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4/22/26, 12:49 PM Global Entrepreneurship Festival opens in Abu Dhabi, advancing support for businesses at every stage - Aletihad News Center
according to Al Nasri.
As part of its efforts to modernise support mechanisms for entrepreneurs, Al Nasri announced the launch of a new
instant financing application initiative during the festival, allowing entrepreneurs to submit funding requests
immediately and access financing pathways more efficiently.
The initiative, she said, reflects a broader shift from traditional administrative procedures toward faster, more efficient
and entrepreneur-focused services.
"We are investing in preparing a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of leading the economy of the future and
creating new growth opportunities," Al Nasri said.
According to Al Nasri, the fund's efforts have already produced measurable impact across the UAE's economic
landscape.
To date, the Khalifa Fund has financed more than 1,200 projects, with total funding exceeding Dh1.8 billion, reflecting
the growing contribution of small and medium enterprises to the national economy and their increasing role in driving
economic diversification, she said.
Nurturing Talent
Besides the Khalifa Fund, other entities such as Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
power businesses' long-term growth, providing them access to regional and global markets.
Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, has been pulling in and supporting world-leading startups. One of its
programmes, the Future Impactor, supports Emirati talent, while its Initiate project is focused on attracting local
entrepreneurs to build their startups, said Mohammed Al Khoori, Head of Marketing and Communications at Hub71.
Al Khoori noted that "any talent from around the world can join to work from Abu Dhabi" through the platform's portal.
Participants at the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival highlighted the event's role in empowering
entrepreneurs through practical programmes, partnerships, and access to real-world opportunities.
The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC) is among those present to support aspiring company founders.
"We have two discussion panels and a workshop on financial literacy," said Mahra Al Shamsi, Chairwoman of
Partnerships Committee and Board Member at the ADYBC.
The council has also signed an MoU with Khalifa Fund for a project that is set to unlock the skills of young
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