UAE’s youth entrepreneurship vision comes to life with Emirati District at Dubai International Airport
“This initiative aligns with the National Youth Agenda 2031, positioning Emirati youth as key drivers of national economic development,” says Minister of State for Youth Affairs H.E. Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi.
UAE. The Emirati District at Dubai International Airport was officially inaugurated today by Minister of State for Youth Affairs H.E. Dr Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi.
As reported, the hub aims to empower young local entrepreneurs and is a key initiative within the first phase of the National Youth Agenda 2031.
The project is led by the Federal Youth Authority in partnership with the Fatima bint Mohammed bin Zayed Initiative.
Emirati District provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services to a diverse international audience. It also offers resources, mentorship and networking opportunities to accelerate business growth.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Her Excellency Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei; Federal Youth Authority Director His Excellency Khalid Al Nuaimi; Dubai Airports Deputy CEO His Excellency Jamal Al Hai; Dubai Airports Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer Omar Bin Adi; and Dubai Airports Chief Commercial Officer Eugene Barry.
H.E. Dr Al Neyadi said: “Our leadership’s vision places youth at the forefront of our development journey. By investing in their potential and creating an enabling environment, we empower them to excel and contribute to the nation’s progress.
“The Emirati District embodies this approach, providing a global stage for our youth to showcase their talents and contribute to realising the UAE’s ambitious vision.
“This initiative aligns with the National Youth Agenda 2031, positioning Emirati youth as key drivers of national economic development.
“We are committed to supporting young entrepreneurs in establishing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), developing their talents, and enhancing their global market access. The Emirati District provides a vital platform for them to achieve tangible success.”
Her Excellency Al Mazrouei remarked: “The UAE’s vision for the future of the national economy focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs across various sectors by providing the tools needed for the success of their pioneering projects.
“This includes flexible legislation and policies that foster a competitive and attractive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.
“These efforts aim to increase the presence of SMEs in UAE markets while reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading destination for entrepreneurship, both regionally and globally.
“The Emirati District at DXB holds special significance as it coincides with the launch of the ‘Emirati Youth Entrepreneurship Council’.
“This underscores the UAE’s commitment to nurturing youth entrepreneurship based on global best practices while promoting an entrepreneurial culture among younger generations.
“We remain dedicated to advancing national efforts to establish the UAE as the global hub for entrepreneurship by the next decade, aligned with the goals of the National Entrepreneurship Agenda.”
Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said: “The Emirati District at Dubai International serves as a platform for young Emirati entrepreneurs, offering them a unique opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas and connect with global markets.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering youth and providing them with the tools to thrive internationally. It reinforces Dubai’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship and we are proud to support national efforts that reflect the UAE’s ambitious vision for the future.”
Emirati District’s current brand line-up includes Amadal by Afnan Bushalat, offering products that evoke a sense of home; Mira Farms by FBMI, a social enterprise supporting underprivileged communities, particularly female farmers, by providing access to global markets for their natural produce; Nuwa by Abdulaziz Al Jaberi, which celebrates UAE’s agricultural heritage through locally sourced, quality products; and From the Arab by Alyazi Almheiri, a luxury home fragrance brand that brings Arabic scents to modern homes worldwide. 
