Amid the global race to channel investments into future-oriented sectors, there is an urgent need to redefine the role of Arab youth within the framework of production and growth. In this context, the Nova Future Capital Summit, held today in Dubai, emerged as a modern strategic platform aimed at redirecting investment towards young talents capable of leading the next economic transformation.
Through a series of focused sessions, the summit explored concepts of modern capitalism, the role of sustainability and innovation in shaping future ventures, and strategies for building strategic partnerships and successful growth models that ease market expansion. It presented an integrated practical model to activate youth potential, combining economic vision with institutional and technological support, thereby fostering an entrepreneurial environment based on systematic and sustainable foundations.
The Nova Summit is an interactive platform for idea exchange and identifying promising opportunities in the world of finance and business.
Mai Al Ghajari |Executive Director of the Arab Regional Training Center
Innovation as a Key Growth Driver
Imad Bakr, a business development consultant, highlighted the importance of strong infrastructure for startups to withstand crises. He stated that crises should not be seen as the end, but rather as a true test of a startup’s model and the mindset of its founders.
Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Bakr stressed that innovation in the energy sector is no longer a choice—it is an existential necessity.
This trend is supported by a recent Statista report, which showed a 23% increase in investment in emerging technologies across the Middle East in 2024—an indication of growing investor awareness of the sector’s potential as a primary growth engine.
Firas Sawas, a strategic planning consultant, pointed out the key traits entrepreneurs must possess: boldness, flexibility, and long-term vision, describing them as essential keys to success.
He also underscored the importance of protecting intellectual property and employing smart marketing strategies for startups to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Empowerment Starts Now
Shafiqa Al Ameri, President of the Emirates Businesswomen Association, told Erm Business that investing in youth is now a strategic imperative, not a choice. She noted that empowerment goes beyond financial support—it begins with moral and intellectual backing.
Al Ameri explained that the association is working to enhance youth skills through training programs in collaboration with the public and private sectors, in preparation for the inaugural Annual Entrepreneurs Forum set for June. The forum will feature entrepreneurs who have received direct support from the association. “We are moving from the empowerment phase to the harvest phase,” she said. “We will showcase real-world examples of mature, youth-led national projects worthy of support and incubation.”
The Investor’s Role in Youth Development
On the investment front, Abdulsalam Al Kayali, CEO of Hispasure Group in the Middle East, stressed the importance of investors adopting youth-led projects, highlighting the need for clear profit models, sustainable ideas, and alignment with future technologies.
“We are not just looking for innovative ideas—we are looking for executable and scalable solutions,” he said, adding that companies integrating AI or renewable energy solutions into their business models have a better chance of securing funding.
With total investments in the Middle East and North Africa reaching $3.9 billion in 2024, according to Statista, the formula for success remains dependent on aligning youth vision with an enabling investment environment and a deep understanding of rapidly evolving technologies.
Among the distinguished participants was Aram Al Ghajeri, founder of the Canadian Arab Innovators Association based in Toronto. In his address, Al Ghajeri introduced the association and highlighted its role in fostering a supportive ecosystem for Arab innovators across Canada. He showcased the association’s ongoing initiatives—ranging from mentorship programs and innovation labs to networking events that connect young Arab talents with industry leaders. Al Ghajeri also emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration, expressing a strong interest in building strategic partnerships with Emirati institutions to bridge innovation efforts between Canada and the UAE.
Building Bridges: Canadian-Arab Innovation Connects with the UAE
Among the distinguished participants was Aram Al Ghajeri, founder of the Canadian Arab Innovators Association based in Toronto. In his address, Al Ghajeri introduced the association and highlighted its role in fostering a supportive ecosystem for Arab innovators across Canada. He showcased the association’s ongoing initiatives—ranging from mentorship programs and innovation labs to networking events that connect young Arab talents with industry leaders. Al Ghajeri also emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration, expressing a strong interest in building strategic partnerships with Emirati institutions to bridge innovation efforts between Canada and the UAE.
