GOOGLE and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry have announced their long-term partnership to help businesses across Dubai get online during the 11th World Retail Congress, which recently took place in the emirate. The three-day Congress was held under the theme "Reimagining the Customer Experience", and brought together 1,500 attendees, including 150 industry leaders and experts, to discuss key trends impacting the global retail sector, including transformation and disruption, changing attitudes of tech-savvy consumers, and the importance of brand differentiation. The partnership aims to help local businesses across different sizes and industries harness the power of the web, get discovered more easily, and in turn get more customers. According to the Consumer Connected Study, the UAE's Smartphone and Internet usage is one of the highest in the world. Research also shows that 63% of consumers in the country use their smartphones to look for local businesses. Yet, only 18% of businesses have any online presence, and many business owners (96%) feel their digital implementation is still ‘early to mild'. This long-term agreement will launch with a pilot program that will extend for three to four months. Both partners will work on gathering data of businesses, getting them verified and listed on Google Search and Maps via a free tool known as Google My Business. Listings include useful information for consumers, such as a company's phone number, hours of operation, and business description. The collaboration will also involve future digital trainings which will help businesses better understand the value of being online, growing a business, and acquiring new customers. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, said: "We are delighted to partner with Google on such an important initiative as it will help local businesses boost their global profile and reach, and give them access to a much bigger consumer base. This partnership falls in line with our strategy to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's private sector, promote smarter business practices locally, and improve ease of doing business in the emirate." Buamim added: "Considering the rapid pace at which technology is evolving, it has become critical for businesses to invest in building their brand reputation online, target consumers through digital channels, and keep up with the changing needs of their tech-savvy customers." Lino Cattaruzzi, Managing Director for Google in MENA, said: "For most people in the UAE, the internet is their first point for information. We wanted to make the process of businesses getting online easier and help them find their customers in the moments that matter. We decided to partner with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce who understands the challenges faced by local businesses better than anyone—and they recognize the value of getting businesses online." Cattaruzzi added: "This is just the beginning. There is more to do to help businesses take advantage of the vast opportunities yielded by the web which in turn will help the local economy benefit. We are starting with a pilot program and hope to scale it further in the future."
