Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has premiered a new documentary, “The Multiplier Effect,” which highlights the human stories behind the UAE’s economic transformation. The film, screened at an exclusive event at Cinema Akil, marks a shift in how the financial sector communicates impact, moving beyond numbers to focus on the personal journeys of entrepreneurs shaping the nation’s future.
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology’s (MoIAT) ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism’s ‘Startup Capital of the World’ campaign, the documentary showcases how strategic financial support creates a ripple effect of progress across society.
From numbers to human impact
The film follows the stories of three entrepreneurs who have overcome significant challenges to build successful businesses in the UAE with EDB’s support.
- Rashid Al Sulmi, founder of SULMI, who risked his family’s legacy to build the UAE’s first electric motorbike from scratch. SULMI is a graduate of the ‘Make it in the Emirates Accelerator’.
- Bodour Al Tamimi, founder of Pure Soil, who turned a personal battle with autoimmune disease into a thriving organic food business.
- Hiba Orfahli, a cancer survivor who found hope in a pioneering surgical procedure at Oriana Hospital in Sharjah, a healthcare facility supported by EDB financing.
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.”
A call to action for future founders
The documentary is framed not just as a record of success, but as a call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs. It aims to foster a culture where entrepreneurship is celebrated as a natural path for the UAE’s youth.
H.E. Abdulaziz Al-Nuaimi, assistant undersecretary for entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, commented: “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.”
Since launching its new strategy in 2021, EDB has provided more than AED 22.6billion in financing, creating over 38,000 jobs and contributing over AED 10billion to the UAE’s industrial GDP. The bank plays a critical role in the country’s economic diversification agenda, focusing on priority sectors such as advanced technology, food security, and healthcare.
“The Multiplier Effect” will be available for public viewing on STARZPLAY from 2 December 2025.
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