JEDDAH — Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry to enhance cooperation in fostering entrepreneurship through a strategic agreement between the Chambers initiative of Tejar Dubai and DSOA's wholly owned Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre (DTEC), the largest of its kind in the Middle East. As part of the agreement, DSOA will provide exclusive and preferential rights within DTEC to national initiatives and projects affiliated to Tejar Dubai. In their collective bid to launch and support national entrepreneurs, the two entities will share their respective event calendars and promote mutual participation at events pertaining to entrepreneurship, technology and Digital Islamic Economy and Arabic content initiatives. The MoU was signed by Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber, and Dr Mohammed Alzarooni, Vice-Chairman and CEO, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, at the DSOA headquarters in the presence of senior officials from both organizations. Buamim said: “Our strategic partnership with DSOA is highly important as this aims at promoting a culture of entrepreneurship in the country while reflecting both the organizations' commitment to support aspiring national entrepreneurs by helping them to succeed in the business world.” He added that Tejar Dubai has so far launched seven commercial projects and is preparing to launch six more projects by the end of the year. Therefore, this new cooperation with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority will provide facilities to young national talents to turn their business ideas into reality in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said Buamim. Dr Mohammed Alzarooni said: “We are fully committed to supporting entrepreneurs through our newly established hub DTEC, the largest hub of its kind in the region to provide existing and emerging technology and Digital Islamic Economy start-up founders with a stimulating and effective working environment. More importantly, DTEC promotes creativity and innovation through enabling entrepreneurs to transform their plans and ideas into successful businesses.” He added: “We have signed multiple memorandums and agreements supporting creativity and entrepreneurship in the UAE, such as our recent agreement with Intel to set up an IoT lab facility supporting local innovation and developing a Smart City Centre of Excellence and Innovation at DTEC. We are confident these initiatives will benefit emerging national and local talent during the developmental phases of their projects and ideas.” The Tejar Dubai initiative launched by Dubai Chamber offers a specialized program and platform to help the youth establish small-to-medium-sized businesses. Under its three key pillars of assess, assist and attain, the Tejar Dubai initiative provides youth with access to an extensive development program, including classroom learning, on-site training, mentoring and business advice, as well as networking opportunities with local and international business leaders and access to investment capital. — SG
