Scale-up Dubai Programme launched under DSH initiative

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Dubai Startup Hub (DSH), an initiative of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), has announced the launch of the Scale-Up Dubai programme, an extension of Market Access, which provides in-depth knowledge, guidance and tailored support to fast-growing startups, or scale-ups, as they look to take their businesses to the next level and expand beyond borders.

Joining the pilot programme are scale-ups that have already developed viable businesses and benefited from their participation in Dubai Startup Hub’s Market Access programme, which fosters partnerships between startups and leading corporates in Dubai.

Over the last few months, the selected scale-ups took part in several interactive sessions that provided valuable insights on business setup, and global expansion as well as opportunities to showcase their businesses to public and private sector organisations.

During the session, representatives from Virtuzone and Afridi & Angell shared legal and licensing expertise with the participants, as well as practical information about the process, cost and legalities of setting up in Dubai.

Participants had an opportunity to connect directly with Omar Khan, Dubai Chamber’s Director of International Offices, and Dubai Chamber’s representative offices in Africa and Eurasia and benefit from tailored support and guidance on specific markets of interest.

A virtual business networking event joined by senior representatives from the RTA, Mashreq Bank, RAKBANK, Expo 2020 Dubai and Dubai Future Foundation, showcased new technologies offered by the scale-ups to government entities and established businesses looking for innovative solutions to address existing challenges.

Upon their completion of the Scale-Up Dubai programme, participants receive a digital “Market Ready” stamp that helps them boost their appeal and reputation among corporates in Dubai.

Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice Chairman at Dubai Chamber described Scale-up Dubai as a unique programme designed around the evolving needs of Dubai Startup Hub’s scale-up members who are ready to take their businesses to the next level, explore global markets and connect with public and private sector stakeholders who are keen to work with promising scale-ups.

Al Shirawi noted that the enrolled scale-ups offer cutting-edge solutions related to energy, health-tech, transportation, logistics, fintech and e-commerce that address market needs and new challenges created by Covid-19, and said several of participants are looking to bring their technologies to emerging markets around the world.

He revealed that Dubai Startup Hub’s scale-up members have launched over 35 pilot projects to date, and collectively raised more than Dhs16 million, while generating more than Dhs6 million in sales.

For his part, Omar Khan, Director of International Offices at Dubai Chamber, said the new programme is a prime example of how Dubai Chamber leverages its resources and representative offices to provide high-potential startups access to growth opportunities in emerging markets around the world.

He also noted that the initiative advances Dubai Chamber’s efforts to promote Dubai as a global business hub and test bed for innovative business concepts.

Market Access is one of Dubai Startup Hub’s flagship programmes designed to facilitate partnerships between corporates and startups. The programme offers annual membership to corporates and access to a series of dedicated matchmaking events held throughout the year.

Established by Dubai Chamber in 2016, Dubai Startup Hub is the first initiative of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. The initiative is designed to emphasis the value of public and private sector collaboration and embodies the aim of encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship as a main driver of the economy of Dubai and the UAE.

Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.