Page 76 - KHALIFA FUND PR REPORT MAY 2025

5/19/25, 11:04 AM KFED to showcase more than fifteen impactful ventures supporting SMEs at ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum
Dhabi SME Champions Program’, which connects startups with key buyers; the ‘SME Export
Enablement Program’ aiming to enhance SMEs’ global competitiveness; the ‘SME Finance Facilitator
Program’, which addresses funding gaps through cutting-edge banking solutions; as well as the ‘ICV
Readiness Program’, which empowers SMEs to meet ICV standards and actively participate in

government tenders, and the Light Manufacturing Accelerator.

The forum will facilitate the signing of Khalifa Fund’s three key strategic agreements, including one with
the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), to support the UAE’s entrepreneurs and
innovators in the industrial sector. In addition, an agreement will be signed with the ‘Make’ platform to

jointly develop prototype acceleration programs for light manufacturing. The launch of the ‘Light
Manufacturing Accelerator’ program is a part of KFED’s broader efforts to enhance local manufacturing
capabilities, by nurturing a comprehensive ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, manufacturers,
government entities and industry partners. The initiative also aims to streamline regulatory processes

and facilitate access to supply chain opportunities.

In addition, an agreement will be signed with Khalifa University to foster innovation and
entrepreneurship while supporting the growth of startups and SMEs across the country. This partnership
leverages the shared expertise of both entities to create an integrated ecosystem that supports

entrepreneurs, researchers and students by providing them with the necessary resources, knowledge
and funding to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Furthermore, more than fifteen key ventures supported by the Khalifa Fund will participate in the event,
reflecting the diversity and innovation of the UAE’s dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. These ventures
belong to various sectors, including technology, food industries, manufacturing, trade and hospitality, all

of which play an integral role in bolstering the local economy, as well as increasing the presence of
national products and services in local markets.

Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), said: “Our
participation in the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum exemplifies the Fund’s commitment to supporting and

empowering national entrepreneurship, particularly in priority sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon
Economy system. We, at Khalifa Fund, are committed to implementing the UAE’s vision of building a
competitive and sustainable economy driven by innovation and production. To achieve this goal, we aim
to promote national ventures and create platforms that empower SMEs to confidently enter into new
regional and global markets. In this regard, the event serves as a unique platform to highlight inspiring

success stories and forge new partnerships, further strengthening the role of SMEs in advancing
economic growth while strengthening the UAE’s industrial and technological sectors.”

‘Make it in the Emirates’ is one of the UAE’s leading industrial events, which convenes innovators,
investors and policymakers to positively transform the future of the industrial sector. Over the course of

four days, the forum will highlight relevant opportunities and growth prospects, review latest innovations,
and create space for enhancing collaboration across key sectors such as food and beverage,

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