Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched the second edition of its Entrepreneurship Competition, expanding efforts to nurture Emirati startups and accelerate innovation across priority sectors in Abu Dhabi.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, aims to identify and support high-potential entrepreneurs by providing a structured pathway from concept to market-ready business. It reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader push to strengthen its startup ecosystem and diversify the national economy beyond hydrocarbons.
The programme offers more than AED1 million in prizes and in-kind support, alongside access to mentorship, infrastructure, and strategic advisory services. Participants will also benefit from premium workspaces, digital tools, and networking opportunities designed to help scale early-stage ventures.
“The launch of the 2nd edition of the Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition reflects our continued commitment to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and transforming their ideas into sustainable economic ventures,” said Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, Chief Executive Officer of Khalifa Fund.
“The competition reaffirms our role as a strategic partner for ambitious entrepreneurs contributing to the diversification of the national economy and enhancement of enterprises’ competitiveness.”
This year’s edition broadens its geographic reach, engaging entrepreneurs through MZN accelerator hubs in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The expansion is designed to ensure wider participation and align with the emirate’s inclusive approach to economic development.
The competition is structured across five stages, beginning with applications and screening, followed by technical evaluations and intensive bootcamps focused on business model development, product-market fit, and growth strategies. The process will narrow entries down to 15 finalists, who will receive advanced mentorship and pitch training before presenting to a panel of investors and industry leaders.
The final stage will take place during the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award ceremony, where winners across targeted sectors and innovation categories will be announced.
Participation is open to entrepreneurs aged 18 and above residing in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, or Al Dhafra. Eligible businesses must be Emirati-owned or co-owned and demonstrate a working prototype or viable product with clear scalability potential.
For the UAE, the initiative reinforces a long-term strategy to build a knowledge-based economy by fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and private sector growth. With increasing focus on sectors such as fintech, energy, and agriculture, programmes like this are expected to play a critical role in shaping the next generation of high-impact startups.
With inputs from WAM
