Dubai: A US company that allows Muslims around the world to hear Friday prayers from Islam’s holiest sites took first place in the Innovation 4 Impact Awards at the Global Islamic Economy Summit. The competition, organised by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA) and Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) in partnership with Thomson Reuters, aimed to connect global entrepreneurs with the resources needed to create innovative products that redefine the future of the global Islamic and Digital Economy.
Divine Connect manufactures unique translation handsets for pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, as well as for Muslims around wanting to hear the Jumu’ah Khutbah at Masjid Al Haram & Masjid Al Nabawi in their own languages. The award was presented to Divine Connect’s Mohamed Pazhoor, who received trophy and a cash prize of $20,000 in addition to a range of business incubator services worth more than $10,000, including free office space for a year in Dubai Technology Center for Entrepreneurship.
It was presented by Dr. Jumma Al Matrooshi, Deputy CEO, DSOA, Badr Buhannad, Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy and ICT at DSOA, and Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, Thomson Reuters. Divine Connect also gets an opportunity to establish its business in Dubai.
More than 250 applications were submitted from over 40 countries, representing a wide range of sectors including data, social media, e-commerce and many more.