The Oasis Cohort

Aoun's first cohort, turning food and farming ideas in Al Ain City into market-ready businesses

Al Ain City · Agriculture & Food Security

From the land of the Emirates to the market. A hands-on programme that helps entrepreneurs in Al Ain City turn their food or farming ideas into market-ready businesses by testing the idea, building the business model, setting up and reaching the first customers.

Apply now

LocationAl Ain City

Number of places10 founders

Programme duration3 months, from 7 November 2026 to 6 February 2027, followed by monthly follow-up for 3 months

Launch grantAED 10,000 to 15,000 per founder

FeesNo fees

Application deadline1 November 2026

01 / Example businesses

Example businesses

Date products Date syrup and stuffed dates Local honey Home bakeries and kitchens Catering and food preparation services Fresh farm produce Local produce boxes

02 / Programme stages

Programme stages

A weekly programme that combines learning, guidance and practical application:

An intensive training session every Saturday, a one-to-one online mentoring session with your coach, and a practical task through which you apply what you've learned directly to your business.

To ensure personal follow-up and quality guidance, each coach supervises a small group of only 3–5 founders.

19 October – 1 NovemberApplications

2 – 4 NovemberInterviews and selection of the ten founders

7 NovemberProgramme kick-off

7 – 14 NovemberValidate: customer interviews and product testing

15 – 28 NovemberPlan: value proposition, pricing, unit economics and business model

28 NovemberDecision Day: selecting the businesses that move on to the Establish stage

2 DecemberPresenting the cohort and selected businesses, coinciding with Eid Al Etihad

29 November – 2 JanuaryEstablish: launch grant, licensing, setup, brand and packaging

3 January – 6 FebruaryLaunch: online store, trial sales and reaching the first customers

30 JanuaryMarket Day: launching the businesses

6 FebruaryGraduation

March – May 2027Monthly follow-up for 3 months after the programme

03 / What we ask of you

What we ask of you

Your timeAbout 15 hours a week for 3 months.

The Aoun PledgeTo pass your experience on to those who come after you, and help support the next cohort after you graduate.

Join the Oasis Cohort.

Only 10 places · Application deadline 1 November 2026

Apply now