Dubai Airports partners with FYA to launch Youth Launchpad

Both organisations will work together on the Youth Launchpad initiative, a programme which provides commercial spaces, in highly sought-after locations, to help support startup businesses founded by young Emirati entrepreneurs. For the airport, the focus will be to seek start-ups that will showcase Arabian culture, hospitality, and creativity.

In partnership with the Authority, Dubai Airports will create a specially designed area, in one of the busiest areas of the airport between Concourses B and C. This space will offer young entrepreneurs the opportunity to launch their projects to a truly global audience.

Saeed Al Nazari, director-general of the Federal Youth Authority, said: "We are working in cooperation with Dubai Airports to achieve the greatest possible benefit for start-ups in the UAE. Its airports attract investors and entrepreneurs from all over the world, and we’re delighted that young businessmen will benefit from this wonderful advantage.”

Majed Al Joker, COO Dubai Airports said: “At Dubai Airports, we follow our wise leadership’s vision of empowering young people and investing in their energy. The UAE has always provided its youth with opportunities and has directed their energies to drive its future. Young people have proven that they are able to excel in business and launch distinctive, pioneering projects that have attracted investors from all over the world.”

He added: “Dubai International (DXB) has continued to lead in the recovery of the travel industry and has seen passenger traffic numbers increase over the past year, which means those entrepreneurs selected to be a part of this Youth Launchpad will have a truly global audience. Our cooperation with the Federal Youth Authority is a profitable investment in youth ambitions, aligning with our wise leadership’s vision of empowering Emirati youth and ensuring their competitiveness across global markets. As well as launching the Dubai Airports Youth Council, we are now actively developing youth-driven programs to reinforce communication between young people and the senior management of Dubai Airports.”

Application

The Federal Youth Authority will provide 12 months’ support to the start-ups, with the option to extend based on performance. In addition, entrepreneurs can use the opportunity to evaluate their businesses during this period, as well as attend a training program to improve the businesses’ quality model and develop their entrepreneurship skills and access guidance and mentoring support, plus help to build their branding and identity.