Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, has approved the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises in the Emirates Villages, alongside a new Investment Attraction Strategy.
Both initiatives aim to support sustainable economic development in rural areas of the United Arab Emirates and create a business environment that encourages innovation, investment and entrepreneurship.
The announcement came during a council meeting chaired by Sheikh Theyab, where strategic priorities across economic, tourism, community and cultural sectors were reviewed.
Strengthening Local Economies and Entrepreneurship
Developed in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and SMEs in the Emirates Villages aims to build diversified and self-sustaining local economies.
The initiative seeks to empower residents of villages to become entrepreneurs capable of reaching national and international markets. At the same time, it aims to strengthen the presence of Emirati identity in locally produced goods and services.
Investment Strategy Targets AED1bn for Rural Development
The Investment Attraction Strategy aims to bring more than AED1 billion in investment to Emirates Villages by transforming them into attractive destinations for tourism and business activity.
The strategy focuses on three priority sectors: tourism and hospitality, industrial development and real estate. These sectors are expected to drive rural economic growth while creating new employment opportunities for Emiratis.
During the meeting, Sheikh Theyab also reviewed several initiatives supporting youth, senior citizens, sports, health and family cohesion.
“In line with the directives of President His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the Emirates Council for Balanced Development remains committed to advancing comprehensive and sustainable development across all Emirates,” Sheikh Theyab said.
Collaboration to Support National Development
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the council continues to play a significant role in supporting inclusive economic growth through its initiatives and projects.
He added that these efforts align with the national initiative The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World, which aims to position the UAE as a global hub for entrepreneurship and investment.
Mohammed Khalifa Bakhit Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, said the council remains committed to advancing integrated development projects that improve quality of life across the country.
He emphasised that the strategy will help build a balanced development framework that empowers residents of villages and rural communities to participate more actively in the UAE’s long-term economic growth.
