The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Global Academy, has officially launched the “Al Ain Pioneers Training Program,” a new initiative designed to empower Emirati entrepreneurs and accelerate innovation within the Al Ain region. The program, which began on November 24th at the Muzn Hub Al Ain, aims to transform ambitious ideas into impactful ventures by combining government support with academic excellence and strategic partnerships.
Fostering Innovation in Key Sectors
The program is strategically focused on sectors vital to Al Ain’s economic growth and diversification. These key areas include agriculture, Ag-Tech, light manufacturing, industrial innovation, tourism, culture and heritage, cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and applied technologies. By concentrating on these high-potential fields, the initiative seeks to build a robust and knowledge-based economy in the region.
From Idea to Impact
The Al Ain Pioneers Training Program offers an intensive five-day curriculum featuring interactive workshops, tailored mentorship sessions, and competitive challenges. Participants will gain critical skills in business model design, team building, prototype development, and investment pitching.
The program culminates in a Demo Day where entrepreneurs present their projects to a panel of experts. The top three winning teams will receive AED 50,000 in seed funding, along with in-kind support, ongoing mentorship, and access to the Muzn Business Accelerators incubator. All participants will be awarded certificates of appreciation for their contributions.
Empowering National Talent
Officials from both organizations emphasized the program’s role in nurturing local talent and strengthening the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape.
“We are proud to support Emirati entrepreneurs through the Al Ain Pioneers Training Program by providing support, guidance, and training,” stated Khalifa Saeed Al-Kuwari, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at the Khalifa Fund. “We seek to develop the entrepreneurship environment in the UAE, especially in the Al Ain region, which has a rich heritage and enormous potential. We are also working to empower national talents to turn their ideas into influential economic projects, promote innovation, create opportunities, and contribute to achieving the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy.”
Ali Al-Mehairi, Senior Executive Director of Business Empowerment at Abu Dhabi Global Academy, added, “The Al Ain Pioneers Training Program reflects Abu Dhabi Global Academy’s commitment to investing in human capital and innovation. By providing Emirati entrepreneurs with practical tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities, we are helping to transform ideas into tangible and impactful projects that support the country’s long-term vision.”
About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development was established in 2007 to support and develop the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in the UAE. The fund aims to create a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs by fostering a culture of innovation, providing comprehensive support including financing and mentorship, and contributing to the social and economic development of Abu Dhabi.
Source: Al Khaleej
