Abu Dhabi has signed two Memoranda of Understanding to build a more integrated startup ecosystem and expand economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs, as the emirate accelerates efforts to reduce dependence on oil revenue and position itself as a regional hub for innovation.
Both agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, held from April 20 to 22 at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre.
Youth Business Council and Khalifa Fund Join Forces
The Abu Dhabi Youth Business Council (ADYBC) signed an MoU with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, with the signing 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, CEO of the Khalifa Fund.
The partnership is aimed at strengthening collaboration across the entrepreneurship ecosystem and fostering a more integrated and enabling environment for business growth and scalability. Under the arrangement, ADYBC will serve as an institutional platform representing the voice of entrepreneurs and connecting them with private sector stakeholders and decision-makers, while the Khalifa Fund continues its role in empowering SMEs and supporting their long-term sustainability.
Abu Dhabi Chamber Partners with Federal Youth Authority
The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry also signed a separate MoU with the Federal Youth Authority, establishing a strategic cooperation framework to strengthen youth participation in the business sector and support entrepreneurial ventures.
Key areas of collaboration under this agreement include joint events, conferences, workshops, and forums to promote knowledge exchange and research, as well as practical training programmes and field experiences targeting high-growth sectors. The deal also aligns ADYBC initiatives with programmes led by the Federal Youth Authority, expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs to engage in economic development activities.
The Broader Context
The signings come within a structured festival framework. The Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 featured three tracks: a Launch and Enablement Track for idea owners and early-stage startups; a Growth and Development Track for established companies seeking expansion; and a Funding and Investment Track designed to connect projects with investors, financial institutions, and investment funds. Panel discussions, workshops, and expert consultations were available free of charge.
The two MoUs signed this week add institutional structure to that ecosystem, creating clearer coordination between the entities responsible for youth policy, enterprise development, and private sector engagement. Whether that coordination translates into measurable outcomes for startups will depend on execution, but the signals from Abu Dhabi’s leadership are consistent: youth entrepreneurship is no longer a side programme. It is positioned as a strategic economic priority.
