1,414 Emirati entrepreneurs benefit from Ruwad's Programs
Ambitious Development Vision
Fatima Al Ali, Acting Director of Ruwad, stated that the foundation is implementing a set of ambitious training projects as part of its vision to empower Emirati talents in entrepreneurship. The programs aim to open promising opportunities for entrepreneurs and support their ventures across sectors, reinforcing Sharjah's status as a preferred destination for national entrepreneurs.
Comprehensive Training Approach
Al Ali added that Ruwad's training and diploma programs provide participants with specialised knowledge and practical skills in administrative, financial, marketing, and legal fields. These are delivered through an integrated approach that combines real-world theoretical insights with hands-on application.
Expanding Training Partnerships
She noted that Ruwad has successfully built strong partnerships with various academic institutions, including universities, centers, and institutes, in addition to specialised entrepreneurship training entities. These collaborations support the delivery of advanced training using modern technological tools and applications.
Entrepreneurial Topics Covered
The training workshops and programs addressed a wide range of topics, from general skill-building and business management to specialized content for launching small projects, financial accounting, and taxation for SMEs. They also included mini-MBA programs, specialized diplomas, introductory workshops, and knowledge development sessions.
Diverse Beneficiary Groups
Al Ali expressed pride in the foundation's role in upskilling various groups involved in or aspiring to join the entrepreneurial sector. These include existing entrepreneurs, aspiring startup founders, school and university students, government employees, retirees, and holders of home business licenses like Etimad and Masar.
Cumulative Training Milestones
Amina Mohammed, Director of the Training, Research, and Events Department, revealed that by the end of 2024, Ruwad had delivered a total of 395 training programs and professional diplomas since its establishment. These amounted to 3,555 training hours over 1,139 training days, with a total of 9,724 participants.
2024 Training Outcomes
In 2024 alone, Ruwad conducted 56 training programs and workshops, comprising 351 training hours over 106 days. The total number of participants was 1,402, including 483 male entrepreneurs (34.2%) and 931 female entrepreneurs (65.8%).
Ambassadors Program Expansion
Ruwad also launched the second edition of its 'Entrepreneurship Ambassadors' diploma program, graduating 13 government employees from Sharjah after completing an 8-day course that included 50 training hours.
Highlights of 2024 Programs
Notable training programs in 2024 included four discussion evenings focused on entrepreneurship in the industrial sector, with participation from 64 projects. The AI-driven marketing innovation program hosted 47 trainees, while 44 participated in the supply chain and logistics program. Additionally, 25 trainees joined the entrepreneurial psychology program, 18 participated in the tourism entrepreneurship program, and 16 attended the digital marketing strategies program.
Strengthening Strategic Alliances
Throughout the past year, Ruwad enhanced its strategic partnerships for entrepreneurial training. Existing collaborations were strengthened, and new ones were established with institutions such as the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah, the Federal Tax Authority, the Sharjah Planning and Survey Department, and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
New Collaborative Ventures
Ruwad also initiated new training partnerships with various Sharjah entities, including the Central Finance Department, Sharjah Private Education Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Documentation House, Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Police Academy, Al Dhaid Municipality, and library administrations in Kalba, Khorfakkan, and Al Dhaid.
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