The Nwat Al Qura Program aims to grow 8-12 Emirati small businesses in Al Rams, Ras al Khaimah, with a strong focus on women led businesses.
Type: Grant
Region: UAE
Sector: Economic Empowerment
Approval year: 2026
Financial inclusion for women; future of work programs; investing in job creation.
Through this strategic partnership, Meem Foundation supports the ECBD Nwat Al Qura Program, a 24 week program helping local entrepreneurs and businesses build stronger businesses, reach more customers, and create sustainable economic activity in Al Rams.
The Emirates Council for Balanced Development (ECBD) was established in 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and mandated to advance rural development across the UAE. It is currently chaired by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and lead by His Excellency Mohamed Al Kaabi, Secretary General of ECBD. The Emirates Villages project was launched as a flagship initiative and serves as a scalable model that can be expanded and adapted as part of ECBD’s broader mandate for balanced development across the UAE. Its objectives are to establish micro economies within the villages, enhance community engagement, attract investments and private sector buy in, and develop localized tourism.
The Nwat Al Qura Program, in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, aims to support 8-12 Emirati projects through testing, launch, and early growth during a 24 week program. The goal is to move the projects from an early idea or small existing business into tested market activity, launches, and verified transactions. Program delivery is primarily in person, with Arabic or bilingual support. The final goal of the program is to leave the 8-12 businesses with a clearer operating mode, evidence of customer demand, and a realistic future growth plan.
