07/05/2017

- Workshops covered the basics of building a business, effective sales strategies, and useful tips for investor pitches
-Al Zaabi: Dubai Smartpreneur Competition has received a plethora of innovative ideas that support the UAE's strategic vision and Dubai’s transformation to a global smart city

Dubai, UAE:  The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently organised and hosted a series of workshops for the top 50 participants who qualified for the next round of the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition.

The workshops provided participants with the knowledge and support needed to help them turn their innovative business ideas into a reality. Topics covered by the training sessions focused on the basics of starting and building a business, effective sales and marketing strategies, and pitching a business plan to investors.

The training sessions were led by Ahmed Abdulwahab, Founder and CEO of Next Arabia FZE, which designs and manages programmes to spur innovation and entrepreneurship in the Arab world and beyond. Throughout the sessions, Abdulwahab incorporated several exercises and useful tools designed to make participants think like investors, clarify their business ideas, and develop a successful pitch outline.

Essa Al Zaabi, Senior Vice President of Institutional Support Sector at Dubai Chamber and General Coordinator of Tejar Dubai, said: 'Fostering a culture of innovation within Dubai’s private sector is one of the key focuses of Dubai Chamber’s strategy and activities. The Dubai Smartpreneur Competition is one of the most effective initiatives to achieve this as it provides customised support and resources to help participants build the foundation for a successful business.”

'This year, we have received a plethora of innovative ideas that support the UAE's strategic vision and the Year of Giving initiative in particular, that will ultimately enhance the competitiveness of the local business community and support Dubai’s transformation to a global smart city,” added Al Zaabi.

Dubai Chamber received more than 700 submissions during the second cycle of the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition, an increase of 100% compared to the 350 innovative ideas that were submitted in the first cycle last year. In the first round of the current cycle, 100 applications were initially shortlisted of which 50 qualified for the next phase. Submissions are evaluated by an expert panel of judges from Dubai’s entrepreneurial community.

The competition, open to all UAE-based entrepreneurs, requires participants to submit business ideas that support one of the Smart Dubai dimensions, namely smart economy, smart living, smart mobility, smart governance, smart environment, smart people, and smart ICT infrastructure. 

The competition aims to strengthen the role of entrepreneurs in contributing to Dubai’s Smart City vision. During the final stage of the competition, three winners will be selected to receive cash prizes, and access to training and support.