In a significant move to strengthen the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has announced three strategic partnership agreements at GITEX GLOBAL. The collaborations with Cybere71, Reach Group, and The Emirates Technology Solutions Alliance are designed to enhance technological innovation, improve capacity building, and fortify digital security for the nation’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
A Strategic Push for SME Empowerment
These partnerships build on the momentum from the recent launch of Khalifa Fund’s unified digital platform, “Business Journey,” which provides SMEs with financial tools, advisory services, and AI-powered support. The new agreements represent a targeted effort to create an optimal environment for the growth of national entrepreneurial ventures.
Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Chief Executive Officer of the Khalifa Fund, stated, “Signing these agreements underscores our commitment to fortifying alliances with leading organisations across various sectors, in line with our strategic goals to foster innovation and strengthen the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. These collaborations hold particular significance as they cover a wide range of strategic areas, including cybersecurity, ICT, digital transformation, empowerment, and capacity development.”
Fortifying Digital Defenses with Cybere71
The first partnership with Cybere71, a pioneering initiative under the UAE Cybersecurity Council, aims to embed robust cybersecurity practices within the startup ecosystem. The collaboration will focus on knowledge exchange, joint training programs, cyber drills, and creating awareness campaigns to deter and effectively respond to cyberattacks. This alliance ensures that startups and SMEs are equipped to build resilient and secure technologies from the ground up.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity for the UAE government, commented, “Our partnership with Khalifa Fund is part of our commitment to strengthening cybersecurity at the heart of the national entrepreneurial ecosystem. Protecting start-ups and SMEs from digital threats is our top priority.”
Enhancing Operational Efficiency with Reach Group
To help entrepreneurs streamline their operations and focus on growth, Khalifa Fund has partnered with Reach Group. This agreement will provide Fund members with critical support across four main pillars: employment services and outsourcing solutions to access qualified talent, business process outsourcing for HR and finance, customer experience management, and driving digital transformation.
“We are proud of our partnership with Khalifa Fund, which is focused on empowering a wide network of entrepreneurs and equipping them with necessary services and support to achieve operational efficiency and digital transformation,” said Malik Melhem, Chief Executive Officer of Reach Group.
Fostering Tech Innovation with Emirates Technology Solutions Alliance
The third agreement with the Emirates Technology Solutions Alliance establishes a comprehensive framework to accelerate innovation and build technical capacity among startups. A key focus will be facilitating the presence of entrepreneurs within the specialised MZN Hubs. The partnership will also work to accelerate the employment of Emirati talent in the technology sector and develop advanced artificial intelligence programs and specialized workshops.
Dr. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Alliance for Technical Solutions, added, “This agreement with Khalifa Fund represents a significant step towards enhancing innovation and building technical capacities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Together, we will work to prepare the next generation of technology leaders.”
About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is an independent, non-profit organisation affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Government. Established in 2007, its mission is to nurture a culture of entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and provide comprehensive support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UAE through a balanced and effective ecosystem.
Source: Zawya
