Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, has showcased the competitive advantages of Dubai’s business environment in fostering the growth and success of digital startups during a panel discussion at Expand North Star 2024. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the chamber, the event is taking place at Dubai Harbour from 13th to 16th October.
During a presentation in the session, Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, highlighted Dubai’s strengths and how these enhance the emirate’s position as a preferred destination for entrepreneurs worldwide and a global capital for the digital economy. Al Gergawi noted that the emirate continues to work proactively to support the growth of digital companies, solidifying its status as a global capital for the digital economy. This contributes to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to generate an average of AED100 billion annually for Dubai’s economy through digital transformation projects.
Al Gergawi also emphasised Dubai’s importance as a vital platform for expansion and growth in various international markets, thanks to its extensive logistical connectivity with all continents and its diverse social environment. The emirate hosts over 200 nationalities in a modern lifestyle with advanced services and world-class infrastructure, further enhancing its appeal among the brightest minds and specialised talents in advanced technology sectors.
The Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy affirmed that Dubai’s unique business ecosystem, which promotes the growth and success of companies and entrepreneurs while supporting a spirit of innovation and excellence, along with its advanced infrastructure and favourable legislative framework for digital sectors, are key factors that strengthen the emirate’s importance as a preferred destination for establishing, growing, and expanding innovative digital startups.
Al Gergawi also discussed the opportunities provided by the App Olympics, a Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy initiative aimed at innovators from various age groups and countries. The App Olympics offers financial rewards, in addition to a prize featuring a package of services worth US$150,000 to develop the winning mobile apps and participate in a six-month mentorship programme after the end of the competition. Winners in each category will benefit from a media support package, as well as access to the network of partners and participants in the App Olympics.
Al Gergawi pointed out that the App Olympics competition is part of the Create Apps in Dubai initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, in March 2023.
Overseen by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the initiative seeks to train over 1,000 Emiratis on the fundamentals of coding, building mobile applications, and business creation models through the Emirati Training Academy. Additionally, it aims to triple the number of app developers in Dubai by 2025 and support 100 new national projects for the development of cutting-edge mobile applications.
