The infrastructure behind Abu Dhabi’s women-led business ambitions

The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, has announced the return of Ra’idah for its second edition in September 2026, expanding efforts to support women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the emirate.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the program aims to help women entrepreneurs strengthen their business capabilities, accelerate growth, and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economy.

The second edition will feature a more immersive format, with applicants undergoing a competitive selection process led jointly by ADBWC and Publicis Groupe Middle East. Selected participants will attend a two-day, in-person academy, receive one-on-one mentorship, and compete in Falcon Tank, the program’s signature pitch competition.

The winning business campaign ideas will receive paid media funding.

The curriculum will focus on skills relevant to today’s business landscape, including marketing and leadership, AI tools, content creation, personal branding, paid media strategies, and campaign development. Sessions will be led by experts from Publicis Groupe across communications, media, creativity, technology, and AI.

“Empowering women-led businesses remains one of the most strategic investments we can make in the future of Abu Dhabi’s economy,” said Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council.

She added that the second edition reflects the council’s commitment to creating practical platforms that enable women entrepreneurs to grow, scale their businesses, and strengthen their influence.

Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Türkiye, said the partnership is designed to support the growth of small businesses while creating opportunities for women founders to build their skills, expand their visibility, and boost their confidence.

Ra’idah will bring together a selected cohort of women founders from across Abu Dhabi, offering opportunities for peer learning, collaboration, and professional networking as the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.