The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation, has announced the launch of the “Entrepreneurial Training Program for Retirees.” The initiative is designed to empower retirees and those approaching retirement to leverage their extensive life and professional experience to launch successful startups.
The intensive five-day program will take place from November 10-14, 2025, at the Mazn Business Accelerator in Al Ain. Participants for the program were selected in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and the General Pension and Social Security Authority, highlighting a coordinated effort to support this demographic.
Tapping into a Generation of Experience
The initiative aims to provide a new productive path for retirees, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to transform their creative ideas into viable business ventures. The program seeks to ensure their continued contribution to the national economy and social fabric post-retirement.
“Khalifa Fund is keen to stimulate and empower various segments of society to help them turn their innovative ideas into successful business projects,” said H.E. Khalifa Al Qubaisi, CEO of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund. “Through the ‘Entrepreneurial Training Program for Retirees,’ we aim to enable retirees and those approaching retirement to employ their accumulated expertise and rich life experiences to launch innovative and successful entrepreneurial ventures. This program is the starting point towards the broad support network provided by the Fund, ensuring the continuity of the journey of entrepreneurship and productivity after retirement.”
H.E. Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, added, “This collaboration aligns with the new strategic direction of Emirates Foundation, which focuses on empowering individuals at various stages of their lives and enhancing their contribution to society and the national economy. We believe that investing in people does not stop at a certain age or stage but extends as long as they have the desire to give and create.”
A Five-Day Intensive Curriculum
The program’s curriculum has been carefully designed to meet the demands of the modern market. It begins with an introduction to the UAE startup ecosystem and sessions on developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
The second day focuses on practical sales skills essential for customer acquisition in a competitive market. Day three is an interactive workshop centered on building a strong brand identity, including defining a mission, value proposition, and target market. The fourth day covers fundamental concepts in finance and investment, teaching participants about funding strategies, financial planning, and the skills needed to pitch confidently to investors.
The program culminates in a “Demo Day,” where participants will present their startup projects to a judging panel of entrepreneurship experts. The top three pitches will be recognized, and all participants will receive a certificate of completion.
About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is an independent, non-profit institution of the Government of Abu Dhabi dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. Its mission is to develop and enhance the entrepreneurial culture, encourage innovation, and provide support through a balanced ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the United Arab Emirates. The fund was established in 2007.
Source: Zawya
