EDB Premieres “The Multiplier Effect” Documentary in UAE
Emirates Development Bank unveiled The Multiplier Effect, a documentary showcasing UAE entrepreneurs whose ventures are driving economic growth. Highlighting human stories behind innovation, the film demonstrates how strategic support fuels jobs, industries, and a diversified, future-ready economy.
Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE's national development bank and key financial engine for economic diversification and industrial transformation, premiered its landmark documentary, "The Multiplier Effect," at an exclusive VIP screening at Cinema Akil. The film pioneers a new era of storytelling in the financial sector, shifting the focus from numbers to the powerful human journeys that are shaping the nation's future.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT)'s 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism's 'Startup Capital of the World' national initiative, the documentary offers an intimate look at how strategic support creates a ripple effect of progress across society. It follows the inspiring stories of three entrepreneurs who, with EDB's support, have overcome immense personal and professional challenges to build businesses in the UAE. By showcasing these real journeys of resilience and innovation, the film aims to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to take bold steps in building the UAE's entrepreneurial nation.
Through a partnership with STARZPLAY, the documentary will be streamed to audiences across the region, with its public launch set for December 2nd, a tribute to the UAE's visionary leadership and national spirit.
The premiere was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, and other government partners, as well as senior executives from STARZPLAY, alongside EDB partners from the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs from the industrial ecosystem, and leading media representatives.
H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Development Bank, said: “The Multiplier Effect highlights the people and ideas driving the UAE’s economic transformation. At EDB, our mission is straightforward: when we finance growth, the nation grows. Every business we support contributes to jobs, innovation, and long-term value for the country. This film shows that impact clearly. By backing ambitious founders and working closely with our government and partners, we are strengthening the foundations of a diversified and future-ready economy.”
As the UAE's national development bank, EDB plays a critical role in advancing the country's economic diversification agenda and supporting the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology. The documentary highlights how EDB's support and financing in priority sectors, including advanced technology, food security, and healthcare, is creating a powerful multiplier effect that drives economic growth, job creation, and self-sufficiency.
H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary for Entrepreneurship and the Economic Affairs Regulatory Sector, Ministry of Economy and Tourism, said: “The UAE’s vision for economic development is fundamentally people-centric. We measure success not only by outputs, but also by the human spirit and resilience — the founders who take risks, innovate, and shape new industries. This same vision lies at the core of the ‘Startup Capital of the World’ campaign. It is not just about numbers or rankings; it is primarily about fostering a culture where entrepreneurship becomes a natural and celebrated path for the UAE’s youth. When government, financial institutions, investors, and industry work seamlessly together, entrepreneurs gain the confidence to take bold steps. The stories featured in this film show exactly what that ecosystem makes possible, and how it inspires many more to contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.”
The documentary features:
Rashid Al Sulmi, the founder of SULMI, who risked his family's legacy to build the UAE's first electric motorbike from scratch in his garage. SULMI is a graduate of the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, launched in partnership with MoIAT earlier this year at the Make it in the Emirates 2025 event.
Bodour Al Tamimi, the founder of Pure Soil, a mother who turned her battle with autoimmune disease into a thriving organic food business, proving that world-class, healthy products can be made in the UAE. Pure Soil is also a graduate of the Make it in the Emirates Accelerator.
Hiba Orfahli, a cancer survivor who, just weeks before her wedding, found hope in a pioneering, scarless surgical procedure at Oriana Hospital in Sharjah - a healthcare facility supported by EDB - enabling her to start a family.
Since launching its strategy in 2021, EDB has provided more than AED 22.6 billion in total financing, created over 38,000 jobs, and contributed over AED 10 billion to the UAE's industrial GDP.
Beyond financing, EDB plays a pivotal role in building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers businesses to scale and succeed. Through initiatives like the AGRIX Accelerator and Make it in the Emirates Accelerator, EDB provides entrepreneurs with strategic mentorship, technical expertise, market access, and connections to a network of partners and resources. This holistic approach ensures that entrepreneurs and growing businesses receive not just finance, but the comprehensive support needed to transform ambitious ideas into globally competitive enterprises that drive the UAE's industrial future.
Beyond documenting success, "The Multiplier Effect" serves as a powerful call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs across the UAE and beyond. Each story demonstrates that with the right support, determination, and ecosystem, ambitious ideas can transform into world-class businesses that create jobs, advance industries, and inspire others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
"The Multiplier Effect" will be available for public viewing on December 2nd. EDB encourages all media partners to embed the full documentary to share these inspiring stories with the world and fuel the entrepreneurial spirit that is building the UAE's future. A trailer for the documentary is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg5vMTNKD8c
