As part of the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World” Ministry of Economy & Tourism and Ministry of Community Empowerment, in collaboration with the New Economy Academy, launch initiative to train 1,000 Emirati entrepreneurs from local families

“Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families” initiative is a five-year entrepreneurial skills development program 

Abu Dhabi, October 20, 2025:
As part of ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister  of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Ministry of Community Empowerment have announced the launch of an initiative to train and qualify 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families across the country in the fields of entrepreneurship, business establishment, and project management.
The initiative includes a development program, implemented in collaboration with the New Economy Academy and in strategic partnership with the National CSR Fund – Majra.
The announcement was made during a meeting held today in Dubai, attended by H.E. Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; H.E. 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.
In this context, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said: “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. The ‘Entrepreneurs from Emirati Families’ initiative aligns with the national efforts under ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ campaign, embodying a collaborative approach to enhance the country’s entrepreneurial and SME ecosystem. It seeks to inspire Emirati talents to transform innovative ideas into sustainable, value-creating ventures that drive economic development and further strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading regional and global hub for entrepreneurship and productive enterprises.”
The initiative aims to train and qualify 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families across the UAE, strengthening their practical skills and capabilities in entrepreneurship and local production. It seeks to provide professional training and capacity-building opportunities that enable participants to develop products aligned with market quality and competitiveness standards. In addition, the program encourages Emirati family entrepreneurs to establish ventures within the new economy, supporting income sustainability and self-sufficiency. Over five years, around 200 families will be trained annually, with participants receiving technical support, as well as business development and marketing guidance, to ensure the continuity and long-term growth of their projects.
H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, stated: “The Ministry of Economy and Tourism is committed to fostering entrepreneurship among Emirati families, guided by its vision of this vital sector as a cornerstone for building a productive and innovative society that contributes actively to advancing social and economic sustainability across the UAE. In this context, and 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.”
H.E. Aisha Ahmed Yousef, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Community Empowerment, stated that supporting entrepreneurs from Emirati families and encouraging them to establish and launch their own businesses is among the Ministry’s top priorities. The goal, she explained, is to develop their capabilities and refine their skills so they can become pioneering business owners with forward-looking, innovation-driven approaches, while also empowering them to achieve economic independence through diversified sources of income.
H.E. emphasized that the initiative reflects the Ministry’s “From Care to Empowerment” strategy and aligns with the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071, under the ‘Towards a More Cohesive Society’ vision.
Her Excellency emphasized the significance of this ambitious national initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the New Economy Academy, and in strategic partnership with Majra. She noted that the program plays a pivotal role in empowering entrepreneurs from Emirati families, in line with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership.
The initiative, she explained, seeks to encourage and harness national talents and capabilities, supporting them in developing and expanding their projects to become distinctive brands in the entrepreneurial landscape. In doing so, it aims to enhance productivity, strengthen their contribution to the national economy, and build cohesive families that actively participate in achieving sustainable development.
Her Excellency further emphasized the Ministry of Community Empowerment’s commitment to expanding its community partnerships and strengthening collaboration with entities across the UAE in both the public and private sectors. The goal, she noted, is to build an integrated, collaborative ecosystem that promotes growth and sustainability while empowering entrepreneurs from Emirati families to enter the local market with competence and professionalism. The Ministry aims to enhance their capabilities by providing the necessary knowledge, tools, and resources to help them launch, expand, and scale their businesses locally and internationally, thereby enabling them to play an active role in advancing the UAE’s comprehensive development journey.
For her part, Sara Shaw, CEO of Majra, stated: “We at Majra are delighted to contribute to this pioneering national initiative aimed at training and qualifying 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families. The program embodies the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership in empowering citizens and enhancing their economic and social participation. 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. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, stated: “At the New Economy Academy, we firmly believe that economic empowerment is built upon the development of competence, skill, and specialized knowledge across all sectors. Our partnership with the initiative to train 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families stems from this conviction to instill an entrepreneurial mindset and culture among all members of society.”
“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. Training 1,000 entrepreneurs from Emirati families represents a strategic step toward advancing both social and economic sustainability,” she added.
The number of entrepreneurs from Emirati families in the UAE witnessed a significant increase in 2024, reaching 3,307 with an annual growth of 4.5 per cent — equivalent to the addition of 141 new family entrepreneurs compared to that of 2023, when the figure stood at 3,166. This growth reflects the effectiveness of national initiatives and programs dedicated to supporting this vital sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy.