A spirit of innovation and ambition filled the air at the Intercontinental Festival City in Dubai as INJAZ Al-Arab, a member of Junior Achievement Worldwide, celebrated its 20th Anniversary at the 18th edition of the Youth Entrepreneurship Celebration (YEC).
The event marked a significant milestone for INJAZ Al-Arab, celebrating the achievement of delivering over 1.2 million learning experiences to young minds across the MENA region in 2024, which surpassed a goal set 20 years ago.
The YEC brought together 70 talented students from 11 participating countries – Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, KSA, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and the UAE. These young entrepreneurs showcased their creativity and business acumen, competing for top honors.
Instrumental to the success of the YEC was the support of numerous partners, including Investcorp, Mastercard, PMIEF, FedEx, Boeing, Starbucks at Alshaya Group, and TikTok.
After months of intense competition, Limitless from UAE emerged victorious, claiming the coveted “Company of the Year” title in the High School track. Meanwhile, Temprah from Bahrain demonstrated exceptional talent and was awarded “Company of the Year” in the high school category.
Product of the Year was awarded to Gelatous from Oman in the university track, and Smart Patch from Qatar in the high school track,
“The YEC is a platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and turn their dreams into reality,” said Akef Aqrabawi, President & CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab. “We are incredibly proud to play a role in nurturing the next generation of business leaders in the MENA region.”
Razan Bashiti, CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab UAE, emphasized the organization’s lasting impact on youth development: “INJAZ Al-Arab has transformed the lives of millions of young people across MENA. Their success stories are a true testament to the power of entrepreneurship education.”
The YEC also recognized outstanding achievements in various categories, including FedEx Global Possibilities Award to 3a Balata team from Palestine for the high school track, PMIEF Excellence in Project Management Award to Yenyn and Univision teams, Mastercard Digital Entrepreneur Award to Taletfada team, Boeing Innovation Leadership Award to Strenght team, Starbucks at AlShaya Sustainability Impact Award to Ebdaa3 and Fusion teams, Investment Insights Award by Investcorp to Taltbas team, and Pitch Masters Award by TikTok to Grubs team.
INJAZ Al-Arab fosters strong partnerships with ministries of education and government entities to expand its reach. Through these collaborations, students in public schools and universities gain access to engaging and relevant curricula delivered directly to classrooms by experienced professionals from the private sector. Volunteers provide invaluable guidance, helping students build networks and explore potential career paths.
INJAZ Al-Arab programs equip young minds with essential skills for success, including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness. The organization serves as a continuous source of inspiration and empowerment for young entrepreneurs across the MENA region. By providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive, INJAZ Al-Arab is shaping the future of business and innovation in the region.
