Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is taking part in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025-2026, currently taking place in Al Wathba, by supporting more than 14 Emirati small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across sectors such as food and beverage, fashion, outdoor supplies, perfumery, and confectionery.
KFED’s participation highlights its commitment to showcasing Emirati SMEs at major events and expanding their networking and market opportunities. It also reflects KFED’s support through an integrated package of financial and non-financial services.
Speaking to Aletihad, several participating entrepreneurs shared their experience, the impact of KFED’s support, and what the festival means for their businesses.
Khaled Alzaabi, founder of Deep Perfume Trading, an Emirati brand offering luxury perfume, oud, and incense, highlighted KFED’s decisive role in his entrepreneurial journey.
He said KFED’s “tremendous support” enabled him not only to participate in the festival but also to join other exhibitions, giving him an opportunity for expansion and growth.
For him, the festival is an invaluable platform that “introduced my brand to a wider audience and allowed visitors to experience my products firsthand.
"Alzaabi noted that festivals like this “open doors for our local projects to emerge and compete with confidence.”
“They promote a culture of entrepreneurship and fieldwork, and give us greater motivation to develop our products and elevate the quality of Emirati brands,” he added.
Emirati entrepreneur Rashed Abdulla Aldosar brought his Abu Dhabi-born brand Ice Cream & Juice Station to the festival, offering what he calls “a unique ice cream experience with a modern Emirati flair."
With “more than 308 innovative flavours with no added sugar,” his brand has already been ranked among the best ice cream shops in the Middle East and one of Abu Dhabi’s top five, he said.
Aldosar highlighted KFED’s comprehensive financial and logistical support, noting that the Fund is “a genuine national system that believes in and supports entrepreneurs.”
“They did not just offer advice; they took the initiative to invite us to participate and covered all our participation expenses,” he said.
For Aldosar, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is more than just an entertainment event; it is a comprehensive economic and social platform that reflects the spirit of the UAE. It provides SMEs a real-world testing ground to interact directly with customers, understand their needs and build opportunities for collaboration, he added.
Entrepreneur Ahmed Al Shaaifi is showcasing BŪRO Speciality Coffee, a speciality coffee concept that blends innovation with a distinctly Emirati identity and reflects the UAE’s vision of investing in its youth.
“We, the youth of the UAE, have a vital role to play in shaping the future of the nation,” he said.
He emphasised the role of KFED as “not only a supporter but also a partner in our success," highlighting its financial and administrative support, coordination with authorities, and “meticulous follow-up” before the festival began.
“The Khalifa Fund is fundamental to this success,” he said.
According to Al Shaaifi, the festival is “a national festival that combines culture, heritage, and entrepreneurship,” connecting the public, investors, and decision-makers in a dynamic environment.
