Academy for Women Entrepreneurs UAE
Driving local innovation and global growth
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs UAE is a continued collaboration between startAD and US Mission to the UAE with a shared commitment to nurturing local women-led businesses and advancing the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
What is AWE?
The Academy of Women Entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates (or AWE UAE where AWE is pronounced like the word awe – /ɔː/) is a transformative program designed to help homegrown businesses scale and thrive in a fast-evolving market. Over the course of the program, participants:
- Identify growth opportunities to expand their business
- Develop a tailored action plan for scaling
- Build valuable connections with key regional and global stakeholders
Implemented in nearly 100 countries, AWE has supported 25,000 women entrepreneurs globally. In the UAE, AWE businesses have generated USD 42 million in revenue, raised USD 9.2 million in funding, and created 524 jobs over the past four years.
AWE UAE 5.0
The fifth edition of AWE UAE is aimed at supporting Emirati female entrepreneurs as they scale and globalize their businesses. The program will offer hands-on guidance from industry experts and tailored mentorship supported by a network of over 150 UAE-based women leaders and entrepreneurs.
Participants will strengthen their business strategies, identify growth avenues, and enhance their leadership capabilities, all with a focus on contributing to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.
AWE UAE 5.0 is a key collaboration of the startAD Emirati Women Achievers Impact Hub initiative with the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs program, designed to amplify the impact of Emirati female innovation leaders.
AWE UAE Over The Years
2024
AWE UAE 5.0 will select 10 Emirati-founded SMEs with operational businesses across all sectors and industries. It will run from January to February 2025, and participants will receive certified training from NYUAD Executive Education, delivered by NYU Stern faculty.
2023
12 women-owned businesses of AWE UAE 4.0 presented their businesses and their growth at a closing ceremony attended by a wide influential audience including the US Ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong.
2022
AWE UAE 3.0 was designed for female-owned SMEs to fulfill their economic potential and featured 8 UAE businesses that secured more than 1600 partnerships over the course of the program.
2021
AWE UAE 2.0 supported the growth of 12 female-owned businesses covering 7 nationalities and 8 industry verticals. The program culminated with a closing ceremony at Expo 2020.
2020
The first edition of AWE UAE was launched to equip female-led SMEs with the skills to thrive in a post-pandemic economy.
AWE Alumni
House of Pops
Spreading nature-flavored happiness, one pop at a time. Natural Lollies | 100% Natural | Fully Vegan | No Refined Sugar.
Fruitful Day
Fruitful Day is a company that delivers fresh fruit and healthy snacks directly to workplaces and homes in Dubai.
Boho Salon
At Boho Salon in Abu Dhabi, we specializes in color, curly hair, hair extensions and a wide range of scalp and hair treatments. Vegan & Cruelty Free!
Urban Circle
An online platform connecting parents with handpicked, vetted and qualified kids related service providers in UAE.
Spill the Bean
One of the 1st 3rd wave coffee shops in the UAE, offering Specialty coffees, healthy bites, salads, sandwiches, lots of delicious yet nutritious desserts, awesome music and great vibes. a Mum & Pop shop, we are on a mission to reduce the environmental footprint of the consumption of its premium sourced ingredients, by having access to the renewable solar energy of the Sustainable City but also by focusing on reusing the resources and avoiding all Single Use, sourcing local (and organic where possible), and finally by playing its part in the circular economy and supporting similar Small Businesses, who in their turn, support Small Businesses.
The Broth Lab
A healthy restaurant focusing on free range, hormone and antibiotic-free, fresh, locally sourced products.
Kinetic Brands
An independent brand and digital experience consultancy led by award-winning creative and strategic minds.
Grocart
We are offering the best wholesale shopping experience for grocery & restaurant purchasers. Grocart is revolutionizing the food and grocery market, using data-driven technologies and state of the art supply chain.
Auriga Consultancy
Offers a range of tailor-made business solutions and consultancy services for the hospitality business.
Bismillah Buddies
Creates books to challenge stereotypes in the written word and shift perspectives.
EcoBuild
Aims to create a world where the environment doesn’t need protection.
Himma
Promotes the mental well-being of young girls.
iCharge Point
Provides a power bank sharing service to Dubai's public through a network of fully automated vending machines.
Kenzi Beauty Trading
Provides quality products and equipment for spas and salons.
Milieu Environmental Consultancy
Offers high-quality technical services in sustainable development fields.
ninjoo
Promotes a new global fitness movement inspired by style, design & innovation.
Pretty Shady Parasols
Creates stunning garden umbrellas and accessories in a range of fun, bold prints.
Programmers Zone
Specializes in coding courses for children and adults as well as website and app development services.
RFLCT Creative Arts
Aim to empower the community through different forms of art.
Safe Space
Offers educational opportunities and promotes mental health.
Shift Eco
Curates honest and impactful eco-friendly products.
Social Media Strategy Me
Provides technical and digital solutions to individuals, corporates, and brands.
Soil Store
Helps people make the shift to healthy, clean living with organic products.
Something Design House
Merges quality architecture and interior design with a passion for changing & developing the communities.
The Party Handicraft
Brings people the best in personalized party accessories and gifts.
Turf Cafe & November Cafe
Brings a passion for all things coffee.
turtlefeet
Aims to rekindle eco-conscious living by making fashion and lifestyle sustainable.
Trident Trackway
Focuses on construction-related projects like manufacturing, renting, and selling temporary roadways.
2071Mall
Offers great deals in electronics, robotics, smart gadgets, medical devices, software, & more in a virtual space.
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