SHEIKH Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, has announced the opening of registration for the 9th cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Young Business Leaders (YBL). Registration can be completed through the website www.smeawards.ae starting from Jan. 25 until end of Feb. 2015. Through YBL, Dubai SME aims to promote competition among entrepreneurs in the UAE and across the Arab world and honor individuals and organizations who have contributed to developing SME performance in the UAE and the Arab world.
The award categories include Best SME in Islamic economy field in the Arab world, Best school contributing to the development of entrepreneurial spirit, the best small and medium enterprises in the UAE and the Arab world, Entrepreneurial Personality in the UAE and the Arab World (nomination), entities providing the best support to the Government Procurement Program (GPP) in the UAE government, semi-government and private sectors, best bank and organization supporting SME initiatives (by nomination) as well as the best entrepreneur support initiative.
The Arab world category of Supporting Organization Awards will have the following sub-categories: Best Higher Education Institution Promoting Entrepreneurship; Best Mentor Network; Best entrepreneurship Development Fund; Most SME-friendly Bank and Best Initiative in Entrepreneurship Development.
Abdul Baset Al Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai SME, said: "The 9th cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Young Business Leaders is witnessing significant improvements in terms of ease of evaluation, transparency and independent arbitration which will be further encouraging for entrepreneurs competing to be the best in the UAE and the Arab world. We aim to have the largest number of registrations so far in this cycle.
"The Mohammed bin Rashid Award for Young Business leaders is a major platform for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial development programs in the Arab world. It also reflects the keenness of Dubai and its leadership in activating the role of the small and medium-sized businesses and promoting development and sustainability of such projects under the overall objective of achieving competitiveness and economic development.” — SG
