Ford Media Center

Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy supports Emirati women in business with workshops at Dubai Women’s College

  • The Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy (HFEA) workshops equip future entrepreneurs with tools to develop their business skills
  • HFEA delivers workshops in Egypt, Morrocco, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, the UAE, and the US
  • The workshops aim to align with the objectives outlined in the UAE’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 18 September, 2023 – Following its success in Saudi Arabia, the Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy (HFEA) has returned to the region, hosting a series of workshops hosted at the Higher Colleges of Technology - Dubai Women’s Campus to help upskill the UAE’s next generation of businesswomen.

Having taken place from 11-13 September, the workshops provided training for 180 aspiring businesswomen in the Emirates and valuable skills to future entrepreneurs.

HFEA has a track record of successful partnerships, working with students at Riyadh’s Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University and Jeddah’s Effat University to deliver the training.

Since its launch in 2015, the Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy has trained close to 350 entrepreneurs across the Middle East and North Africa. With The Entrepreneurship Journey developed in collaboration with the US’ Virginia Commonwealth University and Ireland’s Dublin City University Business School, the HFEA workshops offer attendees a useful bridge between entrepreneurship theory and application.

The academy’s workshops have also been developed to support the UAE’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which champions gender equality and empowerment for women and girls. These workshops provide a rich, interactive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs to experiment with and develop their business ideas with support from experienced mentors and coaches.

“Following the success of HFEA across the border in Saudi Arabia, Ford is thrilled to come back to the Gulf with a program tailor-made for aspiring businesswomen in the UAE, alongside the Higher Colleges of Technology - Dubai Women’s Campus. The Entrepreneurship Journey learning framework will continue to enhance participants’ entrepreneurial skillset, giving them the tools to deliver think and act like successful businesspeople.” said Jane Holloway, Manager of Ford Fund at Ford International Markets Group.

"Empowering Emirati women in the entrepreneurial landscape is a priority for us at the Higher Colleges of Technology," said Dr. Veselina Yankova, Academic Program Chair Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HCT. "This collaboration with the Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy has been instrumental in equipping our female students with the skills and mindset they need to thrive as future entrepreneurs.”

The Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy is part of Ford’s global commitment to providing access and opportunities for women. From its Driving Skills for Life for Her program to projects focused on helping end human trafficking, as well as numerous initiatives that provide professional development and leadership training globally, the Ford Fund has long supported programs that help women succeed by overcoming social, educational and financial obstacles.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com