The Arab Youth Centre and the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council have hosted a strategic youth circle titled “Enhancing Arab Youth Entrepreneurship in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.” The event, part of the fourth edition of the Young Arab Pioneers initiative, brought 40 young entrepreneurs into direct dialogue with senior officials from key government and economic entities to reinforce support for youth-led innovation and strengthen the emirate’s position as a regional startup hub.
A Strategic Dialogue For A Knowledge Economy
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the youth circle provided a unique platform for emerging founders to engage with decision-makers from organizations such as the Emirates Foundation, Abu Dhabi Chamber, Hub71, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO). The core objective was to explore practical ways to advance innovation, drive sustainable development, and solidify the role of youth in shaping Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy.
Eng. Fatima Al Halami, CEO of the Arab Youth Center, stated, “The Young Arab Pioneers initiative serves as a comprehensive practical platform that offers participants unique opportunities to engage with leaders in development sectors and key decision-makers. The youth circle within the initiative embodies this approach and broadens the horizons for the participating youth.”
Building A Comprehensive Support Ecosystem
Discussions focused on the critical pillars required to build a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participants and leaders identified key priorities, including expanding access to finance, developing practical expertise through targeted training, and creating flexible regulatory frameworks that foster innovation.
Mansour Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council, highlighted the council’s active role in addressing these needs. “This circle serves as a strategic platform for strengthening communication between Arab youth. The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council is actively responding to these priorities through initiatives that strengthen partnerships with government and private sectors, provide incubator platforms for entrepreneurial ideas, and deliver specialised training programmes to build capacity.”
Unified Commitment From Abu Dhabi’s Leaders
Economic leaders from across the emirate voiced a unified commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs. Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) spoke on simplifying business processes, while leaders from the Abu Dhabi Global Market Academy emphasized equipping youth with specialized skills in finance and technology. The collective message affirmed that supporting startups and SMEs is a top priority for Abu Dhabi, with multiple platforms and initiatives being developed to help founders transform their ideas into scalable ventures with regional and global reach.
About The Arab Youth Centre
The Arab Youth Centre was established to realize the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aiming to empower Arab youth and invest in their capabilities. The Centre works on various initiatives and programs that serve young people across the Arab world, creating platforms for them to develop their skills and contribute to their communities.
About The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council
The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council is an initiative under the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is dedicated to supporting and empowering young entrepreneurs in the emirate by fostering a vibrant ecosystem, facilitating partnerships, and providing resources to help their businesses grow and succeed.
Source: Zawya
