10,000 Entrepreneurs, 30,000 Jobs: UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative Driving Business Setup Opportunities

The UAE has always been dedicated to empowering its youth as well as diversifying its economy. Taking this commitment a step further,  the government has introduced the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative as part of the national campaign “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”.  Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in September 2025, this initiative aims to train 10,000 young Emiratis  and create 30,000 jobs by 2030.

This initiative does not only promote innovation & entrepreneurship, but also open doors  or you can say opportunities for Emiratis to  develop their own businesses and contribute to the UAE’s thriving startup ecosystem.

Overview of the Initiative

The initiative unites over 50 public & private sector entities including the Ministry of Economy & Tourism and the UAE Entrepreneurship Council to offer a solid support base to young entrepreneurs.

The core of this initiative is the online platform StartupEmirates.ae. It is an entrepreneurship facilitation platform developed in collaboration with the New Economy Academy that offers free mentorship programmes and links the youth with startups. This platform aims to attract  10,000 entrepreneurs and generate 30,000 fresh jobs by 2030 with shared working areas, business networking events, training, and international collaborations  to position the UAE as a gateway for global startups.

Key Components of the Program

1. Entrepreneurship Training Tracks

The program offers two training tracks at different levels to prepare 10,000 young Emiratis with essential knowledge & practical skills:

• Beginner Track: This includes major concepts, idea testing, market analysis and simple financial analysis.
• Advanced Track: Covering the full journey from business setup to sustainable growth & global expansion.

2. Specialized Programs

• Specialized Content Creator Programme in Economics and Entrepreneurship: This is a national program that educates 50 Emirati content creators in economics & entrepreneurship to create awareness and inspire others by providing high-quality educational content.
• Project Management Experts Programme: In this program, 500 Emiratis will be trained, qualified and licensed in residential construction projects management.
• UAE Tax Agent Programme: 500 Emiratis will be licensed as certified tax agents over a three-year intensive course. The program will also incorporate VAT and Corporate Tax Diplomas, delivered in collaboration with the Federal Tax Authority & the New Economy Academy, preparing participants to navigate the UAE’s tax landscape with expertise.
• Real Estate Business Incubation: The program will support the launch of 250 fulltime Emirati based real estate businesses providing incubation and guidance to operate as full-fledged agencies and not as independent brokers.
• Young Entrepreneurs & Graduate Business Expo: This is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship at a young age, the program organizes nationwide expos across educational institutions and universities.
• Entrepreneur Participation in Federal Government Procurement: This program allows startups to participate in the federal procurement system under the Ministry of Finance. It expands access for startups, prioritizes national entrepreneurs in federal tenders, simplification of procurement procedures & training and awareness programs to facilitate start-ups to be successful in their activities  and contribute to innovation and economic growth.

3. Networking and Mentorship

The participants are introduced to a circle of entrepreneurs, industry professionals and investors, with regular events that lead to collaboration, guidance as well as potential partnerships.

Business Setup Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs

The initiative not only trains young Emiratis but also facilitates practical business setup opportunities, helping participants turn their ideas into functioning companies.

• Legal Business Formation Support: Guidance on selecting the right company structure (LLC, Free Zone, or Sole Proprietorship) and registration processes.
• Access to Co-Working Spaces: Affordable workspaces equipped with modern facilities to launch and operate startups.
• Funding & Grants: Connections to government-backed funds, accelerators, and venture capital opportunities.
• Industry-Specific Incubators: Mentorship and operational support tailored for sectors like real estate, construction, finance, and creative industries.

Economic Impact and Vision

It is expected that The UAE’s non-oil economy will expand by 5.5% in 2025 through tourism, retail, real estate, and private credit. The SMEs will have a paramount contribution of more than 63 percent of the non-oil GDP.

This initiative will help to nurture young entrepreneurs and contribute to:

• Strengthen the SME sector
• Create thousands of jobs
• Motivate Emiratis to launch business.
• Drive innovation and economic diversification

The initiative positions youth as key players in the future economic development of the UAE.

How to Get Involved?

Young Emiratis can simply register on StartupEmirates.ae, create a profile & select a training track or specialized program which they want to enroll in.

Benefits include:

• Mentorship programs
• Co-working spaces and business tools
• Market insights & templates
• Opportunities to showcase projects at the National Startup Expo

Conclusion

The UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative is a significant step toward empowering the next generation of business leaders. By combining training, mentorship & practical business setup opportunities, the program creates a vibrant ecosystem for young entrepreneurs, fueling economic growth and diversification at the same time.

For young Emiratis ready to launch their business, professional guidance from organizations like MBG Corporate Services can make business setup smoother, offering expert advice on registration, compliance, and growth strategies to turn entrepreneurial dreams into reality.