Page 28 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - FEBRUARY 2025 Part 1

Press Release

Chaired by H.E. Alia bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei

First meeting of UAE Council for Entrepreneurship sets strategic
priorities for the year in line with ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision

Meeting explores the possibility of establishing a unified definition for SMEs
and updating their existing classifications

Abu Dhabi, February 25, 2025

The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship held its first meeting, chaired by H.E. Alia bint Abdulla
Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship. It was attended by council members
representing federal and local government entities, economic development departments, and all
councils and funds supporting entrepreneurship in the country. The meeting discussed the strategic
pillars of the Council's operations and set its priorities for 2025 in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031"
vision.’

The meeting follows the establishment of the Council by virtue of Cabinet Resolution No.
(11/36W) of 2024, and the Ministry of Economy’s Resolution No. 1 of 2025 that appointed its
members. The Council is affiliated with the Cabinet and works to support entrepreneurship and
the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei stated that the establishment of the UAE Council for Entrepreneurship
marks a significant forward in enhancing the support system for entrepreneurs and SMEs in the
country. She explained that the Council will play a key role in proposing policies and legislation
that foster the growth of this vital sector. In addition, the Council will work on launching funding
programs and initiatives, offering incentives and competitive advantages to Emirati entrepreneurs,
contributing to their empowerment and greater participation in the national economy. It will serve
as an umbrella for all federal and local entities involved in supporting SMEs, which currently make
up over 90 per cent of the total number of companies registered in the country.

H.E. said: "The UAE Council for Entrepreneurship aims to empower entrepreneurs and support
small, medium, and innovative projects in the country by proposing supportive policies and
legislation and fostering an environment conducive to their growth and innovation. Our efforts
will focus on implementing the national entrepreneurship strategy, supporting Emirati
entrepreneurs and offering them competitive incentives.”

She added: “We are also keen to enhance coordination among local entities across various emirates
to ensure the integration of efforts and the effectiveness of initiatives supporting entrepreneurship.
Other important areas of focus are the development of awareness programs that encourage youth