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.

What is AWE?

AWE UAE 5.0

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 5.0 Cohort

TALA BADRI

TALA BADRI

Tala Badri, the First Emirati to Earn a Music Degree in the UK, Founded the Centre for Musical Arts in Dubai to Inspire and Shape the Next Generation of Musicians, Blending World-class Education With a Passion for Cultural Enrichment.

SARA AL SHAROUQI

SARA AL SHAROUQI

Sara Al Shorouqi’s RFLCT Creative Arts Center in Khalifa City Breaks Down Barriers to Art by Making Creativity Affordable, Inclusive, and Accessible to All, Fostering a Community Where Anyone Can Explore Their Artistic Potential.

ALDHABI ALMHEIRI

ALDHABI ALMHEIRI

Rainbow Chimney, Founded by the Youngest Emirati Entrepreneur, Aldhabi Almheiri, is an E-commerce Platform and Bookstore Offering Inclusive, Educational Resources That Inspire Young Minds While Promoting Sustainability and Global Awareness.

NOURA AL MERAIKHI

NOURA AL MERAIKHI

Nexba Healthcare Supplies, Founded by Noura Al Meraikhi, Delivers High-quality, Locally-made Organic Hygiene and Healthcare Products, Combining Innovation With Sustainability to Strengthen the Uae’s Healthcare and Manufacturing Sectors.

JAWAHER ALHEBSI

JAWAHER ALHEBSI

Jewels Autism Health Coaching, founded by Jawaher Alhebsi, is the first social enterprise in the region offering personalized, holistic wellness coaching to empower autistic individuals, focusing on their physical, emotional, and mental health.

Khawla Hammad

KHAWLA HAMMAD

Takalam, founded by Khawla Hammad, is an award-winning digital platform revolutionizing mental health in the MENA region by leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to offer culturally tailored, accessible wellness solutions.

Khadija Behzad

KHADIJA BEHZAD

Meet the Locals, founded by Khadija Behzad, offers personalized, immersive cultural experiences in Dubai that connect visitors to Emirati culture while promoting sustainability, social impact, and inclusivity through unique, small-group tours.

Muna AlHammadi

MUNA AL HAMMADI

Mineral Energy Natural Products, founded by Muna Al Hammadi, offers scientifically-backed, all-natural solutions for eczema and dry skin, combining her pharmaceutical expertise with a personal mission to improve the quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.

Najla AlMutawwa

NAJLAA AL MUTAWWA

Hakaya, founded by Najla Al Mutawa, is the UAE’s first digital literary and cultural platform, dedicated to preserving and sharing Emirati poetry, stories, and heritage through innovative technology, ensuring cultural treasures are safeguarded for future generations.

AWE UAE Over The Years

2024

{p}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.{/p}

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

{p}{span style="font-weight: 400;"}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.{/span}{/p}

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

{p}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.{/p}

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

{p}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.{/p}

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

{p}The first edition of AWE UAE was launched to equip female-led SMEs with the skills to thrive in a post-pandemic economy.{/p}

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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