Dubai World Hospitality Championship Announces a New Initiative to Support Aspiring Emirati Entrepreneurs

Dubai-UAE: 4 November, 2013 – In a move to ensure the sustained participation and integration of Emirati nationals in the UAE hospitality sector, following the conclusion of the inaugural Dubai World Hospitality Championship, the organisers have announced the intention to launch a new incubation centre in collaboration with Dubai SME, Dubai Municipality, Aswaaq and Union Cooperative Society to support winners of the innovative and homemade products category of the Emirati competition.

Aiming to deliver continued professional development to Emirati aspirants in the UAE hospitality sector, the centre will provide the space, services, training tools, mentorship and other resources to members. 

His Excellency Ahmed bin Hareb Al Falahi, President of DWHC, made the announcement at a press conference held on 4 November, 2013 at Meydan in the presence of Ahmed Sharif, Vice President of Dubai World Hospitality Championship, Abdul Basit Al Janahi, CEO of The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders (Dubai SME), Khalid Sharif Al Awadi. Director of Food Control Department, Dubai Municipality, Khalid Bin Gharib, Head of the Committee of Dubai Heritage and Touristic Section, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Affan Al Khouri, Executive Director, retail sector, Aswaaq Company and Suhail Al Bastaki, the Media and Communications Manager in Union Cooperative Society.

Addressing the media, His Excellency Al Falahi said: “A single event, regardless of its scope and reach, can only serve as a spark that lights the flame. What the flame needs to continue burning is constant and tireless effort. Towards this end, Za'abeel Palace Hospitality in collaboration with key stakeholders have come together to create this incubation centre for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality sector. We are confident our proactive initiative will serve as a catalyst to profile the UAE hospitality sector as an attractive career option to Emirati nationals.”

Dubai SME, yet another partner, will oversee the operations of the facility. In addition to securing tax-free business licenses for a period of three years in accordance with the trade regulations, potential Emirati entrepreneurs will also be extended free membership to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Furthermore, Dubai SME will create an enabling environment to help members with all their hospitality-related ventures. Winners of the Dubai World Hospitality Championship will also be registered for professional certification.

Abdul Basit Al Janahi said: “The vision of Dubai SME is to make Dubai an ideal hub for entrepreneurs and the owners of small and medium enterprises, and through supporting entrepreneurship of new and emerging businesses to commence their development and expansion to become among the most competitive businesses in the future.

The hospitality sector, which is a vital one in the Emirate of Dubai, is experiencing rapid growth measuring up to 16.9 % per annum according to international reports, and Dubai SME takes great interest in such sectors that significantly contribute to Dubai's economy. Dubai SME is keen on helping the owners of small and medium - sized enterprises to grow and develop by providing all needs to hone skills, and overcome the obstacles in the process of their work.”

Al Janahi explained that the role of Dubai SME will not be limited to a business incubator only, but to provide the necessary facilities and resources, and to identify the challenges and to enable entrepreneurs to focus and move forward with their own projects in the local market for the Emirate of Dubai and the UAE in general.

Dubai World Hopsitality Championship have also agreed with Aswaaq and Union Cooperative Society who will display and retail the dishes and artifacts made in the incubation centre.

At the press conference, His Excellency Ahmed bin Hareb Al Falahi thanked Meydan Hotel, Ginox, Convotherm, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubai Media Office, the women's associations across the different emirates, the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Community Development Authority- key sponsors of the upcoming Dubai World Hospitality Championship that will be staged under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Organised by the Za'abeel Palace Hospitality, the culinary mega event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16 - 18 November, 2013.

His Excellency Al Falahi added: “The first phase of the Emirati competition will conclude today with judges evaluating the entries to the Emirati Homemade Dish Category. This category took place in stages, with participants bringing their dishes to the Association that is nearest to them. A visiting jury panel evaluated the entries on the basis of pre-determined criteria. The results of Emirati Homemade Dish Category will be announced on the opening day of the Championship – on 16 November.”

Recently, Dubai World Hospitality Championship (DWHC) has announced the extension of the registration period for participants in three categories of the Emirati Competition: Professional, Amateur, as well as Emirati Homemade and Innovative Products. Registrations will now remain open until the 8th of November 2013 for aspiring Emirati chefs keen to participate in the first-of-its-kind culinary event