du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), recently announced a strategic partnership agreement with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’, designed to offer substantial aid to entrepreneurs and start-ups, focusing on cutting-edge programs and initiatives that boost innovation within the UAE’s business ecosystem.
Anchored with within the DIFC Innovation Hub at ‘Innovation One’, the ‘Entrepreneurship Hub’ serves as a professional epicentre for SMEs and start-ups. A curated schedule of workshops, aligned with the aspirations of the entrepreneurial community, solidifies du’s strategic position in supporting the UAE’s powerful economic ambitions.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority and Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer, du; and signed by Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, and Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer, du.
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer at du, stated: “In alignment with our strategic objectives, du is proud to cement a partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub, marking a shared commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial environment in the Middle East. This initiative is a part of our mission to bolster the regional economy through the empowerment of SMEs and start-ups. The du Business Entrepreneurship Programme is primed to serve as a catalyst, offering a suite of resources, expert mentorship, and dynamic networking conduits. We are poised to facilitate growth and development across the start-up ecosystem, contributing to the sustained economic diversification and innovation that characterizes the UAE national vision.”
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, of DIFC Authority, commented: “SMEs and start-ups are the backbone of Dubai’s economy and the driving force behind innovation and job creation. DIFC is already home to over 1,000 FinTech and Innovation companies and an ever-evolving ecosystem driving the future of finance. The next generation of leaders taking part in the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’ will benefit from access to this growing community of world-leading talent as they come together to unleash their growth potential.”
According to Industry sources, the program focuses on powering SMEs by focusing on scalability and accessibility, teaching them to adapt their operations for growth with flexible telecom and workspace solutions. It seeks to boost digital literacy among SMEs by offering practical training in communication, marketing, and cybersecurity, thereby surging productivity and fostering innovation. Additionally, SMEs will learn to integrate the latest technologies, such as AI, to enhance competitiveness and streamline operations. The program also guides SMEs through the digital transformation process, covering strategic planning, technology adoption, and organizational change management, to leverage technology for sustainable growth in the modern day rapidly evolving business environment.
Industry sources also confirmed that the partnership will involve a robust framework of collaborative efforts to create synergies between the two organizations, leveraging du’s capabilities as a telecommunications leader and DIFC’s expertise as a global financial hub.
Industry sources also brought this news that this announcement follows the recent official inauguration of the Dubai AI Campus by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, which also facilitates multinational technology partnerships in collaboration with the DIFC Innovation Hub and du. Participants in the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’, will benefit from access to the Dubai AI Campus’ nurturing ecosystem for AI businesses and leading talent driving the future of innovation in AI.
In line with the D33 agenda’s objective of developing the SME scale-up program, the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’ will curate a series of highly specialized workshops to enable AI transformation within the SME and start-up sector in the UAE. The workshops will focus on themes around optimizing customer acquisition using AI technologies, building and maintaining CRM systems, adopting emerging technologies, improving customer engagement, optimising back-office efficiency and much more. Going beyond promoting collaboration, the du Business Entrepreneurship Programme is driven by du’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurial success.
Industry sources added that as a part of the collaborative efforts the, entrepreneurs will be welcomed into the DIFC Innovation Hub, within the latest launched Innovation One building, with innovative workspace solutions tailored to foster creativity and nurture the growth of new business ideas. The workspace, available to du customers for booking via the “Letswork” app, is poised to become a beacon of innovation and collaboration. The entrepreneurs joining the DIFC Innovation Hub as part of the program will also benefit from highly customized du business solution bundles focused on providing the necessary support and resources to building and scaling tech-driven businesses.
