The UAE has launched a major new initiative to train and qualify 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families over the next five years. The program is a joint effort between the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Community Empowerment, designed to bolster the nation’s entrepreneurial landscape as part of the broader “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign.
A Strategic Push for Local Entrepreneurship
This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of local business leaders by providing comprehensive training in business establishment, project management, and new economy ventures. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that the program aligns with the UAE’s vision to support entrepreneurial projects as a vital pillar of national economic growth. The goal is to inspire Emirati talent to convert innovative ideas into sustainable, value-creating businesses that enhance the UAE’s standing as a global hub for entrepreneurship. The program builds on recent growth, which saw the number of entrepreneurs from Emirati families increase by 4.5 percent in 2024 to reach 3,307.
Program Structure and Goals
Over a five-year period, the initiative will train approximately 200 families annually. The curriculum, developed in collaboration with the New Economy Academy, is designed to equip participants with practical skills to develop products that meet high standards of quality and market competitiveness. Beyond training, the program provides participants with crucial technical support, business development guidance, and marketing assistance to ensure the long-term continuity and growth of their ventures. The focus is on enabling participants to achieve income sustainability and self-sufficiency through their entrepreneurial projects.
Collaborative Ecosystem Development
The initiative is underpinned by a strategic partnership with the National CSR Fund – Majra, reflecting a collaborative approach to strengthening the UAE’s SME ecosystem. Sara Shaw, CEO of Majra, highlighted the fund’s commitment to advancing sustainable social responsibility and fostering partnerships that contribute to national development goals. Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, added that the program is designed to empower participants with the tools of the knowledge economy, preparing them to innovate, sustain production, and overcome market challenges. This multi-stakeholder collaboration aims to build an integrated ecosystem that promotes growth and empowers local entrepreneurs to compete effectively.
About The Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families Initiative
The “Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families” initiative is a national program aimed at training 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families across the UAE. It seeks to enhance their practical skills in entrepreneurship and local production, enabling them to establish and scale ventures within the new economy. The initiative provides professional training, capacity-building, technical support, and marketing guidance to foster economic independence and contribute to the UAE’s sustainable development goals.
Source: Zawya
