Abu Dhabi’s push to become a leading hub for innovation has received a significant boost as the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC) and the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement, finalized during the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, aims to create a more integrated and supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs across the emirate.
Quick Facts
- Strategic partnership signed at Abu Dhabi GHEF 2026.
- Focus on finance, mentorship, and market access.
- Goal is to help startups scale locally and globally.
A Unified Push for Abu Dhabi’s Startups
The collaboration between the ADYBC and the Khalifa Fund is designed to streamline support for emerging businesses. The partnership will concentrate on providing entrepreneurs with integrated pathways that include access to capital, capacity-building programs, direct mentorship, and crucial market access.
This joint effort will develop high-impact initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurial skills and foster a culture of innovation. By facilitating knowledge sharing and connecting key ecosystem players, the MoU aims to improve the readiness of Abu Dhabi-based startups to not only grow within the UAE but also expand into regional and international markets.
Building a Cohesive Ecosystem
The agreement was signed by Mansoor Abduljabbar Al Sayegh, Chairman of ADYBC, and H.E. Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Chief Operations Officer at the Khalifa Fund, solidifying their shared commitment to the emirate’s economic vision.
“This partnership represents a strategic step towards fostering a more cohesive and integrated entrepreneurship ecosystem in Abu Dhabi,” commented Mansoor Abduljabbar Al Sayegh. “We firmly believe that investing in entrepreneurs is a direct investment in the future resilience and sustainability of our economy.”
H.E. Khalifa Al Kuwaiti added, “This MoU reflects our commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that contribute to building a comprehensive ecosystem to support entrepreneurs. Through providing access to finance, training, and mentorship, we aim to empower entrepreneurs to develop innovative and scalable ventures that enhance the competitiveness of the national economy.”
About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development was established to support the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector in the UAE. It focuses on empowering entrepreneurs through financing, training, and mentorship to help them launch and scale their ventures, contributing to the nation’s diversified economy.
About Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council
Operating under the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC) acts as an institutional platform representing the voice of young entrepreneurs. The council works to connect them with private sector stakeholders and decision-makers to create meaningful opportunities for growth and expansion.
Source: Zawya
