Ford’s Inaugural Entrepreneurship Academy Seeks Brightest Tech Startups In Dubai

The spirit of innovation was on full display during Ford’s very first Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy (HFEA) workshop in Dubai, a program that drew attention from global startup platforms such as MAGNiTT for its unique approach to supporting emerging entrepreneurs. Designed to identify and nurture the brightest tech-minded startups, the academy held its Future Transportation and Mobility workshop from October 21 to 23 at Dubai’s Youth Hub, offering an immersive experience to entrepreneurs ready to transform the future of mobility.

A Vision for Future Transportation
The Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy was launched to give early-stage entrepreneurs the skills, networks, and mentorship needed to scale their businesses. Ford, a company synonymous with innovation in the automotive world, saw an opportunity to expand its legacy beyond vehicles by equipping entrepreneurs with tools to redefine how people and goods move across cities and countries.

The workshop in Dubai was the first of its kind in the region, tailored to address the growing need for bold ideas in transportation and technology. By focusing on real-world challenges such as sustainable mobility, smart logistics, and connected cities, the academy empowered participants to align their startups with pressing global demands.

The Dubai Youth Hub Collaboration
The choice of Dubai’s Youth Hub as the venue was strategic. The Youth Hub has emerged as a vibrant space where young innovators, thinkers, and entrepreneurs can collaborate freely. By hosting the event in such an environment, HFEA ensured that the workshop would inspire creativity and exchange of ideas among participants.

Dubai, with its growing reputation as a startup capital of the Middle East, provided fertile ground for the academy’s launch. The emirate’s government-backed initiatives and business-friendly policies have consistently attracted global investors and startups, making it the perfect stage for Ford to begin its entrepreneurial journey in the region.

Unparalleled Access to Mentorship
One of the defining features of the program was the exceptional mentorship offered to participants. Fourteen carefully selected entrepreneurs gained direct access to influential global and regional leaders, including Ford Middle East and Africa President Mark Ovenden.

The mentorship sessions were designed to be practical and hands-on. Entrepreneurs learned how to refine their business models, craft compelling pitches, and build sustainable strategies. They were also exposed to the broader realities of running a startup, including fundraising challenges, international expansion, and customer acquisition strategies.

What set HFEA apart was the opportunity for participants to interact not only with corporate leaders but also with successful co-founders of enterprises who had walked the path of entrepreneurship themselves. This dual exposure ensured that participants received a balanced mix of corporate perspective and grassroots startup wisdom.

The Challenge and the Winners
Throughout the three-day program, participants engaged in rigorous training sessions and presented their innovative solutions for the future of transportation and mobility. Their goal was not just to impress mentors but to prove the viability and scalability of their ideas.

At the end of the workshop, two entrepreneurs emerged as standout talents: Alexandre Rigaud and Abdulla Al Ali. Their projects demonstrated not only creativity but also strong potential for real-world impact.

Both winners were awarded in-depth consultancy packages from leading US-based startup strategy firms. This prize was particularly significant because it provided them with access to world-class expertise in scaling startups—a resource that can make the difference between an idea that stays on paper and one that achieves global recognition.

Ford’s Broader Commitment to Entrepreneurship
By launching the Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy, Ford signaled its commitment to more than just building vehicles. The initiative reflects the company’s understanding that the future of mobility will be shaped by entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators working alongside established corporations.

As industries shift toward electrification, automation, and digital connectivity, Ford recognizes the importance of fostering agile startups that can move quickly to address new challenges. By investing in programs like HFEA, Ford is positioning itself as both a thought leader and a catalyst for innovation.

Why Dubai Was the Perfect Starting Point
Dubai’s ecosystem made it an ideal location for this inaugural academy. The city has steadily built its reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship, thanks to its forward-looking policies, infrastructure, and investor networks. Platforms like MAGNiTT have tracked the region’s growing startup ecosystem, revealing increased funding rounds, venture capital activity, and global attention.

By choosing Dubai, Ford tapped into a market that is not only dynamic but also strategically positioned to influence mobility innovation across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The city’s focus on smart city initiatives and sustainability aligned seamlessly with the academy’s goals.

A Lasting Legacy for Participants
For the 14 entrepreneurs who took part, the HFEA workshop was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a transformative experience. They gained not only technical insights but also the confidence to push their ideas further. The connections they built during the program, with mentors and fellow participants, will continue to serve them long after the workshop ended.

The recognition given to Alexandre Rigaud and Abdulla Al Ali demonstrated that the region is brimming with talent capable of shaping global industries. Their success is likely to inspire other entrepreneurs to pursue bold ideas and contribute to the region’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation.

Conclusion
Ford’s inaugural Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy in Dubai was a resounding success, providing tech-minded entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and inspiration needed to redefine the future of mobility. By partnering with the Youth Hub and engaging leading mentors, Ford created a powerful platform that blended global expertise with local entrepreneurial energy.

Highlighting talent such as Alexandre Rigaud and Abdulla Al Ali, the academy not only celebrated individual achievement but also underscored the vast potential of the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. As platforms like MAGNiTT continue to track and amplify the growth of startups in the region, initiatives like HFEA play a crucial role in ensuring that entrepreneurs have the skills and support they need to thrive.

Ultimately, Ford’s vision went far beyond cars and engines—it was about driving innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating a mobility future shaped by bold ideas and determined leaders.