Khalifa Fund’s MZN Hub and Emirates Foundation Launch Retiree Bootcamp to Empower Pre-Retirees and Retirees in Al Ain

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), in collaboration with the Emirates Foundation, has announced the launch of the Retiree Bootcamp, an initiative hosted at KFED’s MZN Hub in Al Ain from November 10 to 14, 2025. The programme aims to empower pre-retirees and retirees by helping them convert their experience, knowledge, and creativity into viable business ventures.

Participants for the Retiree Bootcamp were selected through the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund and the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA), reflecting a unified national effort to support individuals transitioning into the next phase of their professional and personal lives.

The five-day programme is designed to upskill and inspire participants, equipping them with the tools and confidence to identify new business opportunities and launch entrepreneurial projects. Through immersive workshops and expert-led sessions, attendees will learn to transform their creative ideas into thriving enterprises that contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The MZN Hub, a state-of-the-art business accelerator facility in Al Ain, provides the ideal environment for the bootcamp. It fosters collaboration, innovation, and professional development—helping participants transform entrepreneurial concepts into scalable businesses.

H.E. Khalifa Saeed Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said:

“At KFED, we strive to motivate and empower different segments of society to help them turn their innovative ideas into successful business ventures. Through the Retiree Bootcamp, we aim to enable pre-retirees and retirees to use their accumulated expertise and rich life experiences to launch innovative and successful entrepreneurial ventures. The bootcamp serves as a stepping stone into the Fund’s wide support network, ensuring continuous mentorship and guidance.”

The Retiree Bootcamp also serves as a gateway to KFED’s broader support network, providing participants with access to mentorship, training, and business development services beyond the programme. This initiative reflects KFED’s ongoing commitment to entrepreneurship-driven community development and economic diversification.

H.E. Ahmed Talib Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, added:

“This collaboration aligns with Emirates Foundation’s strategic direction to empower individuals at all stages of life and enhance their contribution to the nation’s economy and community. Through the Entrepreneurship Training Program for Retirees, we aim to transform the valuable experience and skills of retirees into new success stories in entrepreneurship. We firmly believe that investing in people has no age limit — as long as there is passion and creativity, there is always room for impact.”

Programme Highlights:
The five-day bootcamp features a comprehensive curriculum delivered by expert trainers and industry specialists:

• Day 1: Introduction to programme objectives and the role of Emirati startups; cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset to turn challenges into opportunities.

• Day 2: Sales and customer acquisition strategies, including practical tools like sales funnels.

• Day 3: Brand-building workshop focused on defining a brand’s mission, personality, and target audience.

• Day 4: Financial literacy, funding strategies, and preparing investor-ready business pitches.

• Day 5 (Demo Day): Participants present their startup ideas to a judging panel. The top three pitches will be recognised, followed by a graduation ceremony and certificate presentation.