The Federal Youth Authority (FYA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al-Futtaim Group to launch a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the growth of youth‑led Emirati businesses, expanding their access to markets and customers, and enhancing their scalability and sustainability.
The initiative supports young Emiratis’ contribution to the national economy and their role in achieving the targets of the National Youth Agenda 2031.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Khalid Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, and Mira Al Futtaim, Chief Future Education Officer at the Al-Futtaim Education Foundation and Chairwoman of Emiratisation at Al-Futtaim.
The partnership aims to empower more than 100 youth‑led Emirati SMEs, offering digital marketing opportunities and access to new customer groups via Al-Futtaim’s ‘BLUE’ rewards and loyalty programme, which has a base of over 7.7 million members. Additionally, it provides commercial activation opportunities across selected Al-Futtaim destinations, enabling these businesses to strengthen their market presence and driving their expansion.
The partnership combines the Federal Youth Authority’s youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, including its ‘Done by Youth’ and ‘Youth Launchpad’ initiatives, with Al-Futtaim’s extensive private-sector network. Eligible SMEs will receive preferential support to join ‘BLUE’, gaining access to its loyalty ecosystem and commercial insights. They will also have the opportunity to apply for activation spaces in various Group-owned shopping malls, subject to established criteria, procedures, and space availability.
