Pearl Initiative Expands Governance in Tech Programme Through Two Key UAE Partnerships

• Pearl Initiative signs two strategic MoUs with 24six9 and Middlesex University Dubai Innovation Hub (MIH), under Middlesex University Dubai, to advance governance across the UAE tech ecosystem.
• Through these MoUs, the Governance in Tech Programme will deliver practical initiatives, including sessions and a capstone, to strengthen corporate governance and decision-making for tech entrepreneurs.
• Partnerships with universities and entrepreneur platforms embed corporate governance early, building resilient, accountable, and investment-ready tech ventures in the region.

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Dubai, UAE – 23 February 2026:

The Pearl Initiative has signed two key Memoranda of Understanding with 24six9 and Middlesex University Dubai Innovation Hub (MIH), 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 the 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 decisions, builds investor confidence, and supports sustainable growth.

Under the first MoU, which was signed by Ms. Mishaal Pervaiz, Community & Partnerships Manager at 24six9, on behalf of the organisation, the 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 to propel founders to new heights. Through 24six9’s partnership with the Pearl Initiative, the idea is to give Gulf builders the tools to crush it from day one. Scale smarter, stay real, and get investors lining up to work with them.”

In parallel, the Pearl Initiative has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MIH, under Middlesex University Dubai, to engage students in governance and entrepreneurship. The MoU was signed by Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai.

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 MIH, said: “This partnership with the 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 the 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, the 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.

About the Pearl Initiative 

The Pearl Initiative is the Gulf region’s leading independent, non-profit organisation working to promote the business case for a corporate culture of accountability and transparency. Established in 2010 by regional business leaders in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Partnerships, the Pearl Initiative is the only private, non-profit Gulf business network to receive special consultative status from the United Nations Economic and Social Council. The Pearl Initiative runs a series of corporate governance related programmes, including Anti-Corruption Best Practices, Diversity in Business Leadership, Governance in MSMEs, Governance in Family Firms, Governance in Tech, and Governance in Philanthropy. The organisation also conducts locally relevant research, hosts workshops and executive education training sessions, and convenes business leaders, policymakers, students, and non-profit executives to encourage a proactive approach to implementing best practices in the workplace across the Gulf region.

Year: 2026

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