UAE Targets 1,000 Emirati Families for Entrepreneurship Under New National Initiative
The UAE has launched a structured five-year programme aimed at transforming 1,000 Emirati families into independent entrepreneurs — part of the country’s broader push to reduce reliance on state support and build a self-sustaining economy.
Announced under the national campaign ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’, the initiative brings together the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the New Economy Academy, and the National CSR Fund (Majra).
How the Programme Works
Over five years, the programme will train around 200 participants annually, offering structured guidance to help turn productive and creative skills into sustainable business ventures.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, participants are grouped into three categories: those with just an idea (“startup”), those with an existing but unstable income (“skill-up”), and those ready to expand (“scale-up”). Training is free, though there is no direct cash support — the focus is on capacity building, mentoring, and market access.
Why It Matters
The number of Emirati family entrepreneurs rose to 3,307 in 2024, marking 4.5 per cent annual growth — underscoring the sector’s expanding role in the national economy.
The programme is one of the Year of Family initiatives and falls under the national campaign launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Officials say the goal is straightforward: move families from financial assistance to financial independence — and from local participation to competing globally.
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