Abu Dhabi: startAD, the Abu Dhabi-based global accelerator powered by Tamkeen and anchored at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), along with the United States Mission to the UAE, held a closing ceremony to mark the completion of the fifth edition of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) UAE program.
According to Emirates News Agency, the AWE 5.0 x EWA Bootcamp was launched during Eid Al Etihad as a unique collaboration between the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and the startAD Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers. The event, aligned with International Women’s Day theme of ‘Accelerate Action’ and the UAE’s Year of Community, took place at the NYUAD campus. United States Ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong, attended the ceremony, emphasizing how AWE strengthens U.S.-UAE economic ties, expands opportunities for American businesses, and fosters shared prosperity.
The closing ceremony provided a platform for aspiring businesswomen to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial skills, celebrating the impact of Emirati female-led ventures in global markets. The event included live demonstrations, pitches, and networking opportunities for ecosystem partners and participating businesses.
The program featured a combination of targeted workshops, training sessions, personalized mentorship, community events, and networking opportunities. Participants received certified training from NYUAD Executive Education, delivered by NYU Stern faculty, focusing on building a global mindset, internationalization strategies, leading cross-cultural teams, and partnership models for cross-border success.
This edition also introduced Agility, a leading logistics firm, which powered the mentorship component by bringing together industry experts to provide custom coaching to entrepreneurs. This comprehensive approach aimed to equip the Emirati Women Achievers with the knowledge, tools, and network necessary to scale their innovations globally.
Over the past five years, AWE UAE businesses have significantly contributed to the local economy, generating $46 million in revenue, raising $13 million in funding, and creating 608 jobs. Associate Director of startAD Nihal Shaikh noted the significant impact of Emirati women entrepreneurs on the UAE’s economic transformation, highlighting the challenge of expanding beyond domestic markets. The AWE 5 x EWA Bootcamp is designed to ignite the global ambitions of these entrepreneurs by providing world-class training, mentorship, and networks to help them compete in the global economy.
