MZN Markets is an integrated platform launched by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) to help Emirati startups and SMEs grow and become market-ready within Abu Dhabi's retail sector.

Where is the first MZN Markets location?

The first MZN Markets location has been established at Ether Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, with plans for further expansion to other retail destinations across the emirate.

What kind of support does MZN Markets offer to businesses?

MZN Markets provides dedicated retail spaces, pop-up market opportunities, networking with retail developers, and targeted training and mentorship in areas like sales, financial planning, marketing, and customer experience.

How many businesses does MZN Markets aim to support?

The initiative aims to empower more than 100 Emirati startups and SMEs by offering a structured ecosystem for retail exposure and capacity building.

Who is behind the MZN Markets initiative?

MZN Markets is an initiative by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) in partnership with Ether, which manages retail spaces including those at Yas Mall.

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Development·29 August 2026

Khalifa Fund Launches MZN Markets to Boost Emirati Startups in Abu Dhabi Retail

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has introduced MZN Markets, a new initiative designed to accelerate the growth of Emirati startups and SMEs within Abu Dhabi's retail sector, starting at Ether Yas Mall.

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has unveiled MZN Markets, an integrated platform aimed at fostering the commercial readiness and expansion of Emirati startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Abu Dhabi's retail landscape.

The inaugural MZN Markets location has opened at Ether Yas Mall, with strategic plans for further expansion across other key retail destinations in Abu Dhabi. This initiative addresses the challenges faced by emerging businesses in transforming innovative ideas into commercially viable ventures, particularly during a period of rapid evolution within the retail sector.

Integrated Ecosystem for Growth

MZN Markets offers more than just retail space; it provides a comprehensive ecosystem where Emirati businesses can test new concepts, develop their brands, and enhance their market readiness. Participants gain direct engagement with consumers, acquire valuable market insights, and refine their product offerings to support sustained business growth.

Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund, highlighted that the launch signifies an evolution in KFED's support, moving beyond mere financing to create tangible commercial opportunities. The goal is to enable entrepreneurs to validate products and business models, fostering growth and expansion while contributing to Abu Dhabi's economic diversification.

Support and Opportunities

The initiative is set to empower over 100 startups and SMEs by providing a structured environment that combines retail exposure with extensive capacity-building programmes. Entrepreneurs can access:

Dedicated launch spaces and pop-up market opportunities.
Networking sessions with prominent retail developers.
Targeted training and mentorship in critical business areas such as sales, financial planning, marketing, and customer experience.

This new model stems from a partnership between the Khalifa Fund and Ether, aiming to cultivate a supportive environment at Yas Mall and beyond. It allows local brands access to diverse retail formats, from temporary pop-ups to permanent units, alongside opportunities to enhance commercial readiness and forge connections within the retail industry.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is MZN Markets?: MZN Markets is an integrated platform launched by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) to help Emirati startups and SMEs grow and become market-ready within Abu Dhabi's retail sector.
Where is the first MZN Markets location?: The first MZN Markets location has been established at Ether Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, with plans for further expansion to other retail destinations across the emirate.
What kind of support does MZN Markets offer to businesses?: MZN Markets provides dedicated retail spaces, pop-up market opportunities, networking with retail developers, and targeted training and mentorship in areas like sales, financial planning, marketing, and customer experience.
How many businesses does MZN Markets aim to support?: The initiative aims to empower more than 100 Emirati startups and SMEs by offering a structured ecosystem for retail exposure and capacity building.
Who is behind the MZN Markets initiative?: MZN Markets is an initiative by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) in partnership with Ether, which manages retail spaces including those at Yas Mall.

Reported by

Retail & Mall Developments

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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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