Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026. The move aligns with Abu Dhabi's strategic vision to foster a diversified, innovation-driven economy.
According to Emirates News Agency, the signing was attended by Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Chief Executive Officer of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. The MoU was signed by Mansoor Abduljabbar Al Sayegh, Chairman of ADYBC, and Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Chief Operations Officer at the Khalifa Fund. This strategic partnership aims to enhance collaboration across the entrepreneurship ecosystem and create a supportive environment for business growth and scalability.
The partnership is based on the shared commitment of both entities to support entrepreneurs and startups through integrated pathways, including access to finance, capacity building, mentorship, and market access. This will enhance their readiness to scale locally and explore regional and global markets.
The collaboration will focus on developing high-impact programmes and joint initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, promote innovation, and create sustainable growth opportunities. It will also facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen collaboration among key ecosystem stakeholders in the Emirate.
Chairman of ADYBC stated that the partnership is a strategic step towards fostering a cohesive and integrated entrepreneurship ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. The Council is committed to empowering entrepreneurs by connecting them with meaningful opportunities, investing in them as a direct investment in the future resilience and sustainability of the economy.
Al Kuwaiti emphasized that the MoU reflects a commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem to support entrepreneurs. By providing access to finance, training, and mentorship, they aim to empower entrepreneurs to develop innovative and scalable ventures that enhance the national economy's competitiveness.
The MoU reinforces ADYBC's role as an institutional platform representing entrepreneurs and connecting them with private sector stakeholders and decision-makers. Meanwhile, the Khalifa Fund continues to play a pivotal role in empowering SMEs and supporting their growth and sustainability.
This partnership underscores both entities' commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi's economic vision and reinforcing the role of youth as a key growth driver, contributing to the development of a resilient, competitive, and knowledge-based economy driven by innovation.