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As part of its efforts to enhance the innovation environment of the emirate under the umbrella of Dubai Smart City initiative, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with IBM recently launched the DubaiStartupHub an online platform on IBM Cloud to support Dubai’s technology and start-up ecosystem.
The newly-launched DubaiStartupHub connects start-up, entrepreneurs, developers, venture capitalists and students to establish new connections, learn about new opportunities and create new partnerships to help accelerate innovation and stimulate the local economy.
The hub allows the local community to interact with cloud technology in new ways, with special offers for start-ups to join IBM’s Global Entrepreneur Program, which provides mentoring, support and access to development tools and cloud resources via IBM Cloud.
The DubaiStartupHub which is the first of its kind in the Middle East and Africa region operates under the umbrella of Dubai Smart City while representing a unique partnership between the public and private sector to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
It allows virtual visitors to learn about new job opportunities and local tech news; sign up for tech-focused events, classes and meet-ups; and navigate the city with a digital map that lists open office locations, workspaces and more.
Powered by and built on the IBM Cloud, the DubaiStartupHub also offers a comprehensive search portal with a database and profile of Dubai-based tech start-ups and investors; a city-wide tech event calendar; continuous updates of technology-related jobs in the city; and a dedicated section for breaking news stories.
H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber said: “The DubaiStartupHub consolidates the concept of a smarter community by offering comprehensive information and services aligned to Dubai Government's strategic directions on smart cities.”
He added that the new digital portal which provides the latest information and event updates related to technology and start-up serves as a key source for Dubai business leaders to connect and build new relationships as well as access to the latest business opportunities in the emirate.
Said Amr Refaat, General Manager, IBM Middle East & Pakistan, “Our collaboration with Dubai Chamber will help unleash new innovations which will solidify Dubai’s status as one of the leading technology hubs.”
H.E. Dr. Aisha Bin Bishr, Director General, Smart Dubai Office, stated that this partnership goes in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to evolve Dubai as the world’s Smartest City and the happiest city on earth.
H.E. Dr. Bin Bishr added: “The priority is to support entrepreneurs and help them to adopt latest smart technologies for the success and advancement of their business, while supporting the economic growth of Dubai. Entrepreneurship is a focus area within our smart economy dimension, and the DubaiStartupHub initiative will provide a rich set of services to entrepreneurs in Dubai and the region.”
The DubaiStartupHub aligns with Dubai Chamber’s aim to support entrepreneurs and promote innovation. In 2015, the Chamber launched an innovation strategy in line with the Chamber’s mission to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai. The Chamber has also been working towards supporting entrepreneurs through its entrepreneurship development programme Tejar Dubai, which identifies and develops the business ideas of Emirati entrepreneurs.
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