The UAE government has announced a significant new initiative to train and empower 1,000 Emirati family entrepreneurs, reinforcing its commitment to fostering a vibrant local startup ecosystem. The joint effort by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Community Development is a key component of the “UAE, the World’s Entrepreneurial Capital” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
A National Push for Entrepreneurship
This initiative aims to bolster the UAE’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship by nurturing homegrown talent. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, stated that the program is part of a broader national effort to enhance the competitiveness of the SME sector. The goal is to encourage Emirati talent to transform innovative ideas into sustainable, productive ventures that contribute directly to the nation’s economic development and solidify its status as an attractive destination for entrepreneurs. The program will be implemented in collaboration with the New Economy Academy and with a strategic partnership from the National CSR Fund, Majra.
Structured Five-Year Training Program
The initiative is designed as a comprehensive five-year development program, targeting the upskilling of 200 families annually. Participants will receive specialized training and professional qualification in entrepreneurship, local production, and project management. The curriculum, developed by the New Economy Academy, will equip entrepreneurs with the tools of the knowledge economy, enabling them to manage their projects according to high standards of quality and competitiveness. The program also includes technical support, business guidance, and marketing assistance to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of their ventures.
Fostering Economic Independence and Local Production
Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Development, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s “from care to empowerment” strategy and the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071. By providing entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and resources, the program seeks to promote economic independence and create diverse income sources for Emirati families. This focus on self-reliance and sustainable local production is expected to build more cohesive and resilient communities, contributing to the UAE’s overall sustainable development goals. The number of Emirati family entrepreneurs has already seen a notable 4.5% year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching a total of 3,307.
About The Emirati Family Entrepreneurs Initiative
The Emirati Family Entrepreneurs Initiative is a national program launched by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Community Development. In partnership with the New Economy Academy and the National CSR Fund “Majra,” its mission is to train and qualify 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families over five years. The initiative aims to enhance their skills in business creation and management, promote local production, and support their integration into the national economy, contributing to the UAE’s vision as a global entrepreneurial capital.
Source: Emarat Al Youm
