du launches its first Emirati Startup Challenge in the UAE

In line with UAE Vision 2021, the telco enables young Emirati entrepreneurs to realise their dreams and contribute to a knowledge-based economy

(Dubai- April 3, 2018) –   du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, today launched its first Emirati Startup Challenge, in partnership with Zayed University. The nationwide challenge will give Emirati university students who have a creative drive the opportunity to showcase their ideas in front of a live audience and a judging panel in a competition to win prizes and a chance to work with a local business mentor.

In celebration of the Year of Zayed, this initiative is co-organised by E11 Global, a global start up platform that provides entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to successfully develop their own businesses, and Step Group, a Dubai based media and events company responsible for launching STEP Conference in the UAE.

“We have always expressed our trust in the immense potential of the UAE youth. Now, and in alignment with the UAE Vision 2021 that directs the transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, we are delighted to launch this initiative. We look forward to meeting candidates who foster creative ideas and are interested in being a part of the local startup ecosystem.” said Abdulwahed Juma, the Executive Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications in du. “Through this university-driven initiative, we want to encourage and inspire UAE Nationals to pursue and develop their business ideas by being bold and well prepared to pursue their dreams,” he added.

The Emirati Startup challenge is a nationwide competition that aims to empower Emirati youth with an entrepreneurial drive and prepare them to successfully contribute to the UAE’s startup ecosystem. The competition is open to Emirati students from universities across the UAE, who have an innovative startup idea in the fields of technology, social entrepreneurship and digital solutions.

Dr. Reyadh Almehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, said, "We, at Zayed University, are delighted to be part of this unique initiative. We are working on empowering the new generation and encourage Emirati students to submit their creative ideas and innovations to participate in beneficial workshops and the competition challenge, to develop solutions and disrupt the ecosystem with fresh ideas. We invite students to apply to the Emirati Startup Challenge from du and take advantage of the compelling opportunity to be mentored by top professionals and experts in the field."

As the UAE 2021 vision endeavors to set up an entrepreneurial culture in schools and universities, du will work closely with Zayed University to inspire generations to adopt a skillset that includes leadership, creativity, responsibility and ambition. Through engaging workshops, du aims at equipping Emirati Nationals who qualify to enter the challenge with the necessary expertise and market knowledge that will empower them to turn their ideas into real business ventures.

This initiative is also designed to unlock the potential of nationals and enable them to be a driving force of the UAE’s development.