Latest news with #EmiratesGrowthFund
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition concludes
The sessions highlighted accelerating entrepreneurship in the agriculture, financing projects and supporting local products. The Conference emphasised investing in innovative agricultural projects and turning them into viable businesses. Al Ain - The inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition concluded with a firm restatement of the important role of innovation and entrepreneurship in strengthening the agricultural sector and empowering farmers to contribute to the UAE's sustainable food security. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event took place at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28 to 31 May 2025. The event witnessed wide participation from Emirati farmers, federal and government entities in agriculture, as well as youth, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs and the community. The final day of the event featured specialised panel discussions addressing the importance of strong national and international partnerships in supporting Emirati farmers, enhancing the sustainable agriculture ecosystem in the UAE, and empowering farmers through agricultural guidance programmes. During the opening ceremony, Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director at Emirates Growth Fund Vice Chairperson at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), emphasised that the inaugural edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition is a national event that recognises agriculture as a pathway to growth, a means of empowerment, and a key driver of the economy. Her Excellency noted that the event is inspired by the vision of the nation's wise leadership, which regards the agricultural sector as a fundamental pillar of national security and a sustainable economy. It further underscores the importance of elevating agriculture as a national priority and a genuine economic opportunity. Her Excellency said: "At the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, we are witnessing a new generation of Emiratis who do not wait for opportunities but create them. They are investing in smart agricultural technologies that will shape the future of the sector. In this spirit, the Emirates Growth Fund was established, with support from the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to empower innovative national companies in agriculture and food security. The Fund provides flexible investments while allowing the entrepreneurs to manage their projects independently, as our role is to empower, not to control." HE Al Midfa emphasised that achieving lasting success relies on true collaboration among farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. This collective effort is essential for turning investments in agriculture into investments for the nation and future generations, thereby strengthening food security and advancing economic and environmental sustainability A session titled Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector - Challenges and Opportunities explored key areas for boosting entrepreneurship in agriculture. During the panel discussions, participants focused on topics such as financing agricultural projects and supporting local products to improve their standing in both domestic and international markets. The panels also addressed challenges and opportunities, the importance of investing in innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, and how to turn those ideas into bankable projects. The session was moderated by Mr. Manea Ahmed Alkaabi, CEO of Emirates Beekeepers Company and Chairman of the Hatta Traders Council. The session explored mechanisms to support sustainable projects and promote investment in the agricultural sector. The speakers included Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; Shaker Fareed Zainal, Chief Business Officer of the Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Her Excellency Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi, Director of Programmes and Initiatives Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). They highlighted the most important challenges in financing agricultural projects. A special session was held with the winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the 'Innovation' category, celebrating their achievements, creativity, and innovations. It showcased their journey in the sector, their experiences developing their projects, the challenges they faced, and the factors that contributed to their success. The session also highlighted the lessons learned and best practices that can inspire farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to promote innovation and sustainability. This session was presented by Eng. Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi, Lead Researcher at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and featured insights from the winners: Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji, Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi, Mohammed Albuainain Al Mazrouei, and Hassan Juma Al Zaabi. The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 is organised within the framework of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme, launched to realise the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for expanding green spaces across the UAE. The event features the participation of 22 federal and government Entities, alongside more than 40 private companies and over 20 startups operating in the field of agriculture. Additionally, four national universities are contributing through their extensive research capabilities, thereby making a significant scientific contribution to the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, alongside participation from numerous schools.
Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition Concludes with Commitment to Empowering Farmers and Driving Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Agriculture
The sessions highlighted accelerating entrepreneurship in the agriculture, financing projects and supporting local products. The Conference emphasised investing in innovative agricultural projects and turning them into viable businesses. Al Ain, May 2025 – The inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition concluded with a firm restatement of the important role of innovation and entrepreneurship in strengthening the agricultural sector and empowering farmers to contribute to the UAE's sustainable food security. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event took place at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28 to 31 May 2025. The event witnessed wide participation from Emirati farmers, federal and government entities in agriculture, as well as youth, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs and the community. The final day of the event featured specialised panel discussions addressing the importance of strong national and international partnerships in supporting Emirati farmers, enhancing the sustainable agriculture ecosystem in the UAE, and empowering farmers through agricultural guidance programmes. During the opening ceremony, Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director at Emirates Growth Fund Vice Chairperson at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), emphasised that the inaugural edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition is a national event that recognises agriculture as a pathway to growth, a means of empowerment, and a key driver of the economy. Her Excellency noted that the event is inspired by the vision of the nation's wise leadership, which regards the agricultural sector as a fundamental pillar of national security and a sustainable economy. It further underscores the importance of elevating agriculture as a national priority and a genuine economic opportunity. Her Excellency said: 'At the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, we are witnessing a new generation of Emiratis who do not wait for opportunities but create them. They are investing in smart agricultural technologies that will shape the future of the sector. In this spirit, the Emirates Growth Fund was established, with support from the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to empower innovative national companies in agriculture and food security. The Fund provides flexible investments while allowing the entrepreneurs to manage their projects independently, as our role is to empower, not to control.' HE Al Midfa emphasised that achieving lasting success relies on true collaboration among farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. This collective effort is essential for turning investments in agriculture into investments for the nation and future generations, thereby strengthening food security and advancing economic and environmental sustainability A session titled Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector – Challenges and Opportunities explored key areas for boosting entrepreneurship in agriculture. During the panel discussions, participants focused on topics such as financing agricultural projects and supporting local products to improve their standing in both domestic and international markets. The panels also addressed challenges and opportunities, the importance of investing in innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, and how to turn those ideas into bankable projects. The session was moderated by Mr. Manea Ahmed Alkaabi, CEO of Emirates Beekeepers Company and Chairman of the Hatta Traders Council. The session explored mechanisms to support sustainable projects and promote investment in the agricultural sector. The speakers included Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; Shaker Fareed Zainal, Chief Business Officer of the Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Her Excellency Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi, Director of Programmes and Initiatives Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). They highlighted the most important challenges in financing agricultural projects. A special session was held with the winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the 'Innovation' category, celebrating their achievements, creativity, and innovations. It showcased their journey in the sector, their experiences developing their projects, the challenges they faced, and the factors that contributed to their success. The session also highlighted the lessons learned and best practices that can inspire farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to promote innovation and sustainability. This session was presented by Eng. Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi, Lead Researcher at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and featured insights from the winners: Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji, Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi, Mohammed Albuainain Al Mazrouei, and Hassan Juma Al Zaabi. The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 is organised within the framework of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme, launched to realise the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for expanding green spaces across the UAE. The event features the participation of 22 federal and government Entities, alongside more than 40 private companies and over 20 startups operating in the field of agriculture. Additionally, four national universities are contributing through their extensive research capabilities, thereby making a significant scientific contribution to the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, alongside participation from numerous schools.
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
The UAE's national champions will power its next economic era
The future of the UAE's economy will not be built by unicorns alone. It will be built by the thousands of ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises that rise early, open their factories, ship their products, hire local talent and form the backbone of a resilient, diversified, globally competitive nation. These businesses are solving real problems, creating high-value jobs and laying the foundation for the UAE's next industrial chapter. Yet many remain under-served, not because they lack ambition or capability, but because the capital system around them has not evolved to match their scale or potential. They are not the right profile for venture capital, which specialises in early-stage, high-risk, tech-first bets. They are too founder-led or too growth-oriented for traditional private equity, which typically seeks control of mature, stable businesses. And they are too dynamic, or too unpredictable, for conventional bank debt, which demands collateral and repayment certainty that most scaling businesses cannot offer. These companies sit in what is called the 'missing middle'. They are not distressed assets. They are not speculative moonshots. They are real businesses, often profitable or on a clear path to profitability, rooted in the UAE and ready to expand into new markets, product lines and regions. In short, they are our next generation of national champions. That is why the Emirates Growth Fund was created. EGF is a growth equity platform fully dedicated to UAE-based SMEs operating in sectors critical to the nation's long-term resilience – including manufacturing, health care, food security and advanced technology. Backed by the Emirates Development Bank, it is spending Dh1 billion (about $272 million) in patient, flexible capital – not to take over, not to cash out, but to stand alongside visionary founders and help them scale. Growth equity occupies a distinct space in the investment spectrum. It provides capital to companies that have moved beyond the start-up phase but are not yet ready, or appropriate, for a buyout. It supports expansion, not rescue. It enables founders to stay in the driver's seat while bringing in the governance, strategic partnerships and institutional strength they need to grow to the next level. The UAE is home to more than 500,000 SMEs, employing the majority of our workforce, contributing significantly to national productivity and forming the foundation of a strong, diversified economy This vision is already coming to life. EGF's first investment is a strategic partnership with Tarmeem Orthopaedic and Spine Specialty Hospital – a UAE-born pioneer that is redefining orthopaedic care and patient mobility across the region. Tarmeem is not just growing; it is transforming healthcare access, pushing the frontiers of medical excellence and proving that the UAE can lead not just regionally, but globally. And it is just beginning. The UAE is home to more than 500,000 SMEs, employing the majority of its workforce, contributing significantly to national productivity and forming the foundation of a strong, diversified economy. EGF estimates that the segment represents an Dh7 billion growth capital opportunity. They are central to delivering on the ambitions of Operation 300bn, the UAE's bold strategy to increase the industrial sector's gross domestic product contribution to Dh300 billion by 2031. At EGF, we do not see these businesses as mere investments. We see them as infrastructure for the nation's future. Having spent years working alongside entrepreneurs, I have seen the frustration they face when the capital on offer falls short of their ambition. But I have also seen what happens when the right partner arrives at the right moment: a company accelerates, a sector transforms and a country advances. This is the opportunity before us – and the responsibility we carry. EGF does not just fill a funding gap; it fills a future-building gap. It backs the businesses that will manufacture the country's technologies, deliver its care, secure its food systems and power its industries. We help scale the companies that will stand as the national champions of tomorrow. Because when we invest in visionary entrepreneurs at the moment it matters most, we are not just backing businesses. We are building the future we want to inherit.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
'Make it in the Emirates' concludes fourth edition
Major Economic Impact "The event has established itself as a leading annual platform for launching record-breaking industrial, financial, and employment opportunities," Al Suwaidi said in his concluding comments. The forum unveiled over 4,800 locally producible items valued at AED 168 billion, approved industrial financing worth AED 40 billion, and launched the AED 1 billion Emirates Growth Fund for SME support, in addition to the 1,200 job opportunities provided through Industrialists Career Exhibition. Year-Round Initiative Speaking to 'Sharjah24', Al Suwaidi emphasised that 'Make it in the Emirates' is not just an annual event but a year-round initiative offering a growing portfolio of investment opportunities in the industrial sector. He noted that over 4,800 products worth AED 168 billion are now ready for local manufacturing by both national and international investors. Forum Growth Evident He highlighted the notable growth of this year's edition compared to previous ones, bringing together manufacturing, employment, and advanced technologies under one roof—including artificial intelligence. This demonstrates the forum's key role in diversifying the national economy and boosting the global competitiveness of Emirati products. Employment Opportunities Boost Al Suwaidi pointed out that the Industrialists Career Exhibition, held alongside the forum, offered 1,200 job opportunities from 100 industrial companies. The platform aims to connect national talents with jobs in advanced technical sectors, supporting the UAE's localisation strategy and encouraging youth to pursue future-focused industrial careers. Upward Momentum Continues The Undersecretary concluded that this year's outcomes reflect clear upward momentum, promising that the next edition will offer even greater opportunities, broader growth, and a stronger impact on the UAE's industrial sector and overall economy.
Al Etihad
21-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Emirates Growth Fund announces first investment in Tarmeem Healthcare Holding
21 May 2025 19:25 ABU DHABI (WAM)Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), the UAE's dedicated growth equity platform for scaling national SMEs backed by Emirates Development Bank (EDB), has announced its inaugural investment with a strategic minority stake in Tarmeem Healthcare Holding LTD, a rapidly growing healthcare provider transforming patient mobility and quality of announcement was made at Make it in the Emirates 2025, and aligns with the UAE's industrial strategy to accelerate the growth of national priority investment marks a strategic milestone for EGF, which was launched to back founder-led SMEs in sectors vital to the UAE's economic future, including Healthcare, Manufacturing, Food Security, Sustainability, and Advanced Healthcare Holding, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, owns Tarmeem Orthopedic and Spine Specialty Hospital LLC, in addition to Tarmeem Medical Centre LLC in Khalifa City A and Al Healthcare Holding entities currently serve more than 20,000 patients annually, and are on track to double its footprint over the next 18 integrated model provides diagnosis, management, and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries while offering premium, patient-centric services delivered by top-tier orthopaedic experts and cutting-edge on the transaction, Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Emirates Growth Fund, said, "This investment in Tarmeem Healthcare exemplifies the Emirates Growth Fund's mission to close the growth equity gap for UAE-based SMEs. Tarmeem represents the 'missing middle' often overlooked by traditional investors. It's not a startup but also not served by traditional SME funding platforms. Yet, they have great growth potential and by supporting companies with strong fundamentals and national relevance, we are advancing the UAE's long-term industrial and economic goals."Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chair & Managing Director of Emirates Growth Fund, commented, "We're proud to back Tarmeem as our first investment. They represent the next generation of UAE businesses. They are mission-driven and deeply attuned to the country's evolving needs. As the UAE invests in healthcare sovereignty and resilience, Tarmeem is well-positioned to lead and set new standards of excellence in specialized healthcare."Founded in 2019 by Dr. Ali Al Suwaidi, a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with more than two decades of international experience, Tarmeem was established to meet the growing regional demand for high-quality, specialised orthopedic and physiotherapy Al Suwaidi's leadership, shaped by prominent roles across major UAE healthcare institutions, anchors Tarmeem's clinical capital investment from EGF will accelerate Tarmeem's strategic expansion, increasing operational capacity and enabling the development for Tarmeem Orthopedic and Spine Specialty Hospital as well as the two state-of-the-art Medical Centres in Khalifa City A and Al hospital and the two new facilities aim to broaden access to expert musculoskeletal care while reinforcing Tarmeem's commitment to innovation and patient-centred Ali Suwaidi, Founder and CEO of Tarmeem, added, "This partnership with Emirates Growth Fund is about more than just capital. It's about purposeful growth. Their deep understanding of building enduring institutions, combined with strategic insight, provides us with a powerful platform to expand our reach and elevate the standard of orthopedic care across the UAE and beyond. Together, we're not just growing, we're shaping the future of specialised healthcare."As part of the investment, EGF will provide Tarmeem with strategic guidance in governance, growth strategy, and long-term institutionalisation, supporting the company's ambition to become a national leader in specialised healthcare UAE has made healthcare localisation a national priority, investing heavily in specialist services under Vision 2031. While significant progress has been made, opportunities remain to strengthen access to premium orthopaedic and physiotherapy care across the country. Tarmeem is directly addressing this gap, aligning with national efforts to build a resilient, world-class healthcare ecosystem.
