Habib Al Mulla and Partners signs MoU with Emirates NBD to Support Emirati Entrepreneurs

1 Min | 23 September 2025

MoU expands Project 54, bringing in 17 startups from Emirates NBD’s National Digital Talent Incubator (NDTI) program

Dubai, UAE, 23 September 2025: Habib Al Mulla and Partners, a leading law firm in the UAE and region, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Türkiye (MENAT) region. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the expansion of Project 54, the firm’s initiative to support Emirati entrepreneurs.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Habib Al Mulla, Founder of Habib Al Mulla and Partners, and Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD. Through this strategic partnership, both entities will work together to provide Emirati entrepreneurs with enhanced opportunities and tailored support as they build and grow their businesses.

Dr. Habib Al Mulla, said: “As part of our mission to empower Emirati entrepreneurs, Project 54 reflects our commitment to building sustainable enterprises. With the support of Emirates NBD, we are creating a stronger foundation for entrepreneurship that will contribute to the UAE’s long-term economic growth.”

Commenting on the partnership, Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, said: “We are committed to nurturing the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs by providing them with the financial tools and advisory support they need to succeed. Through this collaboration with Habib Al Mulla and Partners, we aim to strengthen the ecosystem for home-grown businesses, helping them scale and contribute to the UAE’s vision of building a diversified economy.”

The partnership entails benefits including a dedicated contact for fast-track account opening, preferential loans with flexible terms and guidance on compliance requirements and timelines.

Launched to commemorate the UAE’s 54th National Day in December 2025, Project 54 initiative provides full legal support to 54 Emirati SMEs, aligning with the UAE’s vision for economic diversification. Emirates NBD now joins Home Bakery, Habib Al Mulla Academy, Newrons, Flatrace, DED CAFÉ, Brunswick and HAMA Holdings as strategic partners in this initiative. The initiative has already attracted 35 ambitious Emirati entrepreneurs and with the addition of 17 startups from the first, second, third and fourth cohorts of Emirates NBD’s NDTI program, we are rapidly moving closer to our goal of empowering 54 Emirati-owned businesses before National Day in December 2025.

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