Sandooq Al Watan Honours Mustaqbali Programme Alumni For Entrepreneurial Success

In a significant move to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit among Emirati youth, Sandooq Al Watan recently celebrated the achievements of several young entrepreneurs who completed the Mustaqbali specialised training programme. This six-month initiative is designed to nurture and support young Emiratis in their quest to turn innovative ideas into viable projects. Each entrepreneur was awarded a grant of AED100,000, alongside complimentary technical and financial consultancy, underscoring Sandooq Al Watan's commitment to fostering a new generation of business leaders.

Among the honoured was Mohammed Khalifa Al Zaabi, who developed a digital application in collaboration with veterinary clinics and animal care salons across the UAE. This app not only offers integrated care services but also features an animal passport, vaccination card, and a certified medical history document. Another noteworthy project is by Al-Reem Al Breiki, who introduced a mobile children's salon and studio, bringing convenient services directly to homes.

Yasser Al Gergawi, Director-General of Sandooq Al Watan, expressed the organisation's dedication to empowering Emirati youth. "Our top priority is to act as a catalyst for their entrepreneurial ventures, driving development and sustainability," he stated. Al Gergawi highlighted that the Mustaqbali programme, initiated in 2023, attracted 32 young Emiratis aged between 18 to 35. They benefited from the guidance of Arab and foreign experts with profound expertise in entrepreneurship.

The selection process for funding and supervision involved a specialised committee that evaluated the presented ideas, leading to some projects already achieving success. Al Gergawi credited the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, led by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, for their continuous support and emphasis on nurturing Emirati talent in entrepreneurship.

This initiative reflects Sandooq Al Watan's strategic approach based on three pillars: comprehensive training by global experts, ongoing support and guidance, and diligent follow-up to ensure project success. By investing in the potential of Emirati youth, Sandooq Al Watan not only contributes to individual growth but also propels the nation towards greater innovation and economic diversification.

With inputs from WAM