The Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the New Economy Academy, and the Ignyte platform—an international digital platform designed to support the growth of startups and small to medium enterprises developed by the Dubai International Financial Centre—have jointly announced the launch of the “Entrepreneurship” program aimed at Emirati entrepreneurs. This initiative includes intensive training on “Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship,” which spans three days, as well as a comprehensive “Integrated Entrepreneurship” program that lasts six days.
This program is part of the national campaign “UAE: Capital of Entrepreneurship in the World,” launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. The objective is to position the UAE as a global hub for entrepreneurship by offering a set of integrated programs and initiatives that empower Emirati youth to establish their own enterprises, stimulate innovation, and contribute to diversifying the national economy.
The announcement was made during a press conference held in Dubai, organized by the UAE Government Media Office to reveal program specifics, with the attendance of H.E. Abdulla Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; H.E. Arif Amiri, CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority; and Dr. Leila Frideon, CEO of the New Economy Academy.
The “Entrepreneurship” program aims to attract 10,000 Emirati participants to a unified initiative combining the basics and practical aspects of entrepreneurship for novice entrepreneurs, along with an advanced program that encompasses a comprehensive journey from establishment to sustainable growth and global expansion. Participants will be trained in entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to launch innovative projects that achieve local growth and compete on a global scale. This will create thousands of economic opportunities and enhance the contribution of small and medium enterprises to the non-oil GDP of the national economy, aligning with the country’s goals to foster an economy driven by creativity and knowledge, and solidifying the UAE’s status as a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Fostering Innovative Ideas
H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh stated that the “Entrepreneurship” program reaffirms the vision of our leadership in enhancing the UAE’s position as a global capital for entrepreneurship and innovation, especially given that the UAE ranked first globally in the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report, identifying it as the best location for startups and small-medium enterprises both regionally and internationally.
He added, “Training 10,000 citizens in entrepreneurship skills is a strategic step towards increasing the participation of national talents in economic development and supporting their abilities to launch innovative projects that diversify our national economy and open new avenues for growth.”
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Status in Future Economy Leadership
H.E. Arif Amiri, CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, remarked that the “Entrepreneurship” program offers a unique opportunity for Emirati youth to acquire practical and theoretical skills that empower them to transform their ideas into scalable and innovative projects. Attracting 10,000 participants reflects the country’s commitment to building a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of steering future economic transformations in accordance with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) and demonstrates growing confidence in the capabilities of Emirati citizens.
As we continue to establish Dubai among the top four global cities in fintech and innovation, it is our pleasure at the Dubai International Financial Centre, through the Ignyte platform, to be a key partner in this national program that enhances the country’s stature as a global capital for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Turning Ideas into Projects
Dr. Leila Frideon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, expressed that the aim of the Entrepreneurship program is to equip Emirati youth with the tools and skills necessary to transform their ideas into tangible projects, enhancing the UAE’s appeal as a preferred destination for entrepreneurs and investors from around the world.
She added that the program serves as the first step in the entrepreneurial journey, providing trainees with a deeper understanding of innovation methodologies, building successful business models, and addressing challenges they may face along the way.
Dr. Frideon emphasized that the program aims to enable participants to contribute to the UAE’s economic development and create added value in the national labor market.
Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Program
The program, scheduled for November 16 and 17 online, and November 18 in-person at the New Economy Academy located in Emirates Towers, covers various practical aspects of entrepreneurship from ideation and business model development to presenting projects before a specialized committee.
The program features events, workshops, as well as theoretical and practical training, including specialized lectures on the basics of entrepreneurship, business planning, understanding the legislative environment and regulations governing company establishment, market data analysis, financial planning, and business model development. Attendees will also receive training in presentation and marketing skills, provided by a selection of experts and specialists in entrepreneurship from within the country.
Integrated Entrepreneurship Program
The “Integrated Entrepreneurship” program, one of the most extensive entrepreneurship training initiatives in the region, offers a comprehensive training experience covering all phases of business establishment and development, extending to sustainable growth and expansion over six days divided into two phases—online from December 8-9 and December 12, 2025, and in-person on December 10, 11, and 15, 2025, at the New Economy Academy in Emirates Towers in Dubai. This program encompasses all stages of entrepreneurship, starting from idea generation to market and competition analysis, financial and marketing strategy development, culminating in presenting projects to specialized committees that include experts and investors.