BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The UAE's entrepreneurial ecosystem is equipping young founders with skills, confidence and support to transform ideas into businesses that contribute to innovation, job creation and long-term economic diversification.
Supporting young entrepreneurs is increasingly becoming an investment in the UAE's future economy, as the UAE has established itself as a global benchmark for entrepreneurship, Akef Aqrabawi, President and CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab, which promotes entrepreneurship and workforce readiness among young people, said.
"What makes the UAE unique is the strong alignment across government entities, which work hand in hand to develop policies, funding mechanisms, regulations, and support systems that enable entrepreneurs to thrive," Aqrabawi told Aletihad.
He said that developing an entrepreneurial mindset equips young people with problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork and leadership skills that strengthen economies, and those skills contribute directly to long-term growth, stability and economic resilience.
"Investing in young entrepreneurs is not only about creating the next generation of founders, but also about building resilient individuals who strengthen communities and economies," Aqrabawi added.
He noted that entrepreneurship begins with financial confidence and literacy, as understanding budgeting, pricing, cash flow and planning enables founders to make informed decisions and build sustainable businesses.
A Conducive Environment for Entrepreneurship
For Mohammed Al Marzooqi, CEO of NemaBite, a foodtech startup, the UAE provided both the confidence and the environment needed to start.
"The UAE is one of the best places in the world to build something. Everywhere you look, you see innovation, people who support big ideas, and leaders who genuinely believe in young entrepreneurs," Al Marzooqi told Aletihad.
Like many founders, his biggest challenge was not developing the idea itself but earning credibility. He said that competitions, networking events and mentorship helped create opportunities to demonstrate what the company was building while receiving constant feedback from other experienced entrepreneurs.
For 19-year-old Emirati entrepreneur Naji Faqihi Alawadhi, Founder of SmartPocket, a student discount platform, confidence came from seeing the country's culture of innovation.
He said that mentors, other founders and companies willing to support young entrepreneurs helped transform an idea into a business.
"What really helped was being part of an ecosystem where people are open to innovation and willing to give young founders an opportunity if they can demonstrate value," Alawadhi told Aletihad.
Mentorship
Zakaria Doleh, 22-year-old Co-Founder of Dawlati, which connects Emirati jobseekers with empolyers, said his business idea began with recognising a national challenge.
"When I recognised the gap between Emirati talent and private sector employers, I did not see it simply as a business opportunity. I saw it as an opportunity to contribute to a national priority," Doleh told Aletihad.
Like other young founders, his biggest challenge was also building credibility. "You quickly realise that while ambition may open doors, it is execution, consistency and measurable impact that build lasting credibility," he said.
Mentorship has played a central role throughout Doleh's journey. "No entrepreneur builds something meaningful alone. Learning from experienced founders, industry leaders, and specialists has helped us avoid critical mistakes, refine our thinking, and make more informed decisions," he explained.
Driving Economic Diversification
For Aqrabawi, young entrepreneurs are at the heart of the UAE's long-term economic diversification strategy. Through access to capital, progressive policies, world-class infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, the country is cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship while attracting talent from around the world, he added.
"This unique blend of local ambition and global talent strengthens the country's innovation ecosystem, accelerates economic diversification, and reinforces the UAE's position as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and future industries," Aqrabawi said.
Al Marzooqi agreed, stressing that young founders can contribute to the country's vision for the future which is built on innovation, technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
"Young entrepreneurs can contribute by building companies that solve real problems, create new jobs, develop local technology, and support industries beyond oil," he said.
On the other hand, Doleh highlighted how the UAE's diversity pushed him to accelerate and improve his business.
"The UAE brings together people from so many different backgrounds, which naturally encourages you to think globally from day one. Building in such an international environment pushes you to create products that are inclusive, adaptable, and relevant to a wide range of people," Alawadhi said.