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Khalifa Fund and ADGM Academy to Launch New Edition of ‘Ruwad Al Ain Bootcamp’ to Accelerate Emirati Entrepreneurship
ADGM Academy: 12 June 2026
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in collaboration with ADGM Academy (ADGMA), the knowledge arm of ADGM, is set to launch the new edition of ‘Ruwad Al Ain Bootcamp,’ a government-backed initiative designed to equip Emiratis in Al Ain with the entrepreneurial mindset, practical skills, mentorship, and industry exposure needed to transform ideas into scalable and future-ready ventures.
Taking place from 8 to 12 June 2026 at MZN Hub Al Ain, the five-day immersive bootcamp will build on the momentum of the previous edition by deepening participants’ engagement with Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and creating direct pathways into innovation driven sectors that are strategically important to Al Ain’s economic future.
Led by Khalifa Fund and powered by the ADGM Academy, the programme aligns with the UAE’s future economic priorities and combines hands-on learning with real-world business challenges. Aspiring Emirati entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to strengthen their business ideas and entrepreneurial mindset through immersive learning, tailored mentorship, sector-driven challenges, and access to the wider MZN ecosystem.
This year’s edition will place a strong emphasis on four priority sectors - Agritech, Light Manufacturing, AI & Cyber, and Culture & Tourism - each of which plays a critical role in shaping Al Ain’s long term development.
By integrating these sectors into the programme, the bootcamp will ensure participants develop solutions that are not only innovative, but also directly relevant to Al Ain’s economic identity, diversification priorities, and long term competitiveness.
With support from government-led entities, the bootcamp aims to create new pathways for UAE Nationals to scale their entrepreneurial ambitions and careers, reflecting a shared commitment of Khalifa Fund and ADGM Academy to advance entrepreneurial talent, support innovation in Al Ain, and contribute to the UAE’s knowledge-based and diversified economy.
Hosted at MZN Hub Al Ain, the bootcamp is designed to provide participants with hands-on tools to identify, validate, and pitch high-impact business solutions. Participants will gain practical experience in team building, business modelling, prototyping, and pitching, delivered through a high-energy applied learning format.
The programme will also provide direct engagement with sector experts, mentors, and industry partners, who will support participants in developing solutions linked to real challenge statements. Through this approach, participants will gain practical exposure to priority industries while building the confidence, networks, and entrepreneurial capabilities required to bring their ideas to life.
On the final day of the bootcamp, participants will pitch their solutions before a panel of experts, with three winning teams set to receive continued post-programme support. This includes six months of curated one-to-one mentorship with locally based experts focused on refining their problem-solution fit, validating target customers, and aligning their ventures with priority sectors. They will also gain exclusive access to MZN Hub Al Ain’s modern co-working facilities, including bookable meeting rooms, 3D printing labs, and a high-tech podcast studio.
In addition, winning teams will receive accelerated entry into the second edition of the Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition, a platform spotlighting innovative startups across Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors.
Leadership Insights
“The Ruwad Al Ain Bootcamp reflects Khalifa Fund’s commitment to supporting and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs in Al Ain by equipping them with the skills, guidance, and insights needed to build sustainable ventures capable of adapting to future challenges and opportunities. The program forms part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and foster a culture of innovation, helping transform promising ideas into ventures with lasting economic impact. By empowering national talent, we are developing the next generation of business leaders and enhancing their capacity for innovation and their ability to identify and pursue high-potential opportunities, thereby supporting the growth of Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy.”
– H.E. Khalifa Saeed Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development
“The impact of applied learning and industry collaboration is critical to empowering UAE Nationals with future-ready entrepreneurial skills. Through the Ruwad Al Ain Bootcamp, we are combining practical exposure with venture creation, mentorship, and innovation-led problem-solving skills, while connecting talented participants to the wider MZN ecosystem and long-term growth opportunities. Our overall goal remains rooted in contributing to the UAE’s innovation agenda.”
– Ali Al Mehairi, Senior Executive Director of Business Enablement at ADGM Academy
Through the Ruwad Al Ain Bootcamp, Khalifa Fund and ADGM Academy are strengthening access to entrepreneurship-focused support in Al Ain, helping UAE Nationals move from early-stage ideas to market-ready solutions through mentorship, skills development, and ecosystem engagement.
UAE Nationals looking to launch or grow their business ideas are encouraged to register for the programme and take part in the Ruwad Al Ain Bootcamp at MZN Hub Al Ain.
The programme contributes to the UAE’s broader strategic objectives by strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, supporting SME growth, and building a pipeline of skilled talent in advanced technologies and entrepreneurship. Graduates leave the programme with not just practical experience but also functional prototypes, a validated business concept, and the confidence to pursue employment opportunities or launch their own ventures within priority sectors.
As a centre of excellence focused on talent development and innovation, ADGM Academy continues to support initiatives that align with the UAE’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-driven economy and reinforce ADGM’s role as a financial centre for future-focused growth and opportunity.