In a move to strengthen the UAE’s defense innovation ecosystem, Tawazun Council for Defense Enablement has launched the Entrepreneurship Enablement Program, a strategic initiative under its Industrial Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Directorate.

Announced on the sidelines of Make it in the Emirates 2026, the program is designed to empower a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs and startups operating across defense, security, and dual-use technology sectors.

The initiative forms part of Tawazun’s broader push to accelerate advanced technology development, reinforce defense supply chains, and deepen reliance on national capabilities in critical sectors, aligned with the UAE’s long-term ambitions under UAE Vision 2031.

Ahmed Ali Al Harmoodi, Director General of Industry Innovation and Artificial Intelligence at Tawazun, described the program as a cornerstone of the council’s innovation strategy. He noted that the focus is on enabling national talent and startups to play a central role in developing priority future technologies, while fostering a more integrated and advanced ecosystem across defense and security industries.

Built as a comprehensive support platform, the program aims to create an enabling environment for startups and SMEs working in dual-use technologies. It seeks to enhance their readiness for growth while connecting them to a broader network of industrial and technology partners.

Mona Ahmed Al Jaber, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Enablement Sector, outlined the program’s end-to-end approach, supporting ventures from ideation through execution, scaling, and operational readiness. She said the initiative will act as a bridge, linking startups with opportunities within the Tawazun Economic Program, alongside access to technology transfer, certification services, and key ecosystem stakeholders.

The program also offers specialized incubation and capacity-building tracks spanning business development, leadership, investment readiness, legal frameworks, intellectual property, and brand building. Participants will gain access to military testing facilities and advanced infrastructure within Tawazun Industrial Park, as well as opportunities to collaborate with the council’s R&D programs, helping accelerate product development and deployment readiness.

Aligned with national efforts to build a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy, the initiative underscores a growing emphasis on collaboration between government, industry, and entrepreneurs. By enabling scalable, homegrown solutions, Tawazun aims to strengthen the UAE’s global competitiveness and reinforce its position as a regional hub for defense industries and advanced technologies.