Women entrepreneurs in Abu Dhabi will soon have another opportunity to grow their businesses through the second edition of the Raidah Women SME Programme. The initiative is designed to help women who lead small and medium-sized enterprises build stronger businesses with practical training, expert guidance, and new networking opportunities.
The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council is running the programme in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East. The second edition is set to begin in September 2026 and will welcome a new group of women business owners from across Abu Dhabi.
Participants will be chosen through a competitive application process. Those selected will take part in a structured programme that combines classroom learning with personal mentoring and business development activities. The goal is to give women entrepreneurs the skills and confidence needed to support long-term business growth.
One of the main features of the programme is a two-day, in-person academy. During these sessions, participants will learn from experienced professionals working in marketing, communications, technology, creativity, media, and artificial intelligence. The training is designed to provide practical knowledge that can be used in everyday business operations.
The second edition introduces a wider range of learning topics. The updated curriculum includes leadership development, marketing strategies, artificial intelligence tools, content creation, personal branding, paid media planning, and campaign development. These subjects aim to help business owners respond to changing market trends and strengthen their brands.
Artificial intelligence has become an important part of modern business. By including AI-focused sessions, the programme will help participants understand how digital tools can improve productivity, customer engagement, and business planning. Learning these skills can help entrepreneurs stay competitive in an evolving business environment.
Each participant will also receive one-to-one mentoring from industry specialists. These mentoring sessions allow entrepreneurs to discuss their business goals, identify challenges, and receive practical advice from experienced professionals. Personal guidance can help founders develop clear strategies for future growth.
Another key part of the programme is the Falcon Tank pitch competition. During this event, participants will present their campaign ideas to a panel. The strongest proposals will receive paid media funding, giving winners an opportunity to promote their businesses and reach larger audiences.
The programme also places a strong focus on collaboration. Participants will join a carefully selected group of women entrepreneurs from different industries across Abu Dhabi. This environment encourages peer learning, idea sharing, and professional networking. Building connections with other business owners can lead to future partnerships and new business opportunities.
Small and medium-sized enterprises play an important role in economic development. They create jobs, encourage innovation, and contribute to local business growth. Programmes that support women-led companies help strengthen the wider business community by giving founders access to valuable knowledge and professional resources.
Leadership development is another major part of the updated curriculum. Strong leadership skills help business owners make informed decisions, manage teams effectively, and prepare for future expansion. Combined with marketing and branding knowledge, these skills can help businesses build a stronger presence in competitive markets.
The Raidah Women SME Programme reflects the continued effort to encourage entrepreneurship and support women in business. By offering practical education, expert mentoring, and funding opportunities, the initiative aims to provide lasting value for participants.
As applications open ahead of the September 2026 launch, women entrepreneurs across Abu Dhabi will have the chance to compete for a place in the programme. Those selected will gain access to professional training, industry experts, and a supportive network designed to help their businesses grow well into the future.
