The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, has announced the second edition of Ra’idah, an initiative aimed at helping women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi strengthen their businesses through training, mentorship and funding opportunities.
Scheduled for September 2026, the programme builds on the inaugural edition with a more immersive format designed to enhance participants’ business capabilities and support long-term growth.
Applicants will undergo a competitive selection process jointly conducted by the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Publicis Groupe Middle East. Those selected will attend a two-day in-person academy, receive one-on-one mentoring and pitch their business campaign ideas at the programme’s signature Falcon Tank competition. Winning ideas will receive paid media funding.
The organisers said the second edition comes as women-led entrepreneurship continues to gain momentum in Abu Dhabi, with the emirate positioning itself as a regional hub for innovation, enterprise and inclusive economic growth.
The updated curriculum will focus on marketing and leadership fundamentals, artificial intelligence tools, content creation, personal branding, paid media strategies and campaign development. Sessions will be led by Publicis Groupe specialists in communications, media, creativity, technology and AI.
H.E. Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, said: “Empowering women-led businesses remains one of the most strategic investments we can make in the future of Abu Dhabi’s economy. The launch of Ra’idah’s second edition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating practical, high-impact platforms that enable women entrepreneurs to grow with confidence, scale with intention, and lead with influence.”
She added, “By combining the Council’s deep understanding of Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with Publicis Groupe’s leadership in communications, media, creativity, and emerging technologies, we are creating tangible value for our participants, while contributing to a more diverse, dynamic, and competitive private sector in the Emirate.”
Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, said: “Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council brings together two commitments we hold equally: investing in the growth of small businesses, and creating real pathways for women to build their skills, visibility, and confidence. The second edition of Ra’idah goes deeper on both. We want founders to leave with capabilities they can put to work immediately, and we want the women in this programme to feel the difference that genuine access and support can make.”
The programme will also bring together a curated group of women entrepreneurs from across Abu Dhabi to encourage peer learning, collaboration and the exchange of experiences while helping participants build long-term professional networks.
