3,135 jobs and 700 million dirhams added value: Ajman launches five-year plan for entrepreneurship via 'Tharwa'

The Emirate of Ajman has set economic targets for the next five years, aiming to generate a cumulative added value of no less than 700 million dirhams and create 3,135 direct jobs, announcing the launch of the “Tharwa for Investment and Entrepreneurship” system alongside the first “Tharwa Connect” forum at the Tharwa Centre for Entrepreneurship, to attract companies and expand the emirate’s role as an attractive destination for start-ups.

Sheyma Mariam Khalifa Al Nuaimi, chair of the board of the “Tharwa for Investment and Entrepreneurship” system, explained thatthe operational model of the system is based on six specialised companies covering the various stages of company growth. These services include flexible workspace, incubation and acceleration programmes, investment and operational solutions, and community initiatives aimed at linking investors with entrepreneurs and turning innovative ideas into companies capable of sustainable growth.

Financially and operationally, Marwan Harib Al Ariani, CEO of the Tharwa Group, revealed a digital roadmap that obliges the system to support 100 companies in establishing, relocating or expanding their operations within the emirate, while backing 600 start-ups through the “Tharwa X” programme. The plan indicates thatpriority is directed toward building investment readiness by training more than 220 companies, facilitating the attraction of external funding up to 69 million dirhams, and targeting direct investment in 71 start-upsover the five years.

The forum held three discussion sessions focused on developing the business environment, examined the role of government entities in supporting start-ups, financing challenges and market share expansion, and improving governance efficiency and operational models. Recommendations emphasised empowering Emirati talent, youth, women and people with special needs, linking initiatives to clear performance indicators that measure the actual economic impact on diversification and job creation. The events concluded with a competition that included more than 45 advanced start-ups, where the company “Alfredo” won a prize of 100,000 dirhams in recognition of the viability of its investment idea.

This transformation has practical significance for professionals and entrepreneurs in the Gulf and the region, reflecting the trend of emerging economic centres to reduce the cost of establishment and operation compared to major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, giving technical and operational teams an alternative path to start work in the Emirati market with lower office and flexible space costs. Linking support with governance standards and investment readiness also requires talent and founders to develop skills in managing operational flows and institutional commitment, rather than merely presenting initial ideas.

Creating more than three thousand direct jobs opens a wide door to attracting specialised talent in managing incubators, product development and commercial operations in the UAE and the region. This initiative shows that regional competition to attract capital and talent now depends on providing a comprehensive umbrella of shared services, where regulatory and financial solutions meet to reduce early-stage risks and secure a real path for project expansion.