The UAE government has launched a new training program, “Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families,” aimed at helping national families convert their skills and creative ideas into sustainable businesses. The initiative is a joint effort by the Ministry of Community Empowerment and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the New Economy Academy and other key partners.
Quick Facts
- Targeting 1,000 entrepreneurs over five years.
- Initial phase will train 50 Emirati participants.
- Focus on tourism, fintech, agrotech, and transport.
From Family Skills to National Brands
The program is designed to equip Emiratis with the necessary tools to build successful ventures, with an initial focus on high-growth sectors including tourism, agriculture, food industries, fintech, and transport services. Participants will receive specialized guidance from instructors and consultants in entrepreneurship, finance, and technology.
Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Empowerment, commented on the vision behind the initiative. “Our goal is to empower Emirati families by transforming their ambitions into competitive businesses. The Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families program provides a pivotal platform that enables Emiratis to lead their ventures with efficiency, ensuring social and economic stability through self-sufficiency.”
She added, “The program serves as a powerful catalyst, transforming Emirati families’ creative and pioneering ideas into national brands that are globally competitive.”
Bolstering the UAE’s Startup Ecosystem
This initiative is a key component of the UAE’s “Year of Family” and directly supports “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The government aims to integrate these new family-run businesses into the national economy, fostering a more dynamic and resilient entrepreneurial landscape.
“The Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families program is a cornerstone of our national strategy to transform human capital into productive economic drivers,” said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. “This initiative reflects the leadership’s vision for investing in people as the best approach to ensuring an entrepreneurial future.”
Al Marri also highlighted the program’s role in connecting local talent with market opportunities. “The Program serves as a strategic bridge, connecting the aspirations of Emiratis with growth opportunities across the public and private sectors.”
A Comprehensive Training Ground
The curriculum covers a wide range of essential business topics to prepare participants for the challenges of launching and scaling a company.
Training modules include entrepreneurship fundamentals, building viable business models, idea generation, market validation, and competitor analysis. The program also offers in-depth instruction on creating revenue models, financial planning, official business setup procedures, and developing effective marketing and presentation skills.
About Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families
The Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families initiative is a UAE government program designed to train and qualify 1,000 entrepreneurs from local families over five years. Launched by the Ministry of Community Empowerment and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, it partners with organizations like New Economy Academy, Majra, Emirates Foundation, and Neol to provide the skills and support needed to turn ideas into successful businesses and contribute to the national economy.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
