Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council (ADBWC), in partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East, today announced the return of Ra'idah for its second edition, scheduled to take place in September 2026. This initiative aims to build on the success of the first edition to advance women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, creating new pathways for capability building, business growth, and long-term economic contribution.
According to Emirates News Agency, the second edition introduces an evolved, immersive format designed to deliver a more hands-on and impactful experience for participants. Applicants will undergo a competitive selection process jointly conducted by ADBWC and Publicis Groupe Middle East. Selected participants will attend a two-day, in-person academy, work one-on-one with mentors, and compete in Falcon Tank, the programme's signature pitch competition, where winning business campaign ideas will receive paid media funding.
The launch coincides with a period of significant momentum in women-led entrepreneurship across Abu Dhabi's economic landscape. As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for innovation, enterprise, and inclusive economic growth, Ra'idah offers a strategic platform for the next generation of founders to build globally minded businesses from the Emirate.
The Year Two curriculum is designed around the capabilities most relevant to today's business environment. It focuses on marketing and leadership fundamentals, AI tools, content creation, personal brand building, paid media strategies, and campaign idea development. Sessions will be conducted by Publicis Groupe's industry experts at the forefront of communications, media, creativity, technology, and AI.
Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, stated, "Empowering women-led businesses remains one of the most strategic investments we can make in the future of Abu Dhabi's economy. The launch of Ra'idah's second edition reflects our ongoing commitment to creating practical, high-impact platforms that enable women entrepreneurs to grow with confidence, scale with intention, and lead with influence."
She further elaborated, "By combining the Council's deep understanding of Abu Dhabi's entrepreneurial ecosystem with Publicis Groupe's leadership in communications, media, creativity, and emerging technologies, we are creating tangible value for our participants, while contributing to a more diverse, dynamic, and competitive private sector in the Emirate."
Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East and Trkiye, remarked, "Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council brings together two commitments we hold equally: investing in the growth of small businesses, and creating real pathways for women to build their skills, visibility, and confidence. The second edition of Ra'idah goes deeper on both. We want founders to leave with capabilities they can put to work immediately, and we want the women in this programme to feel the difference that genuine access and support can make."
Ra'idah convenes a curated cohort of women founders from across Abu Dhabi, encouraging peer learning, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences, and helping participants build meaningful and lasting professional relationships.
