Thara Connect Forum in Ajman Sets Five-Year Startup Targets

Recommendations from the panels

Participants called for closer collaboration between government bodies, the private sector and investors, wider incubation and acceleration programmes, and easier access to financing, customers and local and regional markets. They also urged startups to improve investment readiness through sustainable business models, stronger corporate governance, operational efficiency and specialised mentoring, with more direct contact between founders and venture capital funds.

The discussions stressed support for young entrepreneurs, Emirati talent, women and people of determination, as well as partnerships between established companies and startups. Speakers also called for clear performance indicators to measure the economic impact of entrepreneurship initiatives, including job creation and economic diversification.

Thara's model and targets

H.E. Maryam Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the ecosystem, said Thara works through six specialised companies offering flexible workspaces, incubation and acceleration, investment and operational solutions, and community initiatives.

Group CEO Marwan Hareb Al Aryani outlined five-year goals: at least AED 700 million in cumulative economic value added to Ajman, 3,135 direct jobs, and support for 100 companies establishing, relocating or expanding in the emirate. The ecosystem also aims to support 600 startups through Thara X, prepare more than 220 companies for investment, help startups attract AED 69 million in external financing and make direct investments in 71 companies.

The forum ended with a startup competition that drew applications from more than 45 emerging companies. Alfredo won a AED 100,000 prize, presented as a cheque. Participants said the priority now is to turn potential collaborations into practical partnerships and concrete initiatives.