The Ministry of Education in the UAE is mandating entrepreneurship and innovation courses in universities starting next year, a move driven by a perceived gap between student interest and preparedness in these areas. A survey highlighted that while a significant percentage of students express interest in entrepreneurship (38%) and social entrepreneurship (23.3%), access to relevant education is limited.
The initiative aims to address the "entrepreneurial desire and preparedness gap" by providing training to university faculty and organizing visits to institutions like Stanford University to enhance teaching skills. The curriculum will cover aspects such as business development plans, risk assessment, funding opportunities, and market research.
Experts and educators believe that incorporating these subjects will foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. Students themselves, like Khalifa Almazrouei and Younis Al Bloushi, welcome the inclusion of entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship as compulsory courses, emphasizing the value of developing essential skills and a socially conscious mindset.
The initiative is viewed as a significant step in promoting entrepreneurial skills among the youth, aligning with the UAE's overall economic growth goals and addressing unemployment by creating viable alternatives. The changes in bankruptcy laws are also noted as a contributing factor in encouraging entrepreneurship.