The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, working with the Smart Dubai Office, launched the second annual Dubai Smartpreneur Competition. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a leading smart city.
Source: Dubai Chamber. The event featured a panel discussion about the UAE government’s progress on smart city and innovation initiatives, and what will drive future sustainable growth. Panelists included Essa Al Zaabi, Senior VP, Institutional Support Sector, Dubai Chamber, and General Coordinator of Tejar Dubai; Younus Al Nasser, Assistant Director, Smart Dubai Office and CEO of Dubai Data; Kushal Shah, Partner, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants and Founder of Dubai Angel Investors; and Raed Hafez, Chairman, ElGrocer.
This competition offers entrepreneurs a chance to be part of Dubai’s transformation into a global benchmark smart city, in support of Smart Dubai’s vision to make Dubai the happiest city on earth through technological innovation. It is open to all UAE-based entrepreneurs.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency Hisham Al Shirawi emphasized that the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition has become a crucial platform for recognizing and nurturing innovative ideas that can enhance the local business environment and the broader community. He stated, “The benefits of this competition go beyond financial rewards. Participants also gain a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, engage with mentors, and receive valuable feedback to enhance and expand their businesses.”
Her Excellency Dr. Aisha bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, remarked, “The Smartpreneur Competition is a significant annual event showcasing the positive impact of collaboration. I commend the Dubai Chamber for leading this impressive initiative.”
She continued, “These talented young entrepreneurs are vital to achieving our smart city goals. The second cycle of the Smartpreneur competition is not just about discovering the best products and services enhancing city experiences. It’s also an engagement platform to help local entrepreneurs actively contribute to and spearhead our citywide transformation.”
Last year, the Dubai Chamber received 350 innovative submissions during the inaugural Dubai Smartpreneur Competition. This year’s competition will be held under the umbrella of Dubai Start Up Hub, the official online platform for Dubai’s startup and technology ecosystem, managed jointly by the Dubai Chamber and IBM. Participants must submit business ideas aligned with Smart Dubai dimensions such as smart economy, smart living, smart mobility, smart governance, smart environment, and smart people.
A judging panel will review the entries. Qualifying participants will attend two full-day workshops focusing on sector-specific training, mentorship, relationship building, and developing comprehensive business plans. The top three winners will receive cash prizes and the opportunity to participate in the year-long Tejar Dubai entrepreneurship development program to transform their ideas into businesses. This program empowers emerging entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, and access to new opportunities, assisting them in taking their first steps in the business world.