Prime Highlights-
- Ra’idah returns as Abu Dhabi’s top platform for women-led business growth.
- Falcon Tank winners earn paid media funding for standout campaign ideas.
Key Facts-
- Ra’idah’s second edition runs in September 2026.
- The Year Two curriculum covers AI tools, marketing and paid media strategy.
Background-
The Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council and Publicis Groupe Middle East announced Ra’idah’s return for a second edition, set to run in September 2026. The programme aims to support women-led small and medium enterprises across Abu Dhabi through skill building, business growth and long-term economic contribution.
The new edition brings an updated, hands-on format built to give participants a more immersive experience. Applicants will go through a competitive selection process managed jointly by the Council and Publicis Groupe Middle East.
Selected founders will attend a two-day in-person academy, receive one-to-one mentorship, and pitch at Falcon Tank, the programme’s signature competition, where winning campaign ideas earn paid media funding.
Her Excellency Asma Al Fahim, Chairwoman of the Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, called support for women-led businesses one of the most strategic investments the Emirate can make in its economic future.
She said the second edition reflects the Council’s commitment to building practical platforms that help women entrepreneurs grow with confidence and lead with influence.
She added that combining the Council’s knowledge of Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with Publicis Groupe’s expertise in media and technology creates real value for participants and strengthens the private sector.
Bassel Kakish, Chief Executive Officer of Publicis Groupe Middle East and Turkey, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to growing small businesses and building pathways for women to gain skills and confidence. He said the new edition goes deeper, giving founders capabilities they can use right away.
The Year Two curriculum covers marketing, leadership fundamentals, AI tools, content creation, personal branding and paid media strategy, delivered by Publicis Groupe experts across communications, media and technology.
