Strategic MoU to Fuel Innovation and Youth Leadership

Good news for aspiring young entrepreneurs and SMEs in the region: the Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) and the UAE-India Business Council-UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) have officially teamed up. They’ve signed a MoU with the goal of boosting youth entrepreneurship, leadership skills, and innovation across Abu Dhabi and beyond.

This agreement, set to run until July 2028, is all about creating more opportunities for learning, working together, and growing the economy. Both organisations will check in at the end of the term to see how things are going and plan for the future.

ADSM is known for its focus on business education that emphasises innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. On the other side, UIBC-UC, which started in February 2023 with support from both the Indian and UAE Ministries of External and Foreign Affairs, brings together 18 founding institutions that collectively manage over a trillion dollars in assets. Essentially, UIBC-UC acts as a bridge for business discussions and investments between the UAE and India.

What Does This Partnership Mean in Practice?

Over the next three years, you can expect to see several initiatives. A key part of this partnership is a calendar full of events like conferences, workshops, and seminars. These are designed to help young professionals develop an entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills. These events will feature experts from the UAE, India, and other global innovation hubs, giving students and new entrepreneurs access to valuable insights.

Beyond events, the collaboration will also support the creation of professional development courses. These courses will cover important areas such as innovation management, digital transformation, sustainable business practices, and ethical leadership. The idea is to equip learners with practical skills that are relevant for today’s job market, while also strengthening ADSM’s reputation as a top business education institution in the Gulf.

One of the cornerstones of this partnership will be a mentorship platform. This will connect ADSM students and alumni with experienced executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals linked with UIBC-UC. This kind of direct connection can be invaluable for those starting out.

Additionally, both organisations will be working together on research projects. These will look into trends in youth entrepreneurship, the role of SMEs in regional economies, and cross-border innovation. They plan to co-author research papers and white papers, which can offer useful information for policymakers and investors. ADSM will also act as a knowledge partner for UIBC-UC’s broader programs, lending its academic expertise to business discussions and policy talks.

The UIBC-UC has also committed to helping ADSM connect with universities, research labs, and incubators in India. This move aims to further strengthen the educational ties between the UAE and India.

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the Board at ADSM, highlighted that this partnership is based on a shared belief that the future is shaped by those who innovate, lead with purpose, and build international connections. He added that ADSM is committed to empowering talent and driving positive change.

Faizal Kottikollon, Chairman of UIBC-UC, emphasised that this isn't just an agreement, but a platform for action. He stated that they are building a foundation for a new generation of leaders who will influence innovation, enterprise, and collaboration between the two nations. He sees this MoU as a timely coming together of academia and industry, aiming for regional prosperity and marking a significant moment for UAE-India cooperation in education, innovation, and economic development.

The signing was attended by key representatives from both organisations, including Kshitij Korde, Neha Sahni, and Simar Kaur from the UIBC-UC team, and Dr. Marc Poulin, Acting President of ADSM.