du, a leading telecom and digital services provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Ignyte, a digital platform developed by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under the Sheikh Hamdan Initiative. This collaboration aims to accelerate AI innovation, support startups, and enhance digital inclusion across the UAE, in line with du’s commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through advanced digital transformation solutions.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the recent Dubai AI Week, witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. The signing involved Fahad Al Hassawi, Chief Executive Officer of du, and Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority.

This partnership will leverage the du Business ecosystem, providing bundled value and exclusive telecom integrations through a strategic platform collaboration aimed at empowering the business community. Startups will benefit from mentorship in business, technology, and telecom, which will enhance their market readiness and stability. Additionally, Ignyte’s network will facilitate connections with investors and corporations, accelerating growth and increasing the chances of success. This initiative aligns with du Business’ SME strategy, offering robust digital solutions that navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape and promote business excellence.

Karim Benkirane, Chief Commercial Officer of du, stated that the partnership with Ignyte is an investment in the future of the UAE’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. He emphasized that this collaboration supports startups by providing access to funding, mentoring, and advanced digital solutions, aiming to create a sustainable and innovative environment for entrepreneurs.

Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Innovation Hub, remarked that this strategic alliance represents a significant advancement in their commitment to developing a vibrant and future-ready digital economy in Dubai. He noted that through this partnership, they are creating transformative opportunities for visionary founders to innovate and scale, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leader in entrepreneurship and technology.

This initiative continues and evolves the existing collaboration with DIFC, moving beyond the provision of physical workspace to a more integrated partnership that enhances visibility and alignment with the DIFC ecosystem. The strategic shift includes a Telco and AI Challenge collaboration, bundled offerings for du business customers, and direct access to an entrepreneurial ecosystem with a digital-first go-to-market strategy.

Through this partnership, du and Ignyte are positioned to lead in AI and entrepreneurship, unlocking scalable digital growth and developing high-value use cases for the SME sector. This collaboration aligns with the D33 agenda, which aims to engage over 100 000 entrepreneurs in the next three years, marking a significant step towards innovative and entrepreneurial success in the region.