The Ministry of Economy and Tourism has placed youth entrepreneurship at the centre of its efforts to expand the sector, according to a January 2026 report by the Emirates News Agency. The sixth edition of the World’s Coolest Winter campaign, organised under the theme “Our winter is entrepreneurial”, brought together tourism, culture and heritage authorities to showcase success stories. A Ministry website assessment found that entrepreneurship has become the preferred career path for many young UAE graduates, with nearly 600 million male and female entrepreneurs active worldwide. The campaign seeks to motivate further ventures by demonstrating how passion-driven ideas can open new perspectives on the country’s attractions.
Aisha Al Fahim, a researcher at New York University Abu Dhabi, created the Kashta interactive guide to promote domestic tourism across the emirates, WAM reported. The guide consists of 30 pages featuring 30 activities divided into six categories that include cultural attractions, sports, nature exploration and entertainment venues. Each page contains a scannable code directing users to dedicated websites with detailed information, directions and updates that reflect any changes automatically. Al Fahim has issued three editions covering Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, with the first two available in Arabic and English while the Sharjah version is in English, and she intends to extend the series to remaining emirates along with international distribution.
The Digital Hotelier, founded in 2022 by Qutaiba Al Ali, introduced a multilingual software-as-a-service platform that enables hotels, serviced apartments and holiday homes to manage operations without on-site hardware, according to the WAM dispatch. Al Ali developed the system after observing the UAE’s leadership in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence integration within hospitality. The platform supports full digital transformation, unlocks additional revenue streams and aligns with national priorities for guest safety, green tourism and environmental sustainability. Al Ali stated that technology adoption is not merely about keeping pace with global trends but about improving guest experiences, enhancing safety and supporting the UAE’s drive toward green tourism and environmental sustainability.
Brothers Ahmed bin Omair Al Muhairi and Omar bin Omair Al Muhairi channelled childhood memories of fishing trips into Columbus Yachts and Boats Rental, which has grown into a prominent marine tourism operator, the Emirates News Agency detailed. The venture encountered early obstacles securing maritime licences, meeting safety standards and training crews after its conceptual start in 2010, yet officially launched in 2013 with a single yacht. Support from the Mohammed bin Rashid Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises in 2015 enabled the purchase of a 55-foot vessel and formal entry into the SME category, allowing year-round cruises that serve tourists, citizens and residents. The company now maintains a fleet offering scenic waterfront experiences and stands as a model for Emirati-owned businesses backed by Dubai SME.
The Ministry of Economy and Tourism continues to expand programmes that assist young nationals in converting concepts into viable enterprises, a separate Ministry publication noted earlier this year. These initiatives complement regulatory frameworks that have advanced smart systems in hospitality and promoted sustainable practices across the tourism value chain. Such efforts align with the broader objective of diversifying the economy through innovation in a sector that showcases the UAE’s landmarks, festivals and natural assets to global visitors. The highlighted startups illustrate how technology, cultural insight and perseverance can collectively elevate service standards and expand reach.
WAM’s coverage of these ventures forms part of ongoing reporting on how Emirati entrepreneurs integrate local heritage with contemporary tools to meet evolving visitor expectations. The Digital Hotelier and Kashta both leverage digital solutions to streamline information and operations while Columbus emphasises experiential marine tourism rooted in national maritime traditions. Future editions of similar campaigns are expected to feature additional examples as more young founders enter the field with support from established funding mechanisms and policy guidance.
