The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) has introduced an innovative initiative known as “Founders of Tomorrow.” This program focuses on accelerating the development of scalable businesses that are owned by Emiratis. As an integral part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, this initiative aims to create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

Bridging Academia and Industry

In collaboration with INJAZ UAE, the “Founders of Tomorrow” initiative aims to connect the entrepreneurial spirit of university students with actual economic needs. By integrating real-world challenges faced by governmental and corporate entities into the educational framework, the program provides a unique opportunity for Emirati university students. This pipeline allows students to translate their academic knowledge into actionable business solutions, ultimately contributing to innovation that is grounded in practical applications.

Alignment with Dubai’s Economic Vision

This initiative is closely aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double Dubai’s economy by the year 2033. The program emphasizes the importance of market-driven, outcome-oriented entrepreneurship that corresponds with the emirate’s growth priorities. By nurturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are well-matched to market demands, “Founders of Tomorrow” is set to play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable economic growth in Dubai.

Support from Industry Experts

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, the Acting CEO of Dubai SME, highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration in enhancing Dubai’s economic landscape. He mentioned that this program reflects a commitment to nurturing a new generation of resilient Emirati entrepreneurs who can thrive in a competitive marketplace. Razan Bashiti, CEO of INJAZ UAE, echoed these sentiments by emphasizing how the initiative is geared toward translating youthful potential into tangible economic impact.

Hands-On Experience and Mentorship

Through this initiative, Emirati students will collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle challenges that span various sectors. Participants will receive constructive mentorship and hands-on guidance from experienced professionals at INJAZ UAE. This structured approach encourages participants to move through critical phases, from ideation to solution development, thereby ensuring that they are well-prepared for the entrepreneurial landscape.

In conclusion, “Founders of Tomorrow” is more than just a program; it is a comprehensive strategy that aims to cultivate a robust ecosystem for Emirati entrepreneurs. With the potential to transition the most promising ideas into the Dubai SME landscape, participants will benefit from valuable resources such as business incubation, mentorship, and funding opportunities. By facilitating this bridge between education and enterprise, the initiative strengthens the foundation of the local economy, positioning Emirati entrepreneurs at the forefront of Dubai’s next wave of growth.