The Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026 concluded successfully

ABU DHABI, 22nd April / WAM / The activities of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival 2026, which was held under the patronage of Sheikh Zayed bin Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, concluded today in Abu Dhabi, and continued for three days at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center, with wide participation from government and private agencies, entrepreneurs and investors, in confirmation of the emirate’s position as a leading global center for enabling innovation and attracting emerging projects.

The festival witnessed the presence of a number of ministers, senior officials and decision makers, in addition to an elite group of entrepreneurs and experts from various sectors, as it formed an integrated platform to enhance the entrepreneurship system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The festival’s program included key sessions, high-level dialogues, and specialized workshops, focusing on supporting the entrepreneurship system, promoting innovation, and empowering youth, in addition to reviewing investment and growth opportunities in various vital sectors, with the participation of more than 300 speakers, and providing dozens of interactive and advisory workshops and sessions.

The first day of the festival witnessed the launch of the “Young Emirates Merchants” award, under the patronage and presence of Sheikha Rawda bint Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as part of efforts to consolidate the culture of entrepreneurship among children and adolescents, and enable them to develop their skills and transform their ideas into innovative projects, in cooperation with the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

On the second day, the sessions highlighted the role of women in entrepreneurship and leadership, in addition to reviewing real-life experiences of entrepreneurs, the challenges they face, and practical solutions to achieve sustainability and growth.

The third day of the festival also witnessed the launch of the “Social Impact Makers Challenge”, through the “Athar+” Center of the Community Contributions Authority – Ma’an, and with the support of “Majar – the National Fund for Social Responsibility”, as the challenge provides a grant worth one million dirhams to support social companies, in a way that enhances social investment and enables projects to achieve a sustainable impact in society.

The third day’s sessions focused on anticipating the future of the economy and entrepreneurship, by discussing Abu Dhabi’s global position during the next decade, the security of the digital future, and the role of artificial intelligence in supporting emerging projects, in addition to specialized sessions on investment and capital. The activities were concluded with a closing ceremony that included honoring the participants and announcing the festival’s outcomes.

The festival witnessed the organization of more than 40 workshops and sessions within the “Founders’ Labs”, which covered various topics such as project building, marketing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and strategic planning, in a way that enhances the skills of entrepreneurs and supports the transformation of ideas into successful projects.

The event also included interactive platforms such as the “Founders’ Services Arena” and “Circles of Impact,” which provided participants with opportunities to communicate, exchange experiences, and build partnerships.

Participants in the festival stressed that it constitutes a strategic platform to enhance cooperation, support the growth of emerging companies, and consolidate Abu Dhabi’s position as an attractive environment for investment and innovation, in line with the UAE’s vision towards a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based economy.

Hanan Faisal, Vice President of the Abu Dhabi Global Entrepreneurship Festival, expressed her thanks and appreciation to all partners, supporters and participating parties, praising their active role in the success of this event, and the integration of efforts achieved that contributed to presenting a distinguished version that reflects Abu Dhabi’s position as a global center for entrepreneurship and innovation, and supports its orientations towards an economy based on knowledge and sustainability.

The festival received the support and participation of more than 30 entities and institutions, including the strategic partners: the Community Contributions Authority – Together, ADNOC, and the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau, in addition to possible entities that include the Department of Economic Development – Abu Dhabi, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hub71, and Abu Dhabi Customs, which enhances the integration of efforts and supports the entrepreneurship system in the emirate.

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