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DUBAI / WAM
Tejar Dubai, an initiative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that a total of 28 commercial projects have been launched to date by its participants with a majority of Emirati-owned businesses operating within the UAE’s smart services, retail, logistics, and food and beverage sectors.
A total of AED 15.4 million worth of financing has been provided to Tejar Dubai participants since the entrepre- neurship development programme was established in 2013. This financial support was secured through agreements and partnerships between Tejar Dubai and local banks.
A total of 260 business ideas have been submitted to the programme since its launch, of which 23 percent were adopted. Female participants accounted for 63 percent of the business ideas submitted, compared to 37 percent from their male counterparts, demonstrating the important role that Emirati women are playing in the UAE’s business community.
More than 100 workshops and training sessions have
been organised by Tejar Dubai over the last four years, benefitting 1,750 young Emirati
entrepreneurs.
During the first six months of 2017, three new businesses were launched under Tejar Dubai, and an additional another six commercial projects are expected to be launched before the end of this year. A total of 42 business ideas were submitted by aspiring Emirati entrepreneurs during the period, of which 11 were approved, while 12 workshops were held and attended by 465 participants over the same period.
Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, highlighted the importance that the chamber places on nurtu-
ring the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, and noted that the success of young entrepreneurs is critical to the UAE’s economic development.
He emphasised the chamber’s commitment to supporting this sector through its wide range of initiatives, such as the Dubai Smartpreneur Competition and Dubai Startup Hub, which have provided an
important platform for aspiring entrepreneurs across the
UAE to gain exposure and support, and develop innovative business ideas.
A number of new initiatives are currently in the pipeline that will provide additional support to entrepreneurs in Dubai, he revealed, adding that the plans fall in line with the chamber’s 2017-2021 strategy, and contribute to the emirate’s sustainable economic growth.
Essa Al Zaabi, Senior Vice-President, Institutional Support Sector, Dubai Chamber, and General Coordinator of Tejar Dubai, explained that the Tejar Dubai programme has provided nascent Emirati entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and tools, as well as opportunities for them to develop their skills and benefit from mentorship and expertise.