Dubai Startup Hub, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, and Dubai Technology Entrepreneurs Campus (Dtec), Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority wholly-owned entity, concluded the second edition of the Emirati Development Program, with Ms. Sherina Al Sowaidi of Liftoff as this year’s winner.
The second edition of the Emirati Development Program aims to encourage UAE nationals to capitalize on private-sector jobs opportunities by identifying and developing their skills through specialized training while providing them with the right support for starting their own business ventures.
This year’s winner, Ms. Al Sowaidi competed with 26 other startups during the final stage of the program. The finalists, who presented their smart business concepts to an expert panel, are now eligible to start and launch their businesses with support and guidance.
Ms. Al Sowaidi will receive additional business acceleration support from the organizers, including joining a Dtec program for startups for a year to receive training, guidance and mentorship.
The program offers participants access to internship opportunities with leading companies from the private sector, including DHL, Oliver Wyman, and International Consultant Law Office (ICLO), complimentary company setup with Dtec, complimentary 3-month access to Dtec co-working, as well as the opportunity to exhibit at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Hans Christensen VP – Dtec
“Our collaboration with Dubai Chamber on the Emirati Development Program follows a series of joint initiatives between the two entities. It is also in line with the strategies of Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Dtec to instill an entrepreneurial culture, especially in promising tech sectors that have gained traction recently with the spread of new digital-based work, education, and communication cultures.”
The Emirati Development Program will reflect positively on the national economy as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up 94 percent of the companies operating in the UAE and employ more than 86 percent of the country’s workforce.
The program is a key strategy of the chamber’s efforts to support entrepreneurship, talents and innovative ideas from the Emirati youth. It contributes to establishing a new generation of entrepreneurs who can achieve their goals, Ms. Natalia Sycheva, Senior Manager of Special Projects and Entrepreneurship, Dubai Chamber, said.
The participants also took part in training sessions covering various topics of interest, which were led by experts from Dtec, LinkedIn, International Consultant Law Office (ICLO), Intelligent Finance Consultants (IFC), LPS Brands and Think Media Labs (TMLs).
The training focused on establishing and promoting the growth of technology businesses, the importance of sales to emerging entrepreneurs and how to develop and present an effective investor pitch presentation.
