Pearl Initiative has signed two Memoranda of Understanding with 24six9 and Middlesex University Dubai Innovation Hub, under Middlesex University Dubai, reinforcing its commitment to advancing corporate governance across the UAE tech ecosystem through its Governance in Tech Programme, and positioning governance as a practical enabler of growth, resilience and long-term value for early-stage ventures and student entrepreneurs.

At the heart of these collaborations lies Pearl Initiative’s Governance in Tech Programme, a strategic ecosystem embedded within the region’s entrepreneurial landscape. Working alongside universities, innovation hubs, accelerators and other stakeholders, the Programme gains insight into how tech ventures grow, where governance gaps emerge and what founders need at each stage.

Through this approach, the Programme advances practical governance frameworks and decision-making tools within these institutions, equipping them to support founders in building resilient, transparent and investment-ready ventures. By focusing on listening and co-creation, it addresses real bottlenecks, from early governance structures to readiness for scale and investment, positioning governance as a strategic framework that strengthens decision-making, builds investor confidence and supports sustainable growth.

Under the first MoU, Pearl Initiative and 24six9 will deliver a founder-focused, modular, year-long programme comprising a series of interactive sessions for early- and growth-stage tech entrepreneurs in the UAE. Sessions cover governance from foundational principles to investor readiness, board engagement, technology considerations and future-focused practices.

The programme concludes with an optional capstone, allowing founders to apply their learning through a practical governance roadmap, recognised with joint certification.

Ralph Choueiri, Executive Director of Pearl Initiative, said: “Governance is often treated as something startups deal with after funding or during moments of challenge. Through our partnerships with 24six9 and Middlesex Innovation Hub, we are embedding practical, fit-for-purpose governance across the entrepreneurial journey, from student founders to scaling ventures. By embedding governance early, we strengthen decision-making, build investor confidence and support sustainable growth.”

Jamil Shinawi, Founding Board Member of 24six9, added: “To us, governance isn’t some boring checkbox. We see it as something that propels founders to new heights. Through 24six9’s partnership with Pearl Initiative, the aim is to give Gulf builders the tools to succeed from day one, scale smarter, stay authentic and attract investors eager to work with them.”

In parallel, Pearl Initiative has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Middlesex University Dubai Innovation Hub, under Middlesex University Dubai, to engage students in governance and entrepreneurship. The partnership exposes aspiring founders to governance tools and decision-making frameworks, helping them embed strong practices from the outset and build resilient, accountable ventures.

Professor Fehmida Hussain, Head and Founder of Middlesex Innovation Hub, said: “This partnership with Pearl Initiative marks an important step in strengthening how we prepare our students to lead with integrity, responsibility and impact. At the MDX Innovation Hub, we are committed not only to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, but also to embedding strong principles of governance, transparency and ethical leadership in every venture our students create. By connecting our community with Pearl Initiative’s regional network of business leaders and aligning with international ESG and UN Global Compact standards, we are equipping our students to build sustainable, accountable organisations that contribute meaningfully to the region’s future.”

Together, the two MoUs reflect a cohesive strategy to embed corporate governance across the full entrepreneurial lifecycle, from student-led innovation to scaling ventures seeking investment and board-level maturity.

Through its Governance in Tech Programme and strategic partnerships, Pearl Initiative embeds governance as a foundation for trust, accountability and sustainable growth. It champions a UAE tech ecosystem where corporate governance is integrated early, reinforced consistently and recognised as essential to resilience, credibility and enduring value.