Winners of the marketing challenge given internship opportunity at Careem HQ

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (September 19, 2016):  Sheraa - a launch pad for aspiring young entrepreneurs in the United Arab Emirates – recently collaborated with Careem to challenge the students’ ability to develop a detailed marketing plan that would enable the start-up to cater effectively to and attract the Emirati population. The marketing challenge presented students with an opportunity to complete a 3-month internship program at the company headquarters, and implement their winning idea.

“At Sheraa, we strongly believe in infusing a positive entrepreneurial spirit in today’s youth. By introducing students to the world of start-ups, Sheraa aims to invest in the leaders of tomorrow through education beyond the classroom,” said Najla Al-Midfa, General Manager of Sheraa. “Through collaboration with successful entrepreneurs and organizations, we want to inspire students to utilize and channel their creativity to achieve tangible benefits which have a positive social and financial impact on the community.” 

The marketing challenge attracted applications from over twenty-five teams. In the preliminary round ten teams were chosen, of which five teams were shortlisted for the final round. Careem awarded the final winners of the challenge - Huda al Ali, Aisha Usman and Abdullah Malek, credits worth AED 10,000. The winning team was also awarded AED 10,000 cash reward for successfully implementing their marketing plan.

'As the fastest growing company in the region, Careem is in a unique position to offer a Silicon Valley-like start up experience right here in the UAE. Our cooperation with Sheraa for the marketing challenge and our summer internship program was an important step towards achieving our mission of building an institution that inspires. The interns brought a new perspective to our marketing strategy and we are proud to see them grow and develop their skills with us”, said Aura Lunde, General Manager – Careem UAE.

Sheraa is a valuable component of the UAE’s growing ecosystem. Sheraa’s initiatives, which help sustain and grow new businesses, are important especially as self-employment among the region’s youth gains popularity.