Federal Youth Authority Signs Mou With Al-Futtaim To Boost Growth Of Youth-Led Emirati Businesses

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Landmark partnership opens new commercial pathways for young entrepreneurs, helping foster the growth and long-term sustainability of their enterprises

Mira Al Futtaim:

Integration between the public and private sectors expands opportunities for promising Emirati ventures, contributing to a more competitive national economy Empowering more than 100 youth-led Emirati SMEs with new commercial opportunities to accelerate business growth Access to a customer base of over 7.7 million members via the 'Blue' ecosystem Commercial activation opportunities across selected Al-Futtaim destinations

Dubai, UAE – September, 2026: The Federal Youth Authority (FYA) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Futtaim to launch a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of youth-led Emirati businesses, expanding their access to markets and customers, and enhancing their capacity for expansion and long-term sustainability. The goal of the MoU is to advance their contribution to the national economy and support the goals of the National Youth Agenda 2031.

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, and Mira Al Futtaim, Chief Future Education Officer, Al-Futtaim Education Foundation and Chairwoman of Emiratisation, Al-Futtaim, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both entities.

The partnership aims to empower more than 100 youth-led Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by offering them practical opportunities to reach broader customer segments, leverage digital marketing and loyalty systems, and explore commercial activation opportunities across selected Al-Futtaim destinations. Furthermore, participating businesses will benefit from the 'Blue' ecosystem and its member base of over 7.7 million, thereby supporting their growth and expanding their footprint in the domestic market.

Growth Opportunities:

His Excellency Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, said:“Empowering Emirati youth to participate in the economy is central to the National Youth Agenda 2031. Achieving this requires an integrated ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs through every stage of development, offering practical pathways to access markets and consumers, while strengthening their competitive edge and commercial resilience.”

HE Al Nuaimi added:“Our collaboration with Al-Futtaim underscores the need for public-private synergy in advancing Emirati entrepreneurship. By leveraging established capabilities and expertise, this partnership unlocks new commercial avenues for youth-led ventures, driving their expansion across key economic sectors and building resilient enterprises capable of contributing meaningfully to the future economy.”

Impactful Collaboration:

Mira Al Futtaim, Chief Future Education Officer, Al-Futtaim Education Foundation and Chairwoman of Emiratisation, Al-Futtaim, said:“The private sector plays an important role in supporting the UAE's national priorities and fostering an environment that enables the next generation of entrepreneurs to develop their ventures and capitalize on available market opportunities. Through this partnership, we are connecting youth-led Emirati businesses with new platforms, channels, and commercial prospects that support their expansion, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and role within the national economy.”

Broader Reach:

Dany Karam, Chief Marketing and Partnerships Officer at Al-Futtaim Blue, added:“At Blue, we believe that giving entrepreneurs access to customers is just as important as giving them access to funding or mentorship. By connecting youth-led Emirati businesses to our digital platform and loyalty ecosystem, we are helping them increase their visibility, build lasting customer relationships, supporting long-term business growth.”

He said:“We are proud to partner with the Federal Youth Authority to deliver practical opportunities for emerging Emirati entrepreneurs, utilizing the 'Blue' platform to enhance their commercial prospects.”

Commercial Pathways:

The partnership brings together the Federal Youth Authority's youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, including its 'Done by Youth' and 'Youth Launchpad' initiatives, with Al-Futtaim's extensive private-sector reach to create practical pathways that help participating enterprises develop their commercial presence and reach new customer segments.

Eligible SMEs will get preferential support to onboard onto Blue's platform, giving them access to digital marketing opportunities, loyalty-led customer engagement and commercial insights. Participating businesses will also be able to apply for retail activation opportunities across selected Al-Futtaim malls, subject to applicable criteria, approval processes and availability within the agreed activation period.

This partnership represents a model of public-private collaboration in strengthening the national entrepreneurship ecosystem, by helping youth-led businesses transition from the establishment phase to expanding their market presence and enhancing their growth potential and sustainability, supporting the long-term objectives of the National Youth Agenda 2031.

About Federal Youth Authority:

Established in 2018, the Federal Youth Authority serves as an incubator for Emirati youth talent, working to nurture and enhance it as part of achieving the UAE's future vision. This vision focuses on investing in youth potential, supporting their skills, and empowering them across various fields through a diverse array of initiatives, programs, and services, while encouraging their active participation in the national development journey by listening to their views and adopting their creative ideas within a developmental environment dedicated to character building.

About Al-Futtaim:

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Operating across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, the CIS and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim's work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions.

Employing a workforce of more than 40,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world's most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more.

With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim's approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders, supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow.

Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet.

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