Financial Literacy Takes Centre Stage as New Economy Academy and DIB Chart Course for SME Growth

A landmark partnership between the New Economy Academy and Dubai Islamic Bank introduces a comprehensive financial education programme designed to strengthen the capabilities of emerging entrepreneurs and position the UAE as a beacon for business innovation.

The landscape of entrepreneurship across the Emirates is evolving with fresh momentum. The New Economy Academy and Dubai Islamic Bank have joined forces to introduce a Financial Literacy Programme that addresses one of the most pressing needs for business owners: the practical knowledge and digital fluency required to navigate expansion, optimise resources and build enterprises with lasting resilience.

The initiative stems from a cooperation agreement signed by Dr. Laila Faridoon, Chief Executive of the New Economy Academy, and Saoud AlJassem, Chief of Commercial Banking at Dubai Islamic Bank, at the academy in Dubai. The programme sits at the intersection of national ambition and individual enterprise. It forms part of The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global entrepreneurial hub.

What sets this initiative apart is its structure. Rather than offering abstract financial theory, the programme trains participants across four interconnected pillars. The first addresses financial planning, guiding entrepreneurs through budgeting tools, expense management and capital forecasting. The second focuses on financial behaviours, helping business owners optimise resources, minimise waste and establish meaningful financial goals. The third pillar integrates artificial intelligence into business strategy, equipping participants to harness AI for financial analysis, automated forecasting and cost management. The fourth pillar emphasises investment and future planning, preparing entrepreneurs for scaling and securing funding.

The scope is substantial. The programme aims to train more than 500 entrepreneurs across two cohorts, forming part of a broader Entrepreneurship Programme designed to develop 10,000 Emiratis over five years. Similar transformative initiatives have emerged across the Emirates, cultivating Emirati-owned enterprises in specialised sectors through intensive training and field experience.

Dr. Faridoon emphasised the strategic significance of the partnership. “The launch of the Financial Literacy Programme marks a key milestone in our journey toward building a knowledge economy rooted in innovation and future readiness,” she stated. “The New Economy Academy believes that empowering SMEs starts with equipping entrepreneurs with modern financial and technological tools to make informed investment decisions. We are confident that supporting more than 500 national ventures will leave a tangible impact on reinforcing the business sector’s resilience, in line with national directives to establish the UAE as the premier global hub for entrepreneurs.”

For Dubai Islamic Bank, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to economic stewardship. Saoud AlJassem articulated the bank’s philosophy: “SMEs are central to the UAE’s economic progress, and strengthening their financial capabilities is essential to building a more resilient and competitive business environment. At DIB, our role extends beyond providing banking solutions. We are committed to supporting initiatives that help entrepreneurs understand financial planning, manage cash flow, adopt digital tools and make informed decisions that support business continuity, responsible growth and long-term financial stability.”

The programme aligns precisely with the UAE National Financial Inclusion Strategy 2026 to 2030, which sets a national vision for equitable access to quality financial services that strengthen financial resilience for individuals and businesses alike. By equipping entrepreneurs with both traditional financial acumen and emerging technological competencies, the initiative addresses a fundamental requirement for sustainable economic development. Strategic partnerships across the region have similarly focused on advancing digital capabilities and knowledge exchange to build institutional excellence, reflecting a coordinated regional commitment to economic modernisation.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Financial Literacy Programme extends the UAE’s commitment to inclusive economic participation and SME development, sectors that drive innovation and employment across the Emirates. By strengthening the financial and technological capabilities of emerging entrepreneurs, the initiative directly supports the broader national objective to position the UAE as the world’s leading entrepreneurial hub. Abu Dhabi’s economy stands to benefit from the enhanced competitiveness and resilience of the SME sector, which serves as a vital engine for diversified sustainable growth.

The programme also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s alignment with national strategic directives that prioritise knowledge creation and technological integration across economic sectors. As entrepreneurs gain proficiency in AI-driven financial tools and modern resource management, they strengthen their capacity to secure funding, scale operations and contribute to economic diversification. This foundation of financial literacy and digital competency will amplify the effectiveness of the emirate’s broader efforts to cultivate a thriving, innovation-driven business environment.

Source: WAM