The Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Youth Business Council has launched the Youth Founders Forum, a new global platform aimed at attracting young entrepreneurs to Abu Dhabi. The first international edition took place in Mumbai, bringing together more than 50 innovators, founders, and startup owners from Young Indians (Yi), a nationwide movement supported by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
The Mumbai sessions featured direct participation from the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council and its strategic partners, offering attendees practical insights into establishing and expanding businesses in Abu Dhabi. With its competitive business environment, advanced infrastructure, and strong focus on digital transformation and innovation, the Emirate has positioned itself as a leading destination for international investment.
Speakers from key Abu Dhabi institutions—including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Hub71, and the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA)—outlined opportunities for startups to access markets, navigate licensing procedures, and leverage support programs designed to drive sustainable growth.
Mansoor Abduljabbar Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Youth Business Council, said the forum represents “an important step toward building an international network that connects young founders with promising opportunities in Abu Dhabi,” highlighting the Emirate’s policy clarity and flexible environment for scaling ventures. Tarang Khurana, National Chair of Yi, described the initiative as “a new bridge linking India’s young business community with Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.”
The Council confirmed that the Youth Founders Forum will become an annual platform hosted in select regional and international capitals, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for innovative ventures.
On the sidelines of the forum, the Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Yi to strengthen collaboration between young entrepreneurs in both countries. The agreement, witnessed by senior officials from the Abu Dhabi Chamber and CII, outlines cooperation in business establishment, market entry, and knowledge exchange through training programs, trade missions, and joint initiatives.
Al Sayegh noted the MoU “creates tangible opportunities for collaboration between young entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi and India,” while Khurana emphasized that it provides Indian startups with a clearer pathway to enter Abu Dhabi and expand across regional markets.
Through initiatives like the Youth Founders Forum, the Council continues to advance Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering youth to contribute to the Emirate’s vision of a diversified, innovative, and sustainable economy.
