Dubai SME, Start Alliance partner in Dubai, is an Agency of the Department of Economic Development, and part of the Government of Dubai. They both together developed a market expansion program that perfectly matches the needs and wishes of startups. Companies are able to choose from the various number of services, many of them no charge or highly subsidized. These services consist of mainly three categories: soft landing, market access, and funding. We are very honored to be invited Start Alliance Dubai Program. It was a pleasure for us to explore new opportunities and learn about doing business in Dubai.

Arrival Day

There was the desert safari activity on the invitation of Dubai SME and Start Alliance on the first-day people arrived. The safari has included a jeep trip, camp, and dinner along with other activities available at the camp area such as camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking. This safari activity was incredible for a welcome event in Dubai.

The First Day

We started the first day with meetings and site visits in Dubai SME, Business Village Hi2. Later, there was the introduction of Dubai Economy representative, introduction by Dubai SME presentation, introduction to ABRA program, and introduction by Hi2 into the start-up ecosystem in Dubai and UAE.

After these introductions, the sustainable city participants visited the city that is the first net-zero energy development in the Emirate of Dubai. Dubai is designed around the strategy of harmonizing social, environmental and economic sustainability. We had the opportunity to learn about the various projects and concepts being tested at TSC. Dubai Design District participants also visited one of Dubai’s most iconic business areas. Special design community created this district to serve a creative ecosystem. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Future Foundation under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai launched Dubai Future Accelerators in 2016.

We ended the day at AREA 2071. It was a co-working space build up to connect various types of people and organizations to focus on important human challenges. AREA 2071 was created to support the people thrive and the next generation of Emirati innovators and the best talents from all over the world. At the end of the day, there was Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund Masterclass for all participants.

The Second Day