How I Take the Hands of Emirati First-Time Entrepreneurs to Build Their Ventures

There’s something incredibly powerful about working with someone who has a spark — a raw idea, a deep sense of possibility, and the courage to explore the unknown.

This is the journey I’ve been walking with dozens of Emirati first-time entrepreneurs through the The Entrepreneurship Program by Khalifa Fund, powered by ADGM Academy. These are not seasoned founders or serial entrepreneurs. Most come with questions, hesitation, and a dream. My job isn’t just to advise them — it’s to take their hand and walk with them through the real, messy, exciting process of building a business.

What Kind of Ideas Are Emerging?

The ventures being shaped in this cohort reflect a powerful mix of creativity, cultural identity, and real-world problem-solving. Here are just a few examples:

• A sensor system for cars designed to alert parents if a child is left behind — tackling a heartbreaking issue with smart tech.

• An advanced carwash experience that blends vehicle care with entertainment and family-friendly activities.

• A women-only sports club designed to empower health, confidence, and community.

• A home-based baking venture, bringing back the charm of handmade treats with a personal touch.

• An authentic Emirati perfume brand, preserving traditional scents with a modern business model.

• A wearable GPS tracker for kids, giving parents peace of mind while encouraging independence.

• A healthy juice brand that adapts to mood — combining wellness with personalization.

• A line of organic face oils promoting natural beauty and holistic skincare.

• A coffee accessories platform catering to the growing community of local coffee lovers.

• An online brokerage service, simplifying real estate for new buyers and renters.

• A collection of signature perfumes designed for youth, combining cultural elegance with contemporary style.

Each idea is unique, but what they share is a genuine desire to solve real problems — whether through tech, tradition, or taste.

Meeting Them Where They Are

Before any program begins, I listen. We surveyed every participant in the recent cohort and the results told a clear story:

• 77% were still in the idea stage.
  

• Only 2 out of 13 had any revenue to show for their efforts.
  

• The majority were building hybrid businesses — a mix of online and offline offerings.
  

• Most were creating product-based or service-based ventures.
  

• Not a single participant identified their project as social impact-driven — something I believe is an untapped opportunity.
  

These founders are early in the journey — full of intent, but lacking a roadmap.

The Missing Pieces

When asked what they had not yet built, the answers revealed just how overwhelming this phase can feel:

• 4 hadn’t developed a website or landing page.
  

• 3 still didn’t have their financial projections or a pitch deck.
  

• 2 hadn’t finalized their business model canvas or business plan.
  

• Only 2 had yet to test their idea with real customers.
  

The desire to launch is strong — but many don’t yet have the pieces in place to do it effectively. That’s where the real advisory work begins.

Not Just Advising — Co-Creating

In every session, my goal is to move beyond theory and into application. I don’t just teach concepts; I walk founders through their own challenges. I ask real questions, challenge assumptions, and help them break their ideas down into actionable, testable parts.

And it works.

Participants self-rated their entrepreneurial mindset before and after the program. The average score jumped from 2.8 to 4.5 out of 5 — a clear shift from thinking like employees to seeing the world like founders.

What Mattered Most

When asked what stood out in the program, these were the most common themes:

• Marketing strategy and go-to-market planning

• Real-world examples and interactive dialogue

• The presence of a supportive community

• Clarity on how to start, test, and refine their idea

• A sense of possibility

One entrepreneur wrote:

“Understanding how to start your business, supportive people, and constructive feedback — that’s what changed the game for me.”

Another shared:

“Four hours of exploring is intense, but it was a wonderful experience I would love to relive — if made more concise.”

These insights guide how I evolve the program moving forward.

What They Need Next

Despite the enthusiasm, every founder faces the same next question: “What do I do now?” When we asked entrepreneurs what support they needed, common responses included:

• Guidance in creating marketing content and social media strategies
  

• Help with licensing and legal setup
  

• Mentorship in building business roadmap & action plans
  

• Advice on customer acquisition and funding options
  

• And above all, continued support
  
  

Every single participant said “yes” — they are planning to take action on their idea. That’s powerful. But action without structure leads to burnout. So I’m helping them build that structure.

What’s Coming Next

This article is the start of a new series.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share real stories of the entrepreneurs I’ve worked with — the steps we’re taking together, the milestones they reach, and the pivots we navigate.

We'll talk about how we:

• Build their first MVPs
  

• Create content that connects
  

• Validate demand through actual sales and signups
  

• Prepare for funding with confidence
  

• And grow without losing their sense of purpose
  

Because entrepreneurship isn’t just about business. It’s about ownership, impact, and building a future that didn’t exist before.

And no founder should do it alone.