a year. Moreover, this steady growth shows the great success of the national program that plays a greater role in the economic development.
The new initiative under ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ builds on the momentum. Hence, it aligns with the vision of the UAE to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global center for innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.
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