Du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), announced a strategic partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub on Monday to launch the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’. This initiative aims to provide significant support to entrepreneurs and start-ups, emphasizing innovative programs and initiatives to enhance the UAE’s business ecosystem.

The programme focuses on elevating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by improving scalability and accessibility. It will teach SMEs how to adapt their operations for growth with flexible telecommunications and workspace solutions. Practical training in communication, marketing, and cybersecurity will be provided to boost digital literacy, productivity, and innovation among SMEs. Furthermore, the programme will guide participants in integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve competitiveness and streamline operations.

The signing ceremony featured key figures such as Arif Amiri, chief executive officer of DIFC Authority, and Fahad Al Hassawi, chief executive officer of du. The agreement was signed by Mohammad Alblooshi, chief executive officer of DIFC Innovation Hub, and Karim Benkirane, chief commercial officer of du.

Fahad Al Hassawi stated, “In alignment with our strategic objectives, du is proud to cement a partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub, marking a shared commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial environment in the Middle East.” He highlighted that this initiative is part of their mission to support the regional economy through empowering SMEs and start-ups. Al Hassawi added that the du Business Entrepreneurship Programme is set to act as a catalyst, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Arif Amiri emphasized that SMEs and start-ups are essential to Dubai’s economy and play a crucial role in driving innovation and job creation. He noted that DIFC is home to over 1 000 FinTech and innovation companies, creating a vibrant ecosystem for future leaders participating in the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’.

The partnership will create a robust framework for collaboration, combining du’s telecommunications expertise with DIFC’s financial hub capabilities. This announcement follows the recent opening of the Dubai AI Campus, inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The campus facilitates partnerships in technology, complementing the efforts of the DIFC Innovation Hub and du. Participants in the programme will benefit from access to this supportive ecosystem for AI businesses.

In line with the D33 agenda’s goal to develop SME scale-up programs, the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’ will offer specialized workshops to enable AI transformation within the UAE’s SME and start-up sectors. These workshops will cover topics like optimizing customer acquisition using AI, building CRM systems, adopting emerging technologies, and improving customer engagement.

Entrepreneurs will be welcomed into the DIFC Innovation Hub at the newly launched Innovation One building, which provides innovative workspace solutions designed to foster creativity and support new business ideas. This workspace will be available to du customers through the “Letswork” app, aiming to become a hub for innovation and collaboration. Additionally, participants will receive custom du business solution bundles tailored to help build and scale tech-driven businesses.