The UAE government has announced a major new initiative to train and empower 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families across the country. The program, launched by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Community Empowerment, is a key component of the nationwide “UAE, the world’s capital of entrepreneurs” campaign, which aims to solidify the nation’s position as a global hub for business and innovation.
A Strategic Push For Entrepreneurship
The initiative represents a collaborative effort to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s SME and entrepreneurship ecosystem. It aims to inspire national talent to transform innovative ideas into sustainable, productive ventures that contribute directly to the country’s economic development.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated, “The UAE, under the guidance of its wise leadership, places special emphasis on developing projects by entrepreneurs and owners of productive and creative enterprises, as they are a fundamental pillar for enhancing the growth and competitiveness of the national economy. This initiative is a testament to the joint action aimed at stimulating national talents to turn their ideas into sustainable projects.”
Program Structure And Objectives
The comprehensive five-year development program will train approximately 200 families annually. The core objective is to elevate the skills and practical capabilities of participants in entrepreneurship and local production. The training will focus on enabling them to develop products that meet high standards of quality and market competitiveness.
Furthermore, the program is designed to encourage these entrepreneurs to establish new economic activities that secure sustainable income and promote self-sufficiency. Participants will receive ongoing technical support, as well as commercial and marketing guidance, to ensure the long-term growth and continuity of their ventures. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to “enabling them to enter markets with efficiency and strong expertise, which contributes to increasing their numbers and supports the consolidation of self-reliance values and sustainable local production.”
Fostering a Productive Community
From a social development perspective, the initiative aligns with the Ministry of Community Empowerment’s strategic shift “from care to empowerment.” Aisha Ahmed Yousef, the ministry’s Undersecretary, highlighted that supporting Emirati family entrepreneurs is a top priority, aiming to equip them with future-ready skills and promote economic independence through diversified income sources.
“This ambitious national initiative aligns with the directives of our wise leadership to encourage and utilize national talents and develop their projects to become leading brands in the world of entrepreneurship,” she said. “This enhances their productivity and their supportive role in the national economy, contributing to building cohesive families that participate in achieving sustainable development.” The initiative is also a step towards achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071 under the slogan “Towards a more cohesive society.”
Key Partnerships Driving The Vision
The program’s success is bolstered by strategic partnerships with the New Economy Academy and the National Fund for Social Responsibility (Majra).
Sarah Shaw, Executive Director of Majra, commented, “Our support for this initiative stems from Majra’s role in promoting sustainable social responsibility and activating partnerships that enable individuals and institutions to contribute to achieving sustainable development and consolidating the UAE’s position as a global capital for entrepreneurship.”
Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, added that the academy’s program will equip participants with the tools of the knowledge economy. “The program aims to qualify entrepreneurs from Emirati families to be capable of innovation, sustainable production, facing market challenges, and elevating their products to competitive levels,” she explained.
About The Emirati Family Entrepreneurs Initiative
The Emirati Family Entrepreneurs Initiative is a national program developed by the UAE’s Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Community Empowerment. It aims to train 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families over five years, providing them with the professional skills, technical support, and marketing guidance needed to establish and grow sustainable businesses. The initiative is a cornerstone of the “UAE, the world’s capital of entrepreneurs” campaign, designed to foster local production, promote economic self-sufficiency, and strengthen the nation’s SME ecosystem.
Source: Tourism Daily News
