du to launch new business entrepreneurship programme in DIFC
Move for SMEs to learn how to integrate latest technologies, such as AI, into businesses
Dubai: du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), on Monday said it partnered with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the 'du Business Entrepreneurship Programme' to support entrepreneurs and start-ups.
The du programme primarily seeks to enhance digital literacy among SMEs by providing practical training in communication, marketing and cybersecurity. Additionally, SMEs will learn to integrate the latest technologies, such as AI.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority and Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer, du; and signed by Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub and Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer, du.
Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer at du, said: “In alignment with our strategic objectives, du is proud to cement a partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub, marking a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurial environment in the Middle East."
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, commented: “SMEs and start-ups are the backbone of Dubai’s economy and the driving force behind innovation and job creation. DIFC is already home to over 1,000 FinTech and Innovation companies and an ever-evolving ecosystem driving the future of finance.”
'Future of finance'
The announcement follows the recent official inauguration of the Dubai AI Campus by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, which also facilitates multinational technology partnerships in collaboration with the DIFC Innovation Hub and du.
In line with the D33 agenda’s objective on developing the SME scale-up programme, the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’ will curate a series of highly specialised workshops to enable AI transformation within the SME and start-up sector in the UAE.
The workshops will focus on themes around optimising customer acquisition using AI technologies, building and maintaining CRM systems, adopting emerging technologies, improving customer engagement, optimising back-office efficiency and much more. Going beyond promoting collaboration, the du Business Entrepreneurship Programme is driven by du’s commitment to facilitating entrepreneurial success.
As part of the collaboration, entrepreneurs will be welcomed into the DIFC Innovation Hub, within the newly launched Innovation One building, with innovative workspace solutions tailored to foster creativity and nurture the growth of new business ideas. The workspace, available to du customers for booking via the “Letswork” app, is poised to become a beacon of innovation and collaboration.