Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI AND BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Further solidifying the emirate's status as a global hub for entrepreneurship and advancing its transition towards an innovation- and knowledge-based economy, the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 commenced on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.
The three-day event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aims to translate ambition into action – from enabling startups to securing investment deals.
Through specialised tracks, workshops, and direct engagement with investors, the event aims to support businesses at every stage, from early ideas to expansion into new markets.
In her opening address, Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, highlighted small and medium enterprises' (SMEs) vital role in driving innovation and diversification. SMEs, she said, sit at the centre of the UAE's economic growth equation.
"At the heart of this landscape stands a stable economic model that has become a unique example of sustainable growth in the region," she said, noting that the UAE's development approach focuses on building a more sustainable and competitive economy based on knowledge and advanced technologies.
She added that the country's economic diversification strategy is no longer a theoretical vision but an active economic pathway reshaping the relationship between policies and markets.
"Startups and small and medium enterprises are now at the core of the growth equation," Al Nasri said.
Creating High-Impact Solutions
Speaking to Aletihad, organisers emphasised that the festival places a strong focus on impact rather than visibility.They noted that it is structured to deliver "real outcomes", including facilitating investment deals, enabling strategic partnerships, and supporting business expansion and market entry.
The workshops, advisory sessions, and investor engagement are designed to generate "measurable business results".
This outcome-driven approach, they said, comes at a time of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, reinforcing the importance of resilience.
The festival reflects Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to build a resilient and diversified economy.
It also emphasises strong public-private collaboration and adaptive regulatory frameworks in efforts to provide a stable business environment. Organisers added that this enables companies to respond effectively to global economic and geopolitical challenges.
Central to the festival is a structured, stage-based support system across three main tracks: Launch and Enablement for early-stage startups, Growth and Development for expanding businesses, and Funding and Investment to connect companies with investors.
They added that this approach ensures "practical support and clear pathways to growth".
For startups, particularly those navigating early-stage risks, the support extends well beyond the event itself. Support is provided through mentorship, practical tools, and direct access to investors, according to organisers.
Khalifa Fund, for example, accelerates the growth of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, enhances the readiness of businesses, and strengthens their ability to create sustainable value and expand into regional and global markets, according to Al Nasri.
As part of its efforts to modernise support mechanisms for entrepreneurs, Al Nasri announced the launch of a new instant financing application initiative during the festival, allowing entrepreneurs to submit funding requests immediately and access financing pathways more efficiently.
The initiative, she said, reflects a broader shift from traditional administrative procedures toward faster, more efficient and entrepreneur-focused services.
"We are investing in preparing a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of leading the economy of the future and creating new growth opportunities," Al Nasri said.
According to Al Nasri, the fund's efforts have already produced measurable impact across the UAE's economic landscape.
To date, the Khalifa Fund has financed more than 1,200 projects, with total funding exceeding Dh1.8 billion, reflecting the growing contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national economy and their increasing role in driving economic diversification, she said.
Nurturing Talent
Besides the Khalifa Fund, other entities such as Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development power businesses' long-term growth, providing them access to regional and global markets.
Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has been pulling in and supporting world-leading startups. One of its programmes, the Future Impactor, supports Emirati talent, while its Initiate project is focused on attracting local entrepreneurs to build their startups, said Mohammed Al Khoori, Head of Marketing and Communications at Hub71.
Al Khoori noted that "any talent from around the world can join to work from Abu Dhabi" through the platform's portal.
Participants at the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival highlighted the event's role in empowering entrepreneurs through practical programmes, partnerships, and access to real-world opportunities.
The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC) is among those present to support aspiring company founders.
"We have two discussion panels and a workshop on financial literacy," said Mahra Al Shamsi, Chairwoman of Partnerships Committee and Board Member at the ADYBC.
The council has also signed an MoU with Khalifa Fund for a project that is set to unlock the skills of young entrepreneurs.
The Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an is taking part in the event to accelerate social impact in Abu Dhabi.
"We have a lot of programmes for the social enterprises and not-for-profit ventures, offering financial and non-financial support," said Rahma Ali Alkamali, Social Incubation Manager at the authority.
Entrepreneur Nabeel Al Katheeri said such festivals help foster an ecosystem where ideas evolve into real opportunities, enabling startups to grow through access to guidance, investment, and meaningful collaboration.
“The event's significance lies in supporting startups, building strategic partnerships, providing mentorship and funding, and encouraging the youth to innovate,” Al Katheeri said.
