Dubai Internet City Intensifies Support for Entrepreneurs at TiE Event

Region’s Leading Managed ICT Cluster Strengthens Commitment for Promoting Start-up Businesses

Dubai Internet City, a member of TECOM Investments and the region’s largest managed ICT cluster, continues its support of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) organization, a global network of non-profit organizations for entrepreneurs and professionals.

DIC hosted a panel discussion on “Converting Dubai into an entrepreneurial hub”.  The Panelists, Abdul Baset Al Janahi - CEO, Manoj Nakra and Chief Operating Officer, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SMEs; and Ivan Fernandes, former President of TiE Dubai. Moderated by Prashant K. Gulati, President of TiE Dubai, all speakers shared their experiences on business opportunities in Dubai and the role of government polices & regulations that encourage entrepreneurial activity and SME development in the UAE.

The Dubai Chapter of TiE was established in DIC in January 2003 and has since grown to one of the leading chapters in the worldwide TiE ecosystem.   The TiE events aim to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit in Dubai while acting as a catalyst to facilitate the economic development of the IT sector and more specifically the start-up companies.



Malek Al Malek, Executive Director, Dubai Internet City, said: “During challenging times, DIC continues to initiate significantly valuable programmes to support small and medium-sized business in the region. As part of an integral component of the business community, we believe it is important to remain committed to developing a sustainable and vibrant economy for the long-term.

“With the support of government initiatives like the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, we look forward to remain at the forefront of business innovation through nurturing business activities and provide a platform for expansion of even smaller-sized companies."

Prashant K. Gulati,  President, TiE Dubai, said: ”At this time, the role of Entrepreneurs and SMSs have become more crucial as the backbone of all economies. TiE Dubai has been an essential part of the support ecosystem for entrepreneurs and startups in the region and will continue to effectively engage with all stakeholders – mentors, entrepreneurs, founders and those wanting to take a step in this direction.”

In its efforts to promote entrepreneurship in the IT sector, Dubai Internet City has already implemented a number of initiatives including ‘FirstSteps@DIC’ business center – a unique facility that allows companies to test the region’s business environment with minimal upfront investment. The FirstSteps@DIC has recently expanded with 50 new companies that registered in 2009 totaling 120 companies.