Abu Dhabi has introduced a new initiative aimed at helping home-based family businesses expand and become more competitive in the market. The Authority of Social Contribution, Ma’an, a branch of the Department of Community Development, launched the programme called “My Family Innovates” to empower families running small ventures from their homes.

The initiative targets so-called productive families who operate businesses from kitchens or living rooms, providing them with resources and training to transform their activities into sustainable and market-ready enterprises. Abdullah Al Ameri, Director General of Ma’an, emphasized that the programme is designed to equip families with the practical skills needed to advance their businesses and realize their potential.

Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Family, “My Family Innovates” offers training in entrepreneurship, business management, branding, and digital marketing. In addition, participants will receive instruction on leveraging artificial intelligence tools to better prepare for market challenges. The programme aims to enrol around 150 participants from across Abu Dhabi, including low-income families and People of Determination, ensuring broad accessibility.

The programme operates through collaboration with partners from various sectors and relies on volunteers who provide hands-on mentorship and promote creativity, innovation, and engagement within the community. Ma’an expects this combination of education, guidance, and community involvement to foster greater independence among participating families and enable them to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Al Ameri highlighted that strong families contribute significantly to thriving communities and noted that the initiative supports the goals of the Year of Family by fostering shared learning and growth. “My Family Innovates” is part of a broader suite of family-centered programmes run by Ma’an, aimed at enhancing quality of life and reinforcing self-reliance among families throughout the UAE.