Emirati entrepreneur Khalifa Awad Al Mehairi has unveiled Bader, a new community-led initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of founders in the UAE. Launched in conjunction with the national “UAE, The Global Hub for Entrepreneurs” campaign, Bader provides aspiring entrepreneurs with practical knowledge, digital training, and direct mentorship tailored to the regional market.
The initiative is designed to support the UAE’s strategic goals of building a diversified, knowledge-based economy and cementing its position as a leading global center for entrepreneurship. It aligns with key national programs such as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the “Make it in the Emirates” strategy.
A Three-Pronged Approach to Founder Support
Bader offers an integrated support system structured across three main tracks to guide entrepreneurs from the initial idea phase through to launch and expansion.
The first track provided 100 free one-on-one consultation sessions for individuals looking to enter the business world. The program saw immense demand, with all seats filled for sessions scheduled to run until the end of November 2025.
The second track is the “1000 Educated” program, a free digital training course consisting of 13 practical episodes available on the Bader platform. This program is designed to equip participants with the essential skills needed to successfully navigate their entrepreneurial journey.
Finally, the third track involves the creation of a National Projects Library on the Bader platform. This digital hub will allow project owners to showcase their company profiles, increase their media visibility, and gain support through future programs.
Cultivating a Founder-First Culture
A core objective of the Bader initiative is to embed a strong entrepreneurial culture across different segments of society. By providing reliable and accessible Emirati and Arabic content on business creation, the initiative aims to empower both young people and current employees to launch their ventures with well-informed, practical steps.
Furthermore, Bader seeks to build a vibrant digital community that connects new entrepreneurs with established projects, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and shared experiences. This focus on peer-to-peer support and volunteerism is central to strengthening the local ecosystem.
Strong Public Sector Backing
The initiative has gained significant traction and official collaboration from several federal and local government entities. Key partners include Dubai Municipality, Dubai Customs, Dubai SME, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWGA), and Khalifa University.
This collaboration involves the partner entities circulating the free registration link to their employees, providing them with the opportunity to directly benefit from the resources and mentorship offered by the Bader initiative.
About Bader
Bader is a UAE-based community initiative founded by Emirati entrepreneur Khalifa Awad Al Mehairi. It is dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs across the UAE and the wider Arab world by providing a comprehensive support system that includes free consultations, a digital training program, and a platform for showcasing national projects. The initiative aims to foster a culture of innovation and contribute to the region’s knowledge-based economy.
Source: Al Bayan
