Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is using its participation at Make it in the Emirates 2026 to reinforce its role in advancing national entrepreneurship and industrial growth. The event, held under the theme “Emerging Stronger” at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from May 4 to 7, brings together stakeholders focused on strengthening the UAE’s manufacturing and technology ecosystem. Through its presence, the Fund is highlighting new support tools, strategic partnerships, and the achievements of Emirati SMEs contributing to the national economy.
Strengthening Industrial Entrepreneurship
KFED is showcasing seven beneficiary SMEs operating across manufacturing, technology, food processing, agricultural technology, artificial intelligence in healthcare, machinery, equipment, supply chains, and medical products. Their participation reflects the growing diversity of the UAE’s industrial base and the increasing competitiveness of homegrown enterprises in advanced and traditional sectors. By presenting these companies at a national industrial platform, the Fund aims to connect entrepreneurs with investors, partners, and market opportunities locally and internationally.
Support Services at the Event
Visitors to the KFED pavilion can explore the Fund’s entrepreneur support journey, from membership enrolment to business scaling and market access. The Fund is also promoting its “We Listen” advisory service, which offers tailored one-on-one guidance to entrepreneurs and SMEs, as well as its “Funding on the Spot” initiative, which allows eligible businesses to seek preliminary funding approvals during the event. Entrepreneurs can also register for training programmes offered through MZN Business Accelerators in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.
Accelerators and Strategic Partnerships
A key feature of KFED’s participation is the Light Manufacturing Accelerator, designed to help entrepreneurs transform ideas into market-ready industrial products. The programme combines funding, technical support, mentoring, and access to supply chains and industrial partners to improve the commercial readiness of promising projects. During the exhibition, KFED is also signing five strategic memoranda of understanding with Etihad Airways, TAQA Distribution, United Arab Emirates University, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, and the Higher Colleges of Technology.
Economic Impact and Long-Term Role
KFED’s latest participation builds on a broader record of supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs across Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Since its establishment, the Fund has financed around 1,200 projects through approved loans exceeding AED 1.8 billion, while supported ventures have contributed more than AED 8 billion to the local economy and helped create approximately 15,000 jobs. The Fund has also delivered more than 32,000 advisory sessions and trained over 50,000 participants through more than 1,400 training programmes.
KFED’s presence at Make it in the Emirates 2026 underscores the growing importance of SMEs in the UAE’s industrial transformation. By combining finance, advisory services, training, accelerator programmes, and institutional partnerships, the Fund is positioning national enterprises to compete more effectively in local and global markets. Its pavilion at Hall 13, Stand ES18, offers entrepreneurs, investors, and visitors a direct opportunity to engage with the Fund’s programmes and explore pathways for business growth.