DUBAI, UAE — In a major move to bolster the UAE’s startup ecosystem, Creative Zone has announced the launch of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Business Setup Program. Developed in collaboration with the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and Mashreq NEO BIZ, the initiative is designed to provide a structured, end-to-end pathway for aspiring founders and early-stage entrepreneurs to transition from conceptual ideas to fully operational companies.
Addressing the SME Surge
The program arrives at a pivotal moment for the UAE economy. For four consecutive years, the country has topped the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor’s National Entrepreneurship Context Index. With a government mandate to increase the number of SMEs from 557,000 to one million by 2030, the need for accessible entry points into the business landscape has never been greater.
The initiative specifically targets first-time business owners who often face significant hurdles, such as navigating complex registration processes, securing corporate banking, and building an operational network from scratch.
A Comprehensive Value-Add Ecosystem
Moving beyond simple business registration, the program offers a partner-backed ecosystem featuring over AED 15,000 in value-added benefits at no additional cost. Key features of the incentive package include:
- Financial Services: Streamlined digital bank account opening via Mashreq NEO BIZ.
- Operational Support: Discounted logistics and distribution services through DHL.
- Tech & Infrastructure: One year of free AWS web hosting and a virtual office package.
- Compliance & HR: Complimentary corporate tax and VAT registration, medical insurance, and access to Creative Zone’s specialized HR and Legal packages.
Leadership Perspectives
Lorenzo Jooris, Group CEO of Creative Zone, emphasized that the program is about providing more than just a trade license.
"Starting a business is a major step, and what many new entrepreneurs need is not just ambition, but the right structure and support around them. This program was created to make that step more practical and more accessible for those ready to build something of their own," Jooris stated.
Anas Hijjawi, Chief Commercial Officer at RAKEZ, echoed this sentiment, noting that the collaboration aims to provide a "better-supported path into business ownership" by ensuring the correct infrastructure is in place from day one.
Strengthening the Founder Journey
The launch of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Business Setup Program reinforces Creative Zone’s position as a facilitator of the UAE’s economic diversification. By integrating setup support with a wide-reaching partner network—including Zoho and other industry leaders—the program seeks to provide founders with the clarity and professional support system required to thrive in a competitive global market.
As entrepreneurship continues to drive the UAE's economic landscape, this initiative offers a tangible, risk-mitigated route for the next generation of business leaders to establish their footprint in the region.
