Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and the startAD Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers (AWE. 5.0 x EWA Bootcamp) is igniting the global aspirations of UAE-born brands led by aspiring Emirati businesswomen.
The AWE. 5.0 x EWA Bootcamp was launched by startAD, the Abu Dhabi-based global accelerator powered by Tamkeen and hosted at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), in partnership with the United States Mission to the UAE.
The bootcamp's demo day and closing ceremony on Thursday celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of Emirati women who are aiming to scale their businesses internationally.
A Global Call to 'Accelerate Action'
In an interview with Aletihad, Nihal Shaikh, Associate Director at startAD explained that the programme is aligned with this year's theme for International Women's Day, "Accelerate Action", and the UAE's "Year of Community".
"Talking about change is important, but tangible steps are necessary to achieve real results," she said.
To make this happen, the bootcamp paired entrepreneurs with carefully selected mentors and industry experts as well as investors and government representatives.
"The focus was on creating immediate, impactful results," Shaikh explained.
During the programme, two participants, Noura Al Meraikhi and Muna Al Hamadi, saw an opportunity for direct collaboration, according to Shaikh.
Al Meraikhi, the founder of Nexba Healthcare, operates the first R&D nanotechnology facility in Abu Dhabi, specialising in the production of organic hygiene products, SEHA-certified sanitisers and healthcare solutions.
Al Hamadi is the founder of Mineral Energy Natural Products, which creates all-natural products designed to provide relief for those suffering from eczema and dry skin.
Through their collaboration, Al Hamadi's products will now be manufactured at Al Meraikhi's state-of-the-art facility, marking a significant step in their businesses' growth.
Unlocking Global Aspirations
One key focus of the bootcamp was to help startups scale internationally, a challenge for many entrepreneurs worldwide, particularly women, according to Shaikh.
"There are many emerging businesses in the UAE across sectors like education, sustainability and art, whose products have the potential to resonate on a global scale. That's where this bootcamp plays a crucial role," she said.
Through tailored workshops, mentoring sessions and a custom curriculum developed with NYU Stern, participants learned strategies for international expansion, such as franchise models, hiring international sales teams, and establishing partnerships with global organisations.
Shaikh pointed out that internationalisation is more accessible than ever in today's interconnected world.
Abu Dhabi's Supportive Ecosystem
Shaikh highlighted the role Abu Dhabi's infrastructure plays in supporting female-led startups.
"Abu Dhabi offers a unique combination of ambition, vision and compassion," she said, noting that various government entities, such as the Department of Community Development and the Department of Health, attended the event to show support.
According to Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), Emirati women represent 18% of entrepreneurs in the UAE, owning approximately 128,500 small and medium enterprises and 135,000 projects, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
As of mid-2024, the number of business licences issued to Emirati businesswomen in Abu Dhabi rose to 27,331, a 23% increase from the previous year.
Launched under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), the Emirati Women Achievers (EWA) programme has supported over 100 Emirati women leaders in entrepreneurship.
The EWA Impact Hub, an initiative by startAD, empowers Emirati women in innovation and entrepreneurship through programmes such as bootcamps and market access initiatives.
The EWA programme is part of the UAE's broader national strategy for the empowerment of Emirati women.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, founded by the US State Department in 2019, has supported over 25,000 women entrepreneurs globally, offering them the networks, knowledge and resources needed to scale their businesses.
Together, these initiatives are harnessing the entrepreneurial potential of Emirati women, setting the stage for their success in global markets.
