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The Entrepreneurs Forum
The Entrepreneurs Forum is a national, non-profit organisation, founded by DED Dubai, as a platform for young UAE citizens to get assistance with starting their small to medium businesses. The Forum sponsors new business ideas and addresses individual members’ business issues in an effort to enhance their chances of success through programs and networking activities. The Forum works closely with government departments and the private sector to develop opportunity to start and develop businesses in several trades.

Membership includes national SME entrepreneurs and associate members who are independent sector specialists who may not own a business. Student members are individuals still in education who can benefit from the forum’s services.

The Entrepreneur’s Forum provides consultancy and advisory services and technical assistance to members through experienced individuals in the local and international community. There are networking opportunities between all members and with all government bodies, and with The Forum’s interests in the private sector. Members can count on obtaining relevant industry information and data on business opportunities in new markets; members can tap into marketing events and conferences to learn to build strategies; there is also educational training and structured problem solving and a media relations function that members can call upon to reach their target audience.

Dinah Al Jaflah says, “The Entrepreneurs Forum was set up on the 26th of November 2004. The Forum has 220 national members and half of them are businesswomen. Members represent over 31 trading sectors include advertising, F&B, jewellery, interior design, furniture supply, law firms, IT, health and sport, environmental studies, real estate, education & training and tourism. Over this time, the Forum has regularly organised exhibitions, workshops, seminars, forums, events, and members also participate at industry summits and, training”.

Made in the UAE’
The ‘Made in the UAE’ website that was launched recently by the Ministry of Finance and Industry in partnership with Dubai eGovernment and in cooperation with Tejari.com is expected to boost the demand for indigenous products in regional and international markets. Several factories from the UAE – involved in the manufacture of construction materials, perfumes, furniture, food products, among others - have already registered on the website, which was launched primarily to market national products domestically and internationally through the internet. Salem Al Shair, eServices Director, Dubai eGovernment, said: “A robust business-to-business online marketplace could significantly benefit industries in the UAE. Companies registered in the ‘Made in the UAE’ website can enjoy a host of benefits that are unique to e-commerce, such as reduced costs, increased sales and greater reach. In addition, the website serves as a channel of communication between local factories and international investors”.

The industrial sector ranks third among the various sectors in the UAE with total investments amounting to AED 70.42 billion at the end of 2006. It has achieved a growth rate of 134.3 per cent during the past five years, according to the Ministry of Finance and Industry.

“The quality of products manufactured in the UAE today are on par with those manufactured in any of the developed countries, and this is a fact that we need to be proud of,” said Omar Hijazi, Chief Executive Officer, Tejari.com. “Brand UAE has truly arrived, and the time is ripe for us to do the best we can to promote the products manufactured by UAE companies in markets across the globe. The ‘Made in the UAE’ website is one major step in this direction” he added.

For more information, visit http://www.madentheuae.com or call 800-TEJARI (800835274).

Net2Millennium’s interactive business directory
The Business directory called ‘shome’ launched at Gitex Technology Week 2007, has been designed to help investors explore the UAE's business environment by providing easy access to information. The service incorporates three key functions, including a Business Directory, a City Navigation Map, and a multi-channel Contact Centre, all of which are available using a mobile phone. The Business Directory provides users with full details about companies based in the UAE, covering several sectors such as properties, banking, and others. The City Navigation Map provides users with smart navigational instructions throughout the country, with instructions relayed over the phone or through a concise map that can be sent through a mobile service.

The multi-channel Contact Centre operates 24 hours daily, handling customer inquiries and requests, and providing information on business and consumer trends within the UAE. The service is for free and may be accessed by simply dialling the multi-channel Contact Centre's hotline 800.

In addition, the Shome service will provide useful public information on Digital Signage Screens, strategically located in various busy locations. Furthermore, shome is also introducing Loyalty Cards for users who shop at Net2Millennium's partner retail outlets throughout the city. The service will be supported by a local bank partner Credit Systems, where users buying with credit cards can enjoy guaranteed cash-back benefits as well as exciting discounts.

"The UAE has a very dynamic, fast-paced business environment, so to maintain a strategic advantage 24 hours a day in such a demanding setting, investors need to be constantly up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and information critical to their business interests”, said Matt Askari, President and CEO, Net2Millennium.