Badiri Education & Development Academy (Badiri), the education and capacity building arm of NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA), has launched the inaugural edition of the Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme (BEP) to empower aspiring as well as established female entrepreneurs in the UAE to start, strengthen and expand their enterprises.

The 7-month programme starting in May aims to boost economic opportunities for women in the UAE, taking a hands-on approach to building their knowledge and providing tailor-made tools to harness their capacities to turn their ideas into successful ventures. BEP has been designed in partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, local and international academic institutions, and specialised local entities.

The initiative was announced via a virtual press conference organised late last week by Badri Academy, with the participation of HE Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, and representatives of the programme’s partners including UAE Ministry of Economy’s National programme for Small & Medium Enterprises and Projects; UK-based School for Social Entrepreneurship (SSE); Pakistan’s National Science and Technology Park (NSTP); Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD); Sharjah International Commercial Arbitration Centre (Tahkeem); Sharjah Entrepreneurship Foundation (Ruwad(; Shiraa International for Projects Management; Sharjah Islamic Bank; and Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC).

Besides imparting entrepreneurial skills, BEP will empower participants with the knowledge of global best practices in entrepreneurship. Alongside one-on-one mentorship, the programme will feature 6 learning modules, 7 workshops and onsite project visits to enable practical learning. All BEP alumni will be aided by SBWC in setting up their businesses.

Female citizens and residents of the UAE aged 21+ who have a business idea they wish to develop are eligible to join the programme. They must hold a secondary and/or higher education certificate and be proficient in written and spoken English.