Abu dhabi: H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has met winners of the 2nd Khalifa Fund Entrepreneurship Competition. H.H. Sheikh Khaled congratulated the award winners and engaged in discussions about their projects and ideas, highlighting the Emirati youth's role in supporting economic development and contributing to a competitive, sustainable economy.

According to Emirates News Agency, the winners expressed gratitude to His Highness for the meeting, underscoring the UAE leadership's commitment to empowering youth and enhancing their contributions to national development. The support they receive encourages them to pursue excellence and innovation by developing solutions that anticipate and shape the future.

The competition attracted 509 entrepreneurs, startups, and talents who presented solutions to challenges across sectors such as tourism, fintech, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. Twenty-eight startups from Abu Dhabi, 21 from Al Ain Region, and eight from Al Dhafra Region were selected for an intensive bootcamp that provided mentorship and guidance in preparation for the final stage.

The final stage recognized five innovative projects across key sectors and four projects in the innovation category, featuring AI solutions, sustainability, and robotics. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, emphasized the competition's role in transforming ideas into impactful projects by providing knowledge, funding, and partnerships.

Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, remarked that the competition reinforces efforts to support national enterprises and entrepreneurs. Through strategic partnerships, the fund aims to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy, reflecting entrepreneurship's role in supporting sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.