Abu Dhabi is taking a major step toward becoming a global powerhouse in sports innovation and creative media. The Creative Media Authority (CMA) has entered a strategic partnership with Ethara’s 1TW Innovation Hub (E1H), marking an important moment in the UAE’s mission to support young creators, emerging founders and early-stage startups. As the first government partner and the official content and new media partner of E1H, CMA is set to help shape the future of the sports innovation ecosystem.
This partnership strengthens Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a thriving, world-leading creative environment where innovation, technology and media development come together. By opening new opportunities for students, entrepreneurs and sports innovators, the collaboration aims to elevate the emirate as a competitive global hub for creative excellence.
CMA’s Mission to Develop the Creative Media Sector
As Abu Dhabi’s main authority for developing and regulating the creative media industry, CMA has always focused on nurturing local and regional talent. The authority works to create an ecosystem where creators, producers and entrepreneurs can build sustainable careers aligned with the UAE’s cultural and economic goals.
Through its long-standing programs, CMA has helped countless creative professionals grow their skills. Initiatives delivered in partnership with Creative Lab, Arab Film Studio and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission offer hands-on learning, practical experience and exposure to industry networks. Many filmmakers, digital content creators and media students have benefited from these opportunities.
The new partnership with E1H expands CMA’s support into the sports innovation field. As the global sports and entertainment sectors evolve with technology, analytics and creative content, this collaboration arrives at the right time to support innovators ready to break new ground.
Expanding Support for Sports Innovation Founders
A major objective of the CMA–E1H partnership is to provide early-stage founders with the guidance and tools they need to succeed in sports innovation and digital media. Entrepreneurs will gain access to advisory support, mentorship programs and practical assistance from CMA specialists.
With this support, young founders can refine their ideas, strengthen their business strategies and navigate regulatory requirements more effectively. CMA’s guidance will also help them understand licensing processes and the setup of creative media companies in Abu Dhabi.
CMA will play an active role in E1H’s annual incubator, accelerator and venture programs. The authority will participate in selection panels, advisory boards and decision-making committees. This involvement ensures that creators working on innovative sports and entertainment ideas have access to expert advice at every stage of their journey.
Empowering Students and Fresh Graduates
The partnership also includes a focus on young talent entering the industry. The E1H Entrepreneurs Studio, planned for rollout in 2026, will introduce specialized programs for university students and recent graduates. These programs will offer real-world exposure to industry trends, hands-on project opportunities and direct interaction with experienced professionals.
Participants will learn about sports innovation, content creation, digital storytelling, event technology and creative entrepreneurship. By giving students practical experience and industry insight, the program aims to prepare them for successful careers or startup paths within the creative ecosystem.
Leadership Insights on the Partnership
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General at the Creative Media Authority, stated that the partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to supporting the next generation of creative talent. He emphasized that collaborating with E1H will help founders and creators develop their concepts, gain industry experience and build long-term careers in line with the emirate’s vision for a strong creative economy.
Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, Chief Executive of Ethara, highlighted the significance of having CMA as E1H’s first government partner. He described the partnership as a natural evolution of their previous collaborations and noted that it will provide young innovators with essential support as they explore new ideas in sports and entertainment innovation.
Ethara and ONETOWATCH’s Role in Supporting Startups
E1H, developed by Ethara in partnership with ONETOWATCH, is designed to help sports and entertainment entrepreneurs by giving them access to expert knowledge, business networks and investment opportunities. The hub focuses on guiding founders through the early stages of building their ventures and connecting them with industry mentors.
The first cohort of the E1H program concluded successfully with pitch presentations at Yas Conference Center. Several founders from the program are now progressing toward new opportunities, and the next cohort is scheduled for early 2026. The growing interest in the hub demonstrates the expanding demand for sports innovation in the UAE.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi as a Global Creative Hub
The partnership between CMA and Ethara supports the UAE’s long-term goals of fostering innovation, boosting talent development and building a diversified, knowledge-based economy. Through stronger support systems for creative entrepreneurship and sports innovation, Abu Dhabi continues moving forward as a global hub for next-generation media, technology and entertainment.
By empowering creators, founders and young professionals, this collaboration is helping shape industries that will define the future of sports and digital media. The initiative also ensures that Abu Dhabi remains competitive, forward-thinking and committed to nurturing creative excellence.
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