Browsing: Industry

A new national programme that embeds university entrepreneurship into real economic and institutional needs has been launched by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME) in partnership with INJAZ UAE.

Called ‘Founders of Tomorrow’, the programme aims at establishing a direct pipeline from academia to enterprise and accelerating the creation of scalable Emirati-owned businesses.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has signed an agreement with the global visual communication platform Canva to establish the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai and support 250,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the digital sector and individuals over the next five years.

Once considered niche sectors, cultural and creative industries are now recognised as essential engines for sustainable growth, talent development and soft power, according to a new industry report launched at the ongoing World Governments Summit 2026 (WGS).

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA), the region’s leading professional body for public relations and communications, has announced a new leadership team from across the region, marking a significant shift. Qatar’s Justin Kerr Stevens has been appointed Chair, alongside Neda Shelton and Monther Tayeb appointed as Vice Chairs.

Culture, data discipline, AI readiness and policy alignment are emerging as decisive factors in how Middle East technology companies scale globally, industry leaders said during the 9th annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2026.

The ninth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026), which was held over the weekend, drew several prominent founders, investors, policymakers, and business leaders from the UAE and abroad who shared their insights and expertise. Designed to link ideas with implementation, the festival focused on long-term economic development, institutional leadership, food security, AI, rise of regional brands and the role of entrepreneurship in supporting resilient economies.

As the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) returns for its ninth edition on January 31 and February 1, there will be a major focus on future-ready communities and wellbeing at its Impact Zone, which includes a much-anticipated session by four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel. Another highlight is Startup Town, a zone that brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers, including Head of Start-Ups at OpenAI Laura Modiano, to convert ideas into scalable businesses and long-term partnerships.