“The Authority” Launches Third Phase of Entrepreneurship Leave for self-employment for Federal Government UAE National employees

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has announced the launch of the third phase of the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment initiative for Federal Government UAE National employees. This initiative was introduced by the UAE Government two years ago as part of the Initiatives of the Next 50. The initiative, the first of its kind globally, aims to empower federal government employees to engage in the private sector and establish and manage their own entrepreneurial ventures in this vital and dynamic sector.

The Authority has opened the nomination process for federal government employees interested in applying for the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment. Employees can submit their applications according to approved mechanisms, during the first week of February. Federal entities will then review and approve the list of nominees and submit it to the Authority by the end of the second week of the same month. After that, the nominations will be sorted and employees will be interviewed by an independent technical team, and then the approved list will be announced.

In a special circular, the Authority urged ministries and federal entities to encourage their employees to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity and apply for the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment in accordance with the established guidelines and regulations. The Authority also affirmed its full readiness to provide support and assistance to federal entities in alignment with the aspirations of the wise leadership and government directives.

Awareness Workshops

The Authority also held two virtual workshops for federal government employees to explain the details of the initiative, with nearly 300 employees in attendance. It emphasized that the nomination process for the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment is fully automated and carried out independently through the FAHR Management Information System “Bayanati”.

Conclusion of the Second Phase

This announcement comes as the Authority confirms the conclusion of the second phase of the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment for UAE national employees. Beneficiaries of this phase had the opportunity to actively participate in the private sector, contributing to the establishment or management of their own ventures in this vital sector, which supports the country’s economic growth.

Faisal Al Mheiri: The Leave Reflects the UAE Leadership’s Entrepreneurial Vision

In this regard, H.E. Faisal bin Butti Al Mheiri, Acting Director General of FAHR, confirmed the completion of the second batch of the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment after a full year. During this period, the Authority provided extensive support to beneficiaries in collaboration with the initiative’s strategic partners across the UAE. This effort aimed to empower employees interested in entering the private sector and establishing and managing their own entrepreneurial ventures in this vital sector.

He further explained that the leave reflects the UAE leadership’s entrepreneurial vision, which seeks to encourage national talent to explore the world of entrepreneurship. It is designed for Emirati employees working in federal government entities and grants them a fully paid one-year leave to establish or manage their own businesses.

Two Successful Rounds and Remarkable Achievements

H.E. Faisal Al Mheiri stated that the Authority has launched two rounds of the initiative, benefiting a group of employees who successfully established their own businesses or dedicated themselves to managing and expanding their existing ventures. This was made possible through training, mentorship, and continuous support provided by the initiative’s strategic partners and business incubators across the UAE.

He highlighted that entrepreneurs from both the first and second batches have completed a full year and achieved remarkable success during the leave period, which is closely supported and monitored. The initiative aims to empower as many Emirati federal government employees as possible, providing them with this exceptional opportunity to establish and manage their own businesses. In doing so, they contribute to the national economy and support the country’s efforts in enabling national talent, enhancing their capabilities, and developing their skills across various fields.

Advisory Council

The Authority has established an Advisory Council for the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment, comprising representatives from consulting firms, relevant entities, and partner business incubators. Additionally, a specialized support team has been formed to assist federal ministries and entities whose employees are benefiting from the leave. This team monitors the progress of the businesses established by employees, provides the necessary support, and coordinates with their respective workplaces.

10 Business Incubators

The Authority expressed its gratitude to the partner business incubators across the UAE for their role in the success of the initiative. These include Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Fujairah Small Enterprises Support Center, Saud Bin Saqr Establishment for Youth Enterprise Development, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism under the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD), Dubai Consultancy, Ajman Department of Economic Development, Etihad Credit Bureau, Imtiaz Consultancy specializing in franchise systems, and EY Consulting.

Mentorship Program

In a related context, the Authority had previously launched three new initiatives aimed at supporting the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment program and helping achieve its intended goals. These include the Pioneers Mentorship Program, designed to support entrepreneurs in achieving their objectives, enhancing the management of their businesses, overcoming challenges, and ensuring their sustainability. The program is backed by industry experts from partner business incubators, providing guidance and support throughout the leave period.

Pioneers Development Agenda

The second initiative is the Pioneers Development Agenda, which includes key training and development programs for managing private businesses. These programs are offered by strategic partners to enhance entrepreneurs’ skills and knowledge in marketing and business management. The agenda features dozens of specialized training programs covering project management, feasibility studies, marketing, and other essential topics that equip entrepreneurs with the expertise needed to successfully launch and manage their businesses professionally.

Digital Community

The third initiative is the Entrepreneurs Community, which the Authority will launch soon through its FAHR smart application. This interactive platform will bring together entrepreneurs benefiting from the leave across different cohorts, enabling them to exchange insights and practical advice on establishing and managing private businesses. The community aims to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges and achieve the best possible outcomes through shared experiences and peer support.

Workshops & Networking

The Authority has conducted 12 virtual workshops for federal government employees to explain the details of the initiative, with nearly 2,700 federal employees in attendance. The nomination process for the leave is fully automated and managed through the FAHR Management Information System “Bayanati”.

Additionally, the Authority organized an interactive session bringing together entrepreneurs from the first and second cohorts. The session aimed to facilitate networking, experience sharing, and knowledge exchange regarding the businesses and economic activities they manage. It also explored potential opportunities for collaboration, further strengthening entrepreneurial success stories, raising awareness among federal government employees, and encouraging them to benefit from the initiative.

Evaluation

Recently, the FAHR conducted several surveys aimed at federal government employees, entrepreneurs, and project partners. The purpose was to evaluate satisfaction, collect feedback, and explore potential enhancements to the initiative for the future.

Entrepreneurship Leave at a Glance

All UAE nationals’ employees working in federal entities are eligible for the Entrepreneurship Leave for Self-Employment, except for employees of federally owned companies, those on temporary contracts, and part-time employees.

The leave duration granted to an employee for establishing or managing their business is one year. However, approval for this leave remains at the discretion of the employing entity, based on the fulfillment of the required conditions and regulations and in alignment with work interests.

Employees may combine the Entrepreneurship Leave with unpaid leave and any accrued annual leave before starting their self-employment leave. During this period, they remain subject to the Federal Government Human Resources Law, its executive regulations, and all related decisions issued under it.