The UAE Ministry of Economy, in collaboration with the New Economy Academy and the Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) Ignyte platform, has announced the launch of the “Entrepreneurship” program. This major national initiative aims to train 10,000 Emirati citizens in essential entrepreneurship skills, empowering them to launch innovative new businesses and contribute to the nation’s economic diversification.
A Strategic Push For Economic Diversification
The program is a key component of the “The Emirates is the global capital of entrepreneurs” campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It directly supports the UAE’s strategic vision to cement its position as a global hub for entrepreneurship by fostering local talent, stimulating innovation, and growing the contribution of SMEs to the non-oil GDP.
During the announcement, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the program’s alignment with the nation’s goals. “Training 10,000 male and female citizens in entrepreneurship skills represents a strategic step towards enhancing the participation of national talents in the economic development journey,” he stated. He also highlighted the UAE’s recent achievement of ranking first globally in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2023/2024 report as the best place for entrepreneurship.
Comprehensive Training Structure
The “Entrepreneurship” program is designed to cater to aspiring entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey. It features two core training tracks: a condensed three-day course on the “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship” for newcomers, and an immersive six-day “Integrated Entrepreneurship” experience that provides a comprehensive guide from company formation to sustainable growth and global expansion. This structured approach ensures participants gain both the foundational knowledge and advanced skills needed to succeed.
Public-Private Collaboration in Action
This initiative showcases a powerful collaboration between governmental and private sector entities to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, underscored the program’s importance in cultivating a new generation of business leaders. “The program represents a qualitative opportunity for Emirati youth to acquire the practical and scientific skills that enable them to turn their ideas into innovative projects capable of growth and expansion,” he said. “As we continue to establish Dubai’s position among the top four global cities for financial technology and innovation, we at DIFC, through the Ignyte platform, are pleased to be a key partner in this national program.”
About The Entrepreneurship Program
The “Entrepreneurship” program is a national initiative aimed at attracting and training 10,000 UAE citizens in the principles and practices of modern entrepreneurship. Its primary objectives are to empower Emiratis to launch high-quality projects with local growth and global competitiveness, create thousands of new economic opportunities, and enhance the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises to the UAE’s non-oil GDP, aligning with the nation’s vision for a knowledge-based economy.
Source: Al Etihad
