Dubai Economy and the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) recently hosted a webinar to highlight the packages of incentives, services, and benefits that can support all UAE-based businesswomen and entrepreneurs.The webinar was part of the monthly ‘Market Dialogue’ series being conducted by Dubai Economy to provide an open platform to discuss various topics of interest to the business community.

Titled “Empowering Her: Dubai Economy & Dubai Business Women Council Open Doors for UAE Women”, the webinar wasalso the firstjoint activity under the strategic partnership signed by both sides last April to support DBWC female entrepreneurs and provide them with various privileges, services and facilities.

Through ‘Empowering Her,’ DBWC and Dubai Economy specifically sought toexplain how female entrepreneurs and businesswomen can improve their competitiveness in the labour market.

Issac John, Editorial Director of Khaleej Times, the media sponsor of the event, moderated the discussions at the session, which had Mariam Al Afridi, Director of Government Communications at Dubai Economy, and Nadine Halabi, Business Development Manager of DBWC, as Guest Speakers.

Participants discussed mechanisms of benefiting from the economic incentives provided by Dubai Economy and its agencies – Dubai SME, Dubai Industries & Exports, and Dubai FDI – to support businesses and entrepreneurs, and particularly to encourage women to engage actively and successfully  in business. The speakers shared their insights on how businesswomen and female entrepreneurs canaddress the challenges brought in by Covid-19 and turn them into opportunities that support their professional aspirations in the labour market.

Innovative solutions

Mariam Al Afridi introduced participants to the services and facilities provided by Dubai Economy and its agencies to attract more women into business.

“The entrepreneurial ecosystem and business environment in Dubai enable women to demonstrate their presence in diverse economic sectors and activities. Dubai Economy focuses on empowering female citizens and residents to become successful entrepreneurs and business leaders as is evident across our strategies and services,” said Al Afridi.

Al Afridi added that Dubai Economy along with its agencies – Dubai SME, Dubai Industries & Exports, and Dubai FDI – provide comprehensive services and support for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen, starting with idea incubation and project launch to advisory, training, education, and funding as well as opportunities for business development through networking, market outreach, and e-commerce.

“Starting a business in Dubaiis easy and investorscan choose fromvarious categories and legal forms of licences. They can also evaluate the business landscape in Dubai, make informed decisions, complete procedures and get their licence issued on the ‘Invest in Dubai’ digital platform without having to visit any service centre,” said Al Afridi.

Al Afridi also invited businesswomen to join the ‘SheTrades Global Forum,’ which will be held alongside the Expo during 17-19 October, and meet with their peers, role models and influencers.A global initiative to empower and support women in business, SheTrades was brought to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region by Dubai Industries & Exportsin association with the International Trade Centre.

Strategic Partnership

Speaking on the occasion, Nadine Halabi lauded thevirtualgathering, saying it wasthe first fruit of the strategic partnership signed by DBWC and Dubai Economy, to support women in all areas of work, and equip them with the necessary expertise, knowledge and facilities they need to enhance their awareness and ability to benefit from customized incentive packages provided by the Dubai Economy to the council’s members.

“The new reality in the business world requires concerted efforts, coordination and effective partnerships in order to overcome the challenges facing the business sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Halabi added, stressing that supporting women and business leaders in Dubai under these circumstances is a top priority for the council.

“To this end, we have forged a network of strategic partnerships with many entities, including the Dubai Economy, to provide our members with a competitive edge that willhelp them overcome the impact of the pandemic, ensure the continuity and sustainability of their businesses, launch their projects and achieve their goals”.

“The Council, under the supervision of HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, President of the DBWC, has developed an integrated plan to empower women in the job market, and support them with all available tools, including training, partnerships, services and initiatives that will ensure their success in Dubai, the ideal place where ambitiouswomencan find an incubating environment for their ideas and creative projects,” Halabi further said.