DUBAI: The competition is held in line with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into smart city. The competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to become part of Dubai’s transformation into a global benchmark smart city. It is open to all UAE-based entrepreneurs whose entries will be critiqued by a judging panel. Participants are required to submit their business ideas in line with the Smart Dubai dimensions that include smart economy, smart living, smart mobility, smart governance, smart environment, and smart people.
Participants who qualify will attend two full-day workshops on sector-specific training, mentorship, building relationships, and developing a full business plan. The first three winners will get a cash prize and the opportunity to join Tejar Dubai entrepreneurship development programme for a year which will help them turn their business ideas into reality. “The benefits of this competition go far beyond financial rewards. Participants also get a unique chance to network with industry influencers, interact with mentors, and gain valuable feedback needed to improve and grow their businesses,” said HE Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber.
HE Dr. Aisha bin Bishr, Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, added that the entrepreneurs are essential to the success of the government’s smart city ambitions. The second cycle of Smartpreneur competition will be an opportunity to discover the best products and services to improve city experiences. A panel discussion was held during the event, focusing on the progress achieved by the UAE government on smart city and innovation-focused initiatives, as well as the initiatives and engines are expected to drive sustainable growth in the future. Last year, Dubai Chamber received 350 ideas during the first cycle of the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition. The competition this year will take place under the umbrella of Dubai Start Up Hub, the official online hub of the Dubai startup and technology ecosystem, managed by the Dubai Chamber in collaboration with IBM.
