Business Network International (BNI), the world's largest business networking and referral organization, hosted the first BNI Expo UAE and Members Day on July 2, 2022, at the JW Marriott Marquis. With the theme ‘Better Together’, the annual Members Day provided businesses with an opportunity to explore mutual synergies while exhibiting and through speed networking sessions. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of K. Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai and Bijay Rajnikantt Shah, National Director – BNI, UAE & Qatar addressing the audience on the growing significance of business collaborations and congratulating members on the business growth over the last 17 years.
Among the 600 delegates were also members of 20 BNI chapters coming together to share industry knowledge and trends while strategically networking. A day-long event, the Annual Members Day included a panel discussion on the importance of integration of the metaverse in businesses followed by speed networking and recognition for the members.
Commenting on the event, BNI National Director UAE & Qatar, Bijay Rajnikantt Shah, said, “We are extremely grateful to K Kalimuthu, Consul (Economic, Trade & Commerce) at the Consulate General of India in Dubai for his unwavering support to SMEs by providing them with suitable platforms and an opportunity to grow as entrepreneurs. His attendance at the BNI UAE Expo and Members Day was a testament to his relentless commitment to supporting businesses to flourish in the UAE.”
In a recent PwC Consumer Intelligence Series survey, 75% of 15,000 consumer respondents confirmed the observation that when it comes to business, the human touch is still extremely important.
Adding to the above, Bijay said, “In a world where automation and digitalization are the way to generate new businesses, human relationships have been challenged since a long time and to greater degree post-pandemic. BNI significantly contributes that to business growth through the power of building interpersonal relationships.”
“For over 17 years now, BNI in the UAE is well attended by business professionals and has immensely contributed to better capitalizing on their capabilities and optimizing innovation while creating a favorable environment for businesses to transform the nation’s economy. We are growing in the UAE with close to 800 members and last year alone the members closed businesses worth over Dh336 million. We were very pleased to welcome over 50 business delegates who displayed their stalls, met other members of the local business community, shared information and knowledge while developing new partnerships,” Shah added.
Commenting on the growth of BNI in the UAE, Bijay added, “Not just in the UAE, BNI has a proven growth track record globally and is a business model able to grow in any economic environment. BNI is now franchising across the Middle East. To know more please contact the BNI National office at information@bni.ae”
The Expo and Members Day was packed with a range of learning events, such as panel discussions with keynote speakers and members sharing their success stories to inspire other members of the community, in addition to networking and EXPO opportunities. The event ended with a spectacular awards ceremony honoring and recognizing the members' achievements.
"BNI in the UAE is a close-knit community of many like-minded professionals who share referrals as part of a global network and enhance their skills using exclusive resources. Networking is an important element of every business. BNI aspires to be a guiding light for companies and individuals seeking to connect and thrive", says Shah.
For more information on the event visit https://www.bniuaeexpo.com/
