The UAE has introduced a nationwide Entrepreneurship Programme aimed at training 10,000 Emiratis to build and scale startups. The initiative, launched through the Ignyte digital platform, is part of the campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World.” It reflects the leadership’s ambition to strengthen the UAE’s role as a global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Developed by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism in collaboration with the New Economy Academy and the DIFC-created Ignyte platform, the programme offers both in-person and virtual courses. Participants will gain essential knowledge in business modelling, financial planning, market analysis, and investor pitching. The courses are designed to equip future entrepreneurs with the skills needed to create high-impact ventures that contribute to the UAE’s non-oil economy.
Building a Generation of Innovators
At the launch event in Dubai, senior officials emphasized the programme’s long-term vision. Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: “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. 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.”
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, noted that the initiative will help young Emiratis turn ideas into successful businesses. “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,” he 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.”
Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, added that the initiative will prepare participants to lead in the innovation-driven economy. “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,” she said.
Training Schedule and National Impact
The programme offers two key courses: a three-day “Essentials of Entrepreneurship” course and a six-day “Complete Entrepreneurship” masterclass. The Essentials course will take place online from November 16–17 and in person on November 18 at the New Economy Academy, Emirates Towers. The masterclass will be held over six days in December, combining online and in-person sessions.
Each course will cover business formation laws, marketing strategies, market validation, and investor pitching through interactive workshops led by leading experts. By training 10,000 Emiratis, the initiative aims to accelerate SME-led growth and strengthen the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. It marks a significant step toward empowering citizens to drive innovation, diversify the economy, and shape the nation’s entrepreneurial future.
