The UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with the New Economy Academy and Ignyte, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)-developed digital startup and SME ecosystem, has launched a major new initiative to support Emirati entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurship Programme aims to train 10,000 Emiratis through a series of in-person and virtual courses designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge, and practical tools to launch scalable ventures across the UAE and beyond.
The initiative forms part of the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
UAE entrepreneurs
The campaign seeks to reinforce the UAE’s global leadership in entrepreneurship through comprehensive programmes that empower Emirati youth, stimulate innovation, and diversify the national economy.
The launch event in Dubai was attended by:
- Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism
- Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
- Dr. Laila Faridoon, Chief Executive Officer of the New Economy Academy
The Entrepreneurship Programme includes a three-day “Essentials of Entrepreneurship” course and a six-day “Complete Entrepreneurship” masterclass, providing both fundamental and advanced training.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in building business models, analysing markets, developing financial plans, and pitching to expert panels.
The goal is to enable Emirati entrepreneurs to launch impactful projects that can grow locally and compete globally, while contributing to SME-led growth and the UAE’s non-oil GDP.
Building an entrepreneurial generation
Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh said the initiative reflects the UAE’s leadership vision to establish the country as the world’s capital of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“We believe that investing in our youth and empowering them with modern knowledge tools is the cornerstone for creating a sustainable and competitive creative economy,” Al Saleh said.
“Training 10,000 Emiratis in entrepreneurial skills is a strategic move to drive our national talent’s contribution to economic development.
“This initiative empowers them to launch high-impact ventures that contribute to diversifying our national economy and unlock new avenues for growth.”
DIFC partnership and innovation platform
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasised that the programme offers an exceptional opportunity for Emirati youth to build successful enterprises through the Ignyte platform.
“The Entrepreneurship Programme represents a unique opportunity for Emirati youth to acquire the practical skills and technical knowledge that enable them to transform their ideas into innovative, scalable ventures,” Amiri said.
“As DIFC continues to solidify Dubai’s standing among the world’s top four cities in fintech and innovation, we are proud to be a key partner in this national programme.
“Attracting 10,000 participants underscores the nation’s commitment to building a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of driving economic transformation in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) objectives.”
Empowering innovators through the New Economy Academy
Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, said the initiative will equip Emirati youth with the skills to translate their ideas into tangible business ventures.
“Through the Entrepreneurship Programme, we seek to equip Emirati youth with the tools and skills needed to transform their ideas into projects on the ground. These efforts further cement the UAE’s position as the destination of choice for entrepreneurs and investors worldwide,” Dr. Faridoon said.
She added that the programme helps participants understand innovation methodologies, develop business models, and navigate challenges — preparing them to become key contributors to the UAE’s development journey and the national labour market.
Programme schedule and curriculum
The Essentials of Entrepreneurship course will be held remotely on November 16–17 and in-person at the New Economy Academy, Emirates Towers, on November 18.
The Complete Entrepreneurship masterclass, one of the largest of its kind in the region, runs over six days with remote sessions on December 8–9 and 12, and in-person training on December 10–11 and 15 at the same venue.
Both programmes combine theory and practical workshops led by leading entrepreneurship experts in the UAE, covering topics including:
- Business formation laws
- Market validation
- Marketing strategies
- Investor pitching
UAE knowledge-based economy
By training 10,000 citizens in entrepreneurship, the UAE aims to accelerate the contribution of SMEs to its knowledge-based, diversified economy.
The initiative is a key pillar of national efforts to nurture local talent and ensure that Emiratis play a leading role in building the next generation of startups.
