Dubai: The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Empowerment, has launched a comprehensive national initiative to train and qualify 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families across the UAE in entrepreneurship, business establishment, and project management.
This initiative forms part of ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ campaign, introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. It aligns with the country’s efforts to strengthen its position as a global hub for innovation, startups, and sustainable economic growth.
Implemented in cooperation with the New Economy Academy and in strategic partnership with the National CSR Fund – Majra, the initiative includes a development program designed to build the capabilities of Emirati families in managing successful and competitive enterprises.
The official announcement took place during a meeting held in Dubai, attended by Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment; Sara Shaw, CEO of Majra – the National CSR Fund; and Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said that, “Under the guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE places strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurial projects and empowering owners of productive and creative ventures, recognizing them as a vital pillar of national economic growth and competitiveness.”
Al Marri stated that the ‘Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families’ initiative aligns with national efforts under The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World campaign, reflecting a collaborative approach to strengthen the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and SME landscape.
The initiative aims to inspire Emirati talents to turn innovative ideas into sustainable, value-creating ventures, thereby enhancing the UAE’s standing as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and small business development.
Over the next five years, 200 families will be trained annually, with participants receiving professional training, business development guidance, marketing support, and technical assistance to help them launch and grow their ventures sustainably.
The program will also focus on enabling participants to develop products that meet market quality and competitiveness standards, encouraging local production and economic self-sufficiency.
“In collaboration with our partners, we are launching the ‘Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families’ initiative to provide specialized training and empower participants to enter the market with confidence and strong capabilities. This initiative will help expand their presence, strengthen the culture of self-reliance, and promote sustainable local production,” Al Saleh stated.
Aisha Ahmed Yousef highlighted that empowering Emirati family entrepreneurs to establish their own businesses is a top priority for the Ministry of Community Empowerment. The initiative supports the Ministry’s ‘From Care to Empowerment’ strategy and aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision under the theme ‘Towards a More Cohesive Society.’
Yousef added that the program aims to nurture national talents, enhance productivity, and build cohesive families that actively contribute to sustainable development. It seeks to enable participants to become pioneering business owners with forward-looking, innovation-driven mindsets, supporting their journey toward economic independence and diversified sources of income.
For her part, Shaw emphasized that, “Our support for this initiative stems from Majra’s commitment to advancing sustainable social responsibility and fostering partnerships that enable individuals and institutions alike to contribute to achieving sustainable development. Through such efforts, we seek to solidify further the UAE’s position as a global capital of entrepreneurship.”
Dr. Faridoon stated that, “The program implemented by the Academy is designed to equip participants with the tools of the knowledge economy and empower them to manage their productive ventures in line with the highest standards of quality and competitiveness. It also aims to prepare entrepreneurs from Emirati families to become innovators capable of sustaining production, overcoming market challenges, and elevating their products to competitive levels.”
According to the Ministry of Economy’s latest data, the number of entrepreneurs from Emirati families in the UAE reached 3,307 in 2024, marking a 4.5 percent annual increase (equivalent to 141 new entrepreneurs) compared to 2023, when the figure stood at 3,166. This consistent growth underscores the success of national initiatives and support programs dedicated to advancing this vital sector.
The Ministries reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhancing the UAE’s entrepreneurial environment, building an integrated and collaborative ecosystem that promotes growth, sustainability, and the empowerment of Emirati families to actively participate in the country’s comprehensive development journey.
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