As part of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit- Entrepreneurial Ventures of Arabia (GES-EVA), which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, from December 11 to 12, 2012, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will host the AllWorld Network’s Arabia500 Awards, an international body that identifies fast-growing private companies, with a focus on creating jobs and opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide.
His Excellency Mohammed Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the organizing committee for GES, said: “The UAE hosting the third cycle of GES and its associated activities, reflecting the country’s prestigious position and its achievements in being a regional entrepreneurship hub. The UAE provides significant advantages drawing on its capacity and expertise, reiterating the efforts devoted to the UAE’s Vision 2021 to achieve sustainable development.”
He added: “The event is held under the support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and provides a real opportunity for entrepreneurs to obtain a clear vision of the business environment in the UAE, in particular, and the region in general, in a constructive and competitive environment. This will contribute to the enhancement of opportunities for launching projects and creating new jobs as well as enabling young talent to enter the labour market. Additionally, the event is an excellent platform to introduce global participants to successful Emirati entrepreneurs, while showcasing the UAE’s achievements in creating an ideal business environment that facilitates creation of projects, and supports their growth regionally and internationally.”
His Excellency Al Gergawi also reiterated the significance of organizing the AllWorld Network’s ‘Arabia500’ Awards as part of GES, which indicates the UAE’s leading position on the world map, in terms of its commitment to support and encourage its entrepreneurs, innovators as well as stimulate their motivation and help them achieve their goals and expand their businesses. “The event gives the National companies and SMEs direct access to identify the best practices and network with the owners of successful businesses, who won the award or have been nominated.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “GES-EVA is a clear demonstration of the global thought leadership of UAE, especially in powering the growth of entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises, which play a critical role in stimulating job creation and driving economic growth. The potential of the SME sector in ushering in overall socio-economic prosperity across the Arab world is tremendous, and with the addition of AllWorld we are further expanding the engagement of leading private sector companies in the event.”
He added: “The Arabia500 Awards are a true celebration of entrepreneurial excellence in the Arab world, and it offers a strong opportunity not only for the fast-growing SMEs to benefit through networking with their peers, but also will serve as inspiration for emerging entrepreneurs. This is a true win-win partnership, as AllWorld stands to benefit from a strong platform to reach out to start-ups in the region and build partnerships with public and private sector leaders. It demonstrates the commitment of the UAE to foster global dialogue on the SME sector by extending support to initiatives that are focused on strengthening SMEs.”
The Arabia500, featuring the ranking of such companies in the Middle East, will be released as part of the Arabia500 Awards event and celebration being organized by AllWorld Network at GES-EVA. AllWorld’s ranking will put promising private companies on the world map by attracting new investors, customers, growth partners and talent. According to the AllWorld Network, the GDP of the Arabia500 companies is greater than that of 50 countries combined and they collectively employ over 100,000 people with 60 percent annual growth reported.
Deirdre M. Coyle Jr., Co-CEO and Co-Founder, AllWorld, said: “Healthy enterprises create a healthy economy. GES-EVA represents a new phase in enterprise development in the Middle East, and AllWorld is excited to be part of this major global event. The launch of Xchange, provides an ideal matchmaking opportunity that brings the SMEs with potential investment partners to fuel their growth further.”
GES-EVA will put the spotlight on the golden opportunity for growth presented by the SME sector, thus encouraging youth entrepreneurship, fueling diversified employment opportunities and providing access for start-ups to markets and capitals across the region. The event will be attended by leading government, public and private sector entities and institutional investors, in addition to NGOs and academia. High-ranking policymakers from the MENA region, prominent global business leaders, international financiers and C-level procurement decision makers who have a strong role in the Pan-Arab economic ecosystem will take part in the summit and exhibition.
