The UAE government, under the leadership of his highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has launched a groundbreaking entrepreneurship initiative aimed at training 10,000 young Emiratis and creating 30,000 jobs by 2030. Through the new digital platform StartupEmirates.ae, aspiring entrepreneurs can access mentorship, training, co-working spaces, and funding opportunities, making it the ultimate gateway for youth looking to build successful startups in the UAE.
UAE entrepreneur training campaign: What the initiative offers
Launched on September 21, 2025, this national campaign is a strategic effort to position the UAE as a global hub for startups and innovation. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving over 50 public and private sector entities, including the Ministry of Economy & Tourism, the UAE Government Media Office, and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council. A central component of this initiative is the StartupEmirates.ae platform, developed in partnership with the New Economy Academy. This digital hub offers free mentorship programs, networking opportunities, co-working spaces, and access to cross-border partnerships, aiming to attract 10,000 entrepreneurs and create 30,000 new jobs by 2030.
Startup Emirates Platform: Digital hub for business growth
A key pillar is StartupEmirates.ae, a new digital platform developed with the New Economy Academy. It will provide free mentorship, training modules, co-working spaces, networking events, and access to investors for early-stage and growing businesses.
Key programs for UAE young entrepreneurs
- Entrepreneurship Training Tracks – Beginner courses on business basics, plus an advanced track covering company setup, expansion, and sustainability.
- Content Creator for Entrepreneurship – A program to train Emiratis in producing content about economics and business.
- Certified Project Managers in Construction – Licensing 500 Emiratis to manage residential building projects from design to completion.
- UAE Tax Agent Certification – Prepares 500 Emiratis to become licensed VAT and Corporate Tax professionals.
- Real Estate Business Incubation – Supports 250 Emirati-owned real estate startups to operate as full agencies.
- National Student & Graduate Business Expo – A showcase linking university entrepreneurs with investors and accelerators.
How young entrepreneurs can apply for UAE training programs and startup opportunities
- Visit StartupEmirates.ae and registerto create your profile. You’ll need to provide basic personal information, your business idea or area of interest, and select the training program that aligns with your goals.
- Choose Your Training Track: The entrepreneurship program offers two main tracks:
- Beginner Track: Introduces essential business concepts, including idea validation, market research, and basic financial planning.
- Advanced Track: Covers comprehensive topics such as startup launch strategies, sustainable growth, and global expansion.
- Each track is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Engage with Mentorship and Networking Opportunities: Upon registration, you’ll gain access to mentorship programs where experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts provide guidance. Additionally, the platform facilitates networking events and connections with potential investors and partners.
- Utilize Co-Working Spaces and Resources: As a registered participant, you can access co-working spaces across the UAE, providing you with a collaborative environment to develop your business ideas. The platform also offers resources such as business tools, templates, and market insights.
- Participate in the National Startup Expo: The campaign culminates in a nationwide expo where entrepreneurs can showcase their projects to investors, accelerators, and government-backed incubators. This event serves as a platform to gain visibility, secure funding, and form strategic partnerships.
Economic impact: UAE startups and jobs by 2030
The campaign supports the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil by nurturing SMEs and startups, which already make up over 63% of the non-oil GDP. With 50+ incubators ready to assist, the initiative strengthens a culture of innovation, job creation, and youth empowerment.This initiative represents a significant opportunity for young Emiratis to embark on their entrepreneurial journey with the support of the UAE government and its partners. By participating, you not only gain valuable skills and resources but also contribute to the nation’s economic diversification and innovation goals.
