Nawat Al Qura Accelerator Launches to Empower Emirati Entrepreneurs in Village Communities
A new mobile accelerator programme supporting UAE nationals with business aspirations across Emirates Villages has opened registration, offering comprehensive mentoring and market-testing support over a 24-week cycle.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Emirates Council for Balanced Development have jointly launched “Nawat Al Qura”, an innovative mobile accelerator designed to nurture entrepreneurial talent amongst UAE nationals operating within village communities across the Emirates. The initiative represents a significant expansion of support mechanisms for emerging business founders and small enterprise operators in these localities.
The programme provides participants with a structured pathway to develop robust business models, conduct market testing of products and services, identify and engage customers, and formulate strategic growth plans. The first cycle will be based in Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah, spanning 24 weeks and accommodating 12 selected projects, with additional phases planned across further Emirates Villages subsequently.
Registration remains open to UAE nationals aged 18 and above, whether applying individually or as teams of two, until 30th October 2026 at http://www.nwat.ae.
Comprehensive Support Framework
Participants will benefit from tailored mentoring and practical training encompassing business fundamentals, financial management, marketing strategies, and sales techniques. The accelerator offers direct support in product testing, pricing validation, and sales channel optimisation, whilst facilitating meaningful connections with industry experts, suppliers, business partners, and prospective customers. Support pathways are customised to match each project’s developmental stage and specific requirements.
The initiative incorporates hands-on market engagement activities including customer research interviews, pricing experiments, trial sales initiatives, and supplier evaluation exercises. These practical components enable entrepreneurs to gain genuine market insights and refine their offerings and business strategies accordingly.
Strategic Economic Vision
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, emphasised the programme’s alignment with national economic priorities, stating that empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and strengthening their business development capacity represents a cornerstone of economic diversification. He highlighted how the initiative supports the “We the UAE 2031” vision of building a globally prosperous society, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending entrepreneurial opportunities across all emirates and tapping into local community resources to facilitate enterprise growth.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, underscored how “Nawat Al Qura” embodies the UAE’s leadership vision to empower Emiratis and strengthen their economic participation through targeted support and practical tools. He noted that the partnership delivers meaningful assistance to village entrepreneurs, connecting them with market opportunities whilst leveraging each community’s distinctive assets to establish sustainable, economically and socially impactful ventures.
The programme forms a key component of the National Strategy for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises in Emirates Villages, advancing sustainable economic development and fostering an enabling business environment across these important communities.
Source: WAM