Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The Mawaheb initiative, launched by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), highlighted its focus on enhancing Emirati talents' readiness to join the new economy at the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival kicked off on April 20 and will run until April 22 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre under the theme "Your Impact. Our Economy's Pulse".
According to Dr Abdulla Mohammed Ali AlShimmari, Executive Director of the National Workforce Enablement Sector (GOV Talent), developing Emirati talent is central to building a strong entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival, Dr AlShimmari said the presence of the DGE and its Mawaheb initiative at the festival reflects the strong connection between entrepreneurship and talent development.
"Entrepreneurship and talent are two sides of the same coin, you cannot build a thriving startup ecosystem without the right people in it," he said.
Dr AlShimmari noted that Mawaheb ensures Emirati talent is ready not just for traditional employment, but for the new economy that entrepreneurs are building right now.
"This festival brings together startups, investors and enablers under one roof, and we want to meet them, understand what they need and explore how Mawaheb can be part of their growth story," he explained.
Through its programmes, Mawaheb works with partners including the Khalifa Fund, alongside federal and local government entities as well as private sector organisations, to support Emiratis interested in launching their own businesses.
"We support Emiratis who want to start their own ventures by providing not only funding pathways, but also the skills and readiness needed to actually build and run a business," Dr AlShimmari added.
He pointed to the rapid development of the 3D printing sector as a clear example of how the initiative is helping national talent transition from training to entrepreneurship.
"We have seen this sector grow significantly, and local Emirati talent has been at the centre of that growth, enabled through Mawaheb programmes that gave them the technical skills and business foundation to launch their own ventures," Dr AlShimmari said.
These individuals are not just job seekers anymore; they are business owners contributing to Abu Dhabi's economy, he noted.
According to Dr AlShimmari, the programme recognises entrepreneurship as an important career pathway for the next generation of Emirati professionals. More broadly, Mawaheb plays a central role in Abu Dhabi's long-term strategy to develop a skilled national workforce aligned with emerging economic sectors.
"Through Mawaheb, we trained more than 10,000 Emiratis and delivered over 6,000 job opportunities in 2025 alone," he said.
Dr AlShimmari pointed out that the programme is preparing Emirati talent for key sectors shaping the future economy, such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digital finance and entrepreneurship.
Participation in events such as the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival also helps strengthen collaboration between government programmes and the private sector.
Dr AlShimmari said Mawaheb aims to ensure that Emiratis have the tools and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
"We want to make sure every Emirati who wants to build something whether it is a career, a business or a future has what they need to do it," he said.
