The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in collaboration with ADGM Academy, has launched the latest edition of the Al Ain Entrepreneurs Program. The initiative is designed to equip Emirati entrepreneurs in Al Ain with the practical skills, mentorship, and industry-specific expertise needed to transform their ideas into scalable businesses.
Quick Facts
- Program targets Emirati entrepreneurs in the city of Al Ain.
- Focus on AgriTech, AI, Cybersecurity, Tourism, and Light Industries.
- Three winning teams receive 6 months of dedicated mentorship.
Focusing on Al Ain’s Strategic Sectors
Held from June 8 to 12, 2026, at Mazn Hub Al Ain, the interactive program aligns with the UAE’s future economic priorities by concentrating on hands-on learning and real-world business challenges. This year’s edition prioritized four key sectors identified as critical to Al Ain’s long-term development: AgriTech and Light Industries; AI and Cybersecurity; and Culture and Tourism. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to help participants develop innovative solutions that are directly relevant to Al Ain’s economic identity and diversification goals.
“The Al Ain Entrepreneurs Program embodies Khalifa Fund’s commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs in Al Ain, providing them with the necessary skills, guidance, and insights to build sustainable, future-proof businesses,” said H.E. Khalifa Saeed Al-Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund. “This program is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster a culture of innovation, helping to turn promising ideas into projects with sustainable economic impact.”
From Idea to Market-Ready Solution
Hosted at Mazn Hub Al Ain, the program provided participants with a hands-on, intensive learning experience. The curriculum covered practical tools for identifying, developing, and presenting impactful business solutions, with participants gaining direct experience in team building, business model design, prototype development, and pitching.
A key component of the program was direct access to industry experts, mentors, and partners, offering support as participants developed solutions for real-world challenges. This approach provided deep practical knowledge of the priority industries while building the confidence and professional networks necessary to bring their concepts to life.
“Applied learning and industry collaboration are crucial for equipping national talent with future-ready entrepreneurial skills,” commented Ali Al Muhairi, Senior Director of Business Empowerment at ADGM Academy. “Through the Al Ain Entrepreneurs Program, we combine practical experience in project establishment, mentorship, and innovation-based problem-solving skills.”
Mentorship and Resources for Top Founders
On the final day, participants pitched their solutions to a panel of experts. Three winning teams were selected to receive ongoing post-program support, including six months of one-on-one mentorship with local experts. This mentorship will focus on refining their solutions, identifying target customers, and aligning their projects with the priority sectors.
The winners also gained exclusive access to the modern co-working facilities at Mazn Hub Al Ain, which include meeting rooms, 3D printing labs, and a state-of-the-art podcast studio. Additionally, the winning teams automatically qualified for the second edition of the Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition, a platform that showcases innovative startups in Abu Dhabi’s key sectors.
About the Al Ain Entrepreneurs Program
The Al Ain Entrepreneurs Program is a joint initiative by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development and ADGM Academy. It aims to expand access to dedicated entrepreneurial support in Al Ain, helping Emirati citizens progress from initial ideas to market-ready solutions through structured guidance, skill development, and integration into the broader business ecosystem.
Source: Economy Middle East
