The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy has supported 215 high-potential digital startups valued at $7 billion to establish and grow their businesses in the emirate during the first half (H1) of 2024, marking a year-over-year (YoY) growth of 212%.
During the initial six months of 2024, the chamber trained 243 Emiratis as part of the ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ initiative. This program, launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, is spearheaded by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
The chamber also organized 12 international roadshows to promote Expand North Star. Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, this event is the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors and will take place in October.
15 Local and International Events
In addition, the chamber bolstered its role as an organizer, strategic partner, and active participant in 15 local and international events during the first half of the year.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, commented: “Aligned with the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish the emirate as a global capital for the digital economy, we are intensifying our efforts to develop an ecosystem that fosters the growth of digital businesses, supports their expansion, and positions Dubai as the global capital of the digital economy. This effort is part of our drive to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to generate an average of AED100 billion ($27.2 billion) annually for the emirate’s economy through digital transformation projects.”
He added: “The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains committed to further enhancing Dubai’s appeal for companies and entrepreneurs in all technology-related fields. Our impactful programs and initiatives are designed to develop the infrastructure, regulatory environment, and services available to the digital sector in Dubai.”
‘Create Apps in Dubai’ Initiative
‘Create Apps in Dubai’ was launched to enhance digital capabilities in the UAE, aiming to train 1,000 Emiratis in collaboration with the private sector. The initiative seeks to triple the number of app developers in Dubai by 2025 and support 100 new national projects for the development of advanced mobile applications.
Led by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, ‘Create Apps in Dubai’ aims to leverage emerging growth opportunities by establishing a strong digital infrastructure, creating a supportive legislative framework for app development, and offering government incentives to accelerate the sector’s growth in line with the chamber’s strategic goals.
In H1 2024, the chamber signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with partners to enhance Dubai’s digital business ecosystem and foster the growth of digital enterprises and technology companies.
These included an MoU with Enterprise Ireland, an Irish government agency dedicated to trade and innovation, and the largest venture capital institution in Europe by the number of deals. The agreement aims to create a strategic partnership that promotes business opportunities, expansion, and mutual cooperation between digital sector companies from Dubai and Ireland.
