The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, has announced the second edition of Ra’idah, a program designed to advance women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi. Building on its initial success, the program is scheduled for September 2026 and will offer a more immersive, hands-on experience for a new cohort of female founders.
Quick Facts
- Program targets women-led SMEs in Abu Dhabi.
- A partnership between ADBWC and Publicis Groupe.
- Winning pitches receive paid media funding.
An Evolved, Hands-On Approach
The second edition of Ra’idah introduces a new format focused on delivering practical and impactful support. After a competitive selection process, chosen participants will join a two-day, in-person academy.
The program includes one-on-one mentorship and culminates in the Falcon Tank, a signature pitch competition. The entrepreneurs behind the winning business campaign ideas will be awarded paid media funding to help scale their ventures. This initiative arrives as women-led entrepreneurship gains significant momentum in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional hub for innovation and enterprise.
A Curriculum for Today’s Founders
Ra’idah’s Year Two curriculum is built around the skills most critical in the current business environment. Publicis Groupe experts will lead sessions on marketing fundamentals, AI tools, content creation, and personal brand building.
The training will also cover paid media strategies and the development of effective campaign ideas, providing founders with a comprehensive toolkit to grow their businesses.
Investing in Abu Dhabi’s Economic Future
Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, commented on the launch, “Empowering women-led businesses remains one of the most strategic investments we can make in the future of Abu Dhabi’s economy. The launch of Ra’idah’s second edition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating practical, high-impact platforms that enable women entrepreneurs to grow with confidence, scale with intention, and lead with influence.”
Al Fahim added, “By combining the Council’s deep understanding of Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with Publicis Groupe’s leadership in communications, media, creativity, and emerging technologies, we are creating tangible value for our participants, while contributing to a more diverse, dynamic, and competitive private sector in the Emirate.”
Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Türkiye, also weighed in on the partnership. “Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council brings together two commitments we hold equally: investing in the growth of small businesses, and creating real pathways for women to build their skills, visibility, and confidence,” he said. “We want founders to leave with capabilities they can put to work immediately, and we want the women in this programme to feel the difference that genuine access and support can make.”
About Ra’idah
Ra’idah is an initiative by the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Publicis Groupe Middle East aimed at accelerating the growth of women-led SMEs in Abu Dhabi. The program provides participants with training in marketing, AI, and leadership, alongside mentorship and the chance to compete for paid media funding through its Falcon Tank pitch competition. It also fosters a collaborative community for women founders in the emirate.
Source: Zawya
