The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is making a significant push to support Emirati entrepreneurs at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival. Taking place from April 20-22, 2026, the fund is rolling out a series of initiatives aimed at providing direct financing, mentorship, and ecosystem support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the capital.
Quick Facts
- New ‘Funding on the Spot’ initiative launched.
- MoU signed with Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council.
- KFED has financed over AED 1.8 billion to date.
- More than 1,200 projects have been supported.
On-the-Spot Financing for Emirati Founders
A key feature of KFED’s participation is the launch of its ‘Funding on the Spot’ initiative. The program is designed to remove friction from the financing process by offering immediate eligibility assessments and on-site advisory support directly to entrepreneurs at the festival.
The initiative targets Emirati business owners aged 21 to 60 operating in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on companies in growth and expansion phases. Priority sectors include healthcare, education, agriculture, information technology, tourism, and industry. The on-site support will help founders assess their compliance with requirements and assist with documentation for their applications.
Cultivating the Next Generation
In a move to foster early-stage entrepreneurial talent, the ‘Young Emirati Traders’ competition was also announced. Under the patronage of Sheikha Rawdha Bint Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in collaboration with Khalifa Fund, the initiative targets youth aged 6 to 18. It aims to provide hands-on learning about business, with a focus on emerging sectors like artificial intelligence and clean energy, while also promoting financial literacy through partnerships with financial institutions.
Strategic Alliance to Boost Youth Entrepreneurship
Further strengthening its ecosystem role, KFED signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC). The agreement, signed by H.E. Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at KFED, and Mansoor Al Sayegh, Chairman of ADYBC, establishes a strategic cooperation to empower young entrepreneurs. The partnership will facilitate access to key economic events, connect founders with funding opportunities, and help them expand into new markets.
Bridging Gaps Through Workshops and Dialogue
Beyond financing, KFED is focused on capability building. H.E. Khalifa Al Kuwaiti participated in a panel discussion titled ‘Building Abu Dhabi as a Global Founder Platform,’ where he discussed institutional support for entrepreneurs and the challenges they face during early growth.
The fund is also running a series of specialized workshops during the festival. Sessions like ‘From Concept to First Revenue,’ ‘Financial Strategy and Pricing Confidence,’ and ‘Strategic Customer Discovery’ are designed to provide practical, market-aligned skills to both early-stage and scaling businesses.
About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
The Khalifa Fund is an independent, non-profit organisation affiliated with Abu Dhabi Government. Its mission is to nurture the culture of entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and offer support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UAE through a balanced ecosystem. Founded in 2007, the Fund was established to align with the vision of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Source: Zawya
