The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship convened its second meeting of the year, chaired by H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, to propel the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem forward. The gathering brought together key stakeholders from federal and local government bodies, economic development departments, and various organizations dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, aligning efforts with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
During the meeting, the Council assessed the progress made on recommendations from its inaugural session. A key focus was the review of Federal Law No. 2 of 2014 concerning Small and Medium Enterprises, alongside the development of a unified database for entrepreneurs to streamline support and coordination among local entities.
H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized the Council’s ongoing commitment to establishing effective frameworks and future strategies that empower entrepreneurs. This involves fostering stronger collaboration among relevant entities and advancing national programs aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE’s business environment. The overarching goal is to expand the base of entrepreneurial ventures, bolster their future readiness, stimulate startup growth, and unlock new avenues for partnerships and investment, ultimately contributing to a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy and increasing the GDP contribution of SMEs.
Discussions also centered on strategies to better support entrepreneurs in their local and global expansion efforts, as well as enhancing coordination and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. The Council further reviewed the Youth Entrepreneurship Council Strategy, designed to empower young individuals to spearhead innovative projects that reinforce the UAE’s global leadership in this vital area. Plans for entrepreneurs’ participation in international expos in 2025 were also discussed to ensure effective representation on the global stage.
A significant part of the meeting was dedicated to preparations for the National Forum for Government Procurement. This initiative aims to improve UAE entrepreneurs’ access to government tenders by providing federal entities with a platform to present their upcoming contracts. The forum will enable SME owners to prepare competitive bids, facilitate direct communication with contracting authorities, and review developments in the procurement ecosystem, including engagement with funding entities.
The meeting concluded with a review of the progress in achieving the objectives of the National Agenda for Entrepreneurship and SMEs. Discussions focused on the Agenda’s seven pillars: ease of doing business, innovation, business support, digital transformation, access to finance, human capital, and demand increase, all geared towards strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading global destination for entrepreneurship and driving innovation and productivity within the sector.
