The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) has launched the ‘Employee to Entrepreneur Programme,’ a new initiative designed to empower its staff to establish and grow their own startups. The program aims to cultivate a culture of entrepreneurship by transforming innovative employee concepts into viable businesses that contribute to the UAE’s knowledge-based economy.
Aligning With National And Emirate-Level Agendas
This initiative is strategically aligned with the national campaign ‘The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World’ and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Yousuf Behzad, Chief People & Strategic Transformation Officer of DIEZ, stated that the program directly supports these goals, which include positioning Dubai among the world’s top three urban economies and establishing 30 unicorn companies by 2030. “Through this programme, we aim to identify entrepreneurial talent within DIEZ’s workforce and transform their ideas into real, impactful ventures,” Behzad commented.
Leveraging A Comprehensive Support Ecosystem
Participants in the programme will gain access to DIEZ’s world-class business support infrastructure. This includes advisory and investment support from Oraseya Capital, DIEZ’s venture capital arm, and opportunities for project development within SANDBOX, its accelerator program for tech companies. Additionally, entrepreneurs will benefit from services provided by Scality, a program for scaling tech startups, and access to the Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest tech hub and co-working space in the MENA region.
A Structured Path To Entrepreneurship
The program is structured in three distinct phases to guide employees through their startup journey. The first phase focuses on idea development and market analysis. This is followed by a planning and model-building phase, where a comprehensive business plan and operational strategy are developed. The final phase centers on the launch and expansion of the startup, connecting participants with potential investors to secure funding.
Inaugural Edition Shows Promising Start
The first edition of the ‘Employee to Entrepreneur Programme’ has already attracted a wide range of innovative ideas across sectors such as technology, mobility, healthcare, and design. Submitted concepts were evaluated based on their economic feasibility, scalability, local market value, and strategic relevance, reflecting the program’s focus on nurturing high-potential ventures with significant social and economic impact.
About The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority
The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) was established to oversee and integrate the products and services of several key economic zones in Dubai. DIEZ aims to provide a comprehensive and seamless business journey for investors and companies, enhancing Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, investment, and innovation.
Source: Zawya
