Page 43 - KFED PR REPORT - APRIL 2026

Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council, Khalifa Fund to advance entrepreneurship ecosystem

WAM
22nd April 2026, 20:09 GMT+11
ABU DHABI, 22nd April, 2026 (WAM) -- 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 is in line with Abu
Dhabi's strategic vision to foster a diversified, innovation-driven economy.

The signing was held in the presence of 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, marking a strategic partnership aimed at
strengthening collaboration across the entrepreneurship ecosystem and fostering a more
integrated and enabling environment for business growth and scalability.

This partnership builds on the shared commitment of both entities to support entrepreneurs and
startups through integrated pathways encompassing access to finance, capacity building,
mentorship, and market access - enhancing their readiness to scale locally and expand into
regional and global markets.

The collaboration will further focus on developing high-impact programmes and joint initiatives that
strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, promote a culture of innovation, and create tangible
opportunities for sustainable growth. It will also facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen
collaboration across key ecosystem stakeholders in the Emirate.

Chairman of ADYBC said that the partnership represents a strategic step towards fostering a more
cohesive and integrated entrepreneurship ecosystem in Abu Dhabi. "Through the Council, we are
committed to empowering entrepreneurs and connecting them with meaningful opportunities. We
firmly believe that investing in entrepreneurs is a direct investment in the future resilience and
sustainability of our economy."

He added that the council continues to play a pivotal role as an enabler and ecosystem
orchestrator by delivering targeted initiatives and programmes that respond to the evolving needs of
entrepreneurs and support their growth and expansion journeys.
Al Kuwaiti said, "This MoU reflects our commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships that
contribute to building a comprehensive ecosystem to support entrepreneurs. Through providing
access to finance, training, and mentorship, we aim to empower entrepreneurs to develop
innovative and scalable ventures that enhance the competitiveness of the national economy."

The MoU reinforces ADYBC's role as an institutional platform representing the voice of
entrepreneurs and connecting them with private sector stakeholders and decision-makers, while
the Khalifa Fund continues to play a pivotal role in empowering SMEs and supporting their growth
and long-term sustainability.

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/279004069/abu-dhabi-youth-business-council-khalifa-
fund-to-advance-entrepreneurship-ecosystem