Medyaf Entrepreneurship program, a flagship collaboration between the Dubai College of Tourism’s (DCT) nationalization division Medyaf, and the Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy has recently graduated its first cohort of future entrepreneurs.
The Medyaf Entrepreneurship initiative which supports Emiratis as they strive to succeed in the world of business has seen the successful graduation of prospective Emirati entrepreneurs who will embark upon a career within the tourism, culture, and culinary sectors, as well as entertainment, video gaming, and floristry industries.
Launched in June 2021, the Medyaf Entrepreneurship initiative supports young Emirati talent with a robust framework of a specialized training program and networking opportunities, while also offering technical, administrative, and logistical support from the project’s inception through until launch.
Besides, the Medyaf Entrepreneurship initiative enables participants to acquire funding for their ideas via Dubai Next, the first governmental digital crowdfunding platform, as well as facilitating access to services and introductions to potential partners.
On the occasion, Ms. Mariam Al Maeeni, Director of Industry Nationalization at Dubai College of Tourism, stated that “We are delighted to witness the graduation of the first cohort of talented students from the Medyaf Entrepreneurship program, which is testament to the continuous and successful collaboration between Medyaf and Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy. We are committed to supporting local talent and entrepreneurs as they transition from inception to launching commercial activities, to scaling up for future success.”
Ms. Al Maeeni further added that “We are proud to support their entrepreneurial journey and offer them a supportive framework that will allow them to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available across the tourism sector. We are committed to providing a comprehensive consultation training program, in addition to supporting their ventures and empowering them to reach the highest level possible, whilst encouraging UAE youth to enter the tourism sector.”
Ms. Ibtihal Al Naji, Director of Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy (the educational division of the Dubai SME) remarked that “The Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy was established to encourage and support Emirati entrepreneurs by empowering them with knowledge, increasing their expertise in the business world, expanding their capabilities and honing their talents so that they can overcome challenges and turn them into tangible opportunities.”
“In addition, the academy aims to support young talent by helping them achieve their goals from launching new projects or developing existing ones. Dubai boasts an integrated and pioneering business environment and an advanced tourism sector that contributes greatly to supporting ideas and transforming them into successful businesses that help diversify the emirate’s economy,” Ms. Al Naji added.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development (Dubai SME) focuses on advancing the entrepreneurship culture, and at the same time incentivizing entrepreneurs to generate innovative ideas and projects that support the vision of making Dubai the best city in the world to live, works in or visit. It also seeks to encourage youths to consider promising sectors such as tourism as an optimal option for their future careers, whilst enabling young entrepreneurs to launch innovative projects.
Medyaf aims to attract and train Emiratis for suitable careers in the tourism sector to help further enhance the destination offering and visitor experience. To achieve this, Medyaf develops specialized courses and training programs specifically designed for Emiratis to enhance their capabilities and hone their skills, and to enable them to be a part of the next generation tourism workforce.
