ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi (DCD) has launched the Where Life Pulses initiative, taking place from July 24 to August 9, 2026, as part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
Designed by the department as an interactive community platform for children and youth, the initiative acts as a catalyst for youth enterprise, where participants transform their ideas into real-world business projects.
By building vital entrepreneurial skills and encouraging community participation, it seeks to nurture an independent and self-reliant generation capable of driving and sustaining Abu Dhabi’s growth and development journey.
Through the initiative, more than 80 child and youth entrepreneurs will gain direct exposure to the community by showcasing their projects, products, and services.
Set within a community framework that supports innovation and creativity, the initiative seeks to cultivate the foundational skills participants need to engage in business activities by immersing them in project management, marketing, and customer relations, while strengthening their entrepreneurial skills and bolstering their financial literacy.
Welcoming visitors daily at Hall No. 4, from 3pm to 10pm, the initiative features a rotating showcase, with participants divided into three groups, each given a six-day exhibition to showcase their projects and products, expanding opportunities for real-world business exposure for as many child and youth entrepreneurs as possible.
The initiative provides a platform that empowers children and young people aged 3–21 years to showcase their entrepreneurial projects and develop their skills, while supporting the participation of beneficiaries of the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, thereby fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and promoting social inclusion.
Fatema Abdulrahman Al Hosani, Social Cohesion Division Manager at the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, noted that the department remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering all community segments.
Through broadened access to initiatives and programmes that enhance their capabilities, these efforts foster their independence and enable them to contribute actively to the development of their community and create a lasting, positive impact.
Al Hosani added, “Where Life Pulses embodies this approach, where we are actively investing in the capabilities of children and youth, providing practical spaces enabling them to realise their potential and convert ideas into real-world projects and experiences, while fostering their self-confidence and nurturing vital skills in innovation, entrepreneurship, communication, and resource management.
“The initiative reflects the importance of complementary roles and partnership among various institutions, noting that priority remains in creating initiatives that drive community participation and give children and youth a more active role therein, where doing so contributes to nurturing an ambitious and influential generation capable of leveraging its skills in favour of meaningful contributions to Abu Dhabi’s social and economic progress.”
The previous activations of the initiative engaged 81 child and youth entrepreneurs and attracted more than 28,000 visitors.
This positive momentum highlights Abu Dhabi’s cohesive community fabric and the growing ambition among children and youth to build their business capabilities and support the nation’s growth and development.
Organised in partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, the Initiative is supported by government and community partners, including the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), represented by the Municipal Presence Centre, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), providing participants with free business licenses to support their business launch.
The initiative is also backed by the Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Hosted by ADNEC Group as part of Abu Dhabi Summer Sports, this collaboration framework demonstrates how coordinated efforts empower children and youth, encourage engagement in entrepreneurship, and reinforce community cohesion.
The Where Life Pulses initiative forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts in favour of fostering children and youth engagement in community development.
It delivers interactive, supportive platforms combining education with practical, hands-on experience, equipping young participants with essential entrepreneurial capabilities, innovative skills, and financial literacy.