Entrepreneurship among youth is crucial for economic growth and innovation, particularly in emerging economies like the UAE. Despite government support and favorable conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there remains a significant lack of entrepreneurial intention among UAE youth. This paper proposes a conceptual model to investigate how institutional contexts influence entrepreneurial intentions among UAE youth, with a focus on the mediating role of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the moderating role of entrepreneurship education. Drawing upon existing literature, the study integrates theories such as the theory of planned behavior and institutional theory to develop the conceptual model. The model posits that institutional factors, including regulatory, normative, and cognitive environments, influence entrepreneurial intentions among youth. Additionally, entrepreneurial self-efficacy is proposed as a mediator between institutional contexts and entrepreneurial intentions, while entrepreneurship education is suggested to moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial self-efficacy and intentions. The conceptual model presented in this paper contributes to the understanding of the multifaceted determinants of entrepreneurial behavior among UAE youth. By elucidating the interplay between institutional contexts, self-efficacy, and education, the study offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders aiming to foster a conducive environment for entrepreneurship in the UAE and beyond.