Page 28 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - JANUARY 2025

Press Release

In the presence of H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei

Ministry of Economy organizes Riyada Development Program in Al Dhafra to
drive growth and expansion of startups and SMEs in the region

Event contributes to enabling entrepreneurs to maximize the benefits offered
by Riyada entrepreneurship system

Abu Dhabi, January 30, 2025:

The Ministry of Economy organized the ‘Riyada Development Program’ in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi,
recently, with an aim to enhance engagement with entrepreneurs in the region, support them in
launching and expanding their startups locally and internationally, and foster the exchange of
experiences, while also addressing the challenges related to business expansion. The event was
attended by H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; and
Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED).

Entrepreneurs: The driving force behind the future economy

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei emphasized the UAE’s firm belief in the importance of entrepreneurs and
innovative startups as key pillars for building a prosperous future for current and future
generations, accelerating the transition to a knowledge and innovation-driven economy. Her
Excellency highlighted the UAE’s continued commitment to fostering a thriving entrepreneurial
ecosystem in line with global best practices, providing flexible economic policies that facilitate
the establishment of startups and accelerate the growth of SMEs, especially with continued
developments in the country’s entrepreneurship legislative framework.

Her Excellency said: "This event serves as a key platform to highlight the unique advantages
offered by the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and how to leverage them. It also offers a valuable
opportunity to exchange ideas, insights, and experiences in all aspects of entrepreneurship and
SMEs development. The initiative also enables us to learn more about the innovative startups in
Al Dhafra, listen to entrepreneurs’ ideas and proposals regarding the enablers they need for
business growth, and encourage them to launch new ventures that benefit the community and
contribute to the UAE’s economic progress.”

Riyada’s initiatives showcased