Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor has affirmed Al Habtoor Group’s readiness to support and finance promising youth-led ventures by up to 90% of their funding requirements, as part of a vision aimed at transforming innovative ideas into sustainable economic projects that contribute to strengthening the national economy and creating new opportunities for growth.
This was announced during the 13th session of Open Talk with Khalaf Al Habtoor, held under the title “Youth Ideas – Investing in the Future”, with the participation of a distinguished group of young entrepreneurs and start-up founders, alongside officials from Al Habtoor Group’s Investment and Research Department.
Al Habtoor stated that this initiative stems from the Group’s belief in the importance of investing in young talent and empowering youth to play a pivotal role in supporting the economy. He noted that innovative ideas require a supportive environment that combines financial backing with practical expertise to ensure their success and long-term sustainability.
The initiative witnessed strong engagement from young people and entrepreneurs across various sectors, receiving approximately 700 applications. Of these, 452 applications were accepted within the designated evaluation period. Following several stages of assessment and screening, 186 ideas underwent full evaluation, before 95 projects were shortlisted to proceed to the next phase of detailed review.
During the session, participants presented a range of innovative projects and ideas, including artificial intelligence applications, digital solutions, technology platforms, property services, and smart parking systems, in addition to social and developmental initiatives aimed at providing practical solutions with strong potential for growth and scalability.
Al Habtoor explained that the Group’s support would be provided through investment partnerships based on commitment and shared responsibility, rather than free grants. He emphasised that project owners’ contribution towards part of the funding is an important indicator of seriousness and confidence in their ventures.
He further added that the Group will evaluate projects according to strict professional criteria, including economic feasibility, implementation mechanisms, risk levels, expected returns, as well as the efficiency of the teams and their ability to transform ideas into sustainable and scalable businesses.
He also noted that a specialised committee of experts and consultants will continue during the coming phase to review the shortlisted projects and hold detailed meetings with their founders in order to complete the required data and information, ahead of making final decisions regarding the projects that will receive support and investment.
In concluding the session, Al Habtoor stressed that investing in young people represents a direct investment in the future of both the economy and society. He affirmed that supporting young entrepreneurs contributes to the establishment of new companies, the creation of innovative employment opportunities, and the stimulation of economic growth.