Page 57 - KFED PR REPORT - APRIL 2026

4/23/26, 11:03 AM Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development launches ‘Funding on the Spot’ at Abu Dhabi entrepreneurship festival - https://www.…
Officials said the initiative is designed for Emirati business owners aged 21 to 60, particularly those looking to grow or
expand their businesses in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, technology, tourism, and industry.

Supporting young entrepreneurs

The festival also featured the launch of the “Young Emirati Traders” competition, held under the patronage of Rawdha bint
Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The initiative targets young people aged 6 to 18 and aims to introduce them to business skills through hands-on learning.

It also focuses on raising awareness in areas such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, and financial literacy.

Panel discussions and workshops

Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, took
part in a panel session focused on building Abu Dhabi as a global hub for entrepreneurs.

He highlighted the importance of strong policies, access to funding, and support systems in helping start-ups grow.

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is also hosting workshops during the festival, covering topics such as starting a
business, pricing strategies, and understanding customer needs.

Officials said these sessions are designed to support both new and growing businesses with practical knowledge.

New partnership signed

KFED also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council to strengthen support for
young entrepreneurs.

The agreement aims to improve access to funding, connect businesses with investors, and expand opportunities in both local
and international markets.

Growing impact

Officials said Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has supported more than 1,200 projects so far, with total funding
exceeding Dh1.8 billion.

They added that these efforts play an important role in supporting small and medium enterprises and strengthening Abu
Dhabi’s position as a centre for entrepreneurship.

The Fund said it will continue introducing initiatives that help entrepreneurs grow and contribute to the wider economy.

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