KeeTa, the on-demand delivery platform backed by global tech company Meituan, has announced a new partnership with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to launch the UAE edition of its “Abaad Program.” The initiative is designed to support and empower Emirati entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector, equipping them with the tools needed to scale within the digital economy.
Quick Facts
- New program launched in the UAE.
- Targets Emirati-owned F&B businesses.
- Aims to enhance digital and operational skills.
What the Abaad Program Offers F&B Founders
Originally developed by KeeTa as a model to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Abaad Program has been adapted to meet the specific needs of the UAE market. The name “Abaad,” meaning horizons or dimensions, reflects its goal of helping founders explore new growth opportunities.
Participants in the program will gain access to a range of benefits, including specialized training programs focused on operational excellence, digital growth, and customer experience. The initiative also provides access to advanced performance analytics and tools to improve visibility on the KeeTa platform. High-performing businesses will receive special recognition and classification within the app, while a select group of participants will be given the opportunity to visit Meituan’s business ecosystem for firsthand exposure to global best practices.
Fostering a Digital-First F&B Ecosystem
The collaboration signals a strategic effort to prepare local businesses for an increasingly digital-first commercial environment.
“The launch of the Abaad Program, in cooperation with KeeTa, is an important step towards empowering Emirati entrepreneurs in Al Ain and enhancing the readiness of their projects for growth and competition in a rapidly transforming digital business environment,” said H.E. Khalifa Saeed Alqubaiti, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. “This collaboration reflects the Fund’s commitment to building strategic partnerships aimed at developing the capabilities of national projects and enhancing their contribution to a more diversified and sustainable economy.”
Lucas axié, General Manager of KeeTa in the UAE, added, “The Abaad Program embodies KeeTa’s commitment to supporting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting the growth of national projects in the region. Through this initiative, we seek to provide a supportive environment that helps SMEs grow, expand, and strengthen their market presence.”
About The Abaad Program
The “Abaad Program” is a joint initiative between KeeTa and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development aimed at upskilling Emirati entrepreneurs in the F&B sector. It combines local market expertise with advanced technological capabilities to help national projects enhance their digital presence, improve operational efficiency, and achieve long-term sustainable growth.
Source: Fintech Gate
