The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) was established in 2019 by the US Department of State for the economic empowerment of Women. AWE UAE was launched in 2020 by the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi in partnership with startAD (an accelerator) and Zayed University. It is a six-month online program for women entrepreneurs with small to medium enterprises in all fields, including culture. The program aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses.
AWE UAE is delivered online over two phases and is designed to fit the demanding schedules of entrepreneurs. The program allows participants to develop the skills and tools to adapt their business to changing conditions, to ensure profitability, to connect to a network of regional and global stakeholders, to gain access to local talents, and to showcase their business at a high profile event.
The first phase of AWE UAE is currently being implemented. This project is an excellent example of international/bilateral cooperation to deliver on the objectives of the 2005 Convention.