Dubai Chamber And Smart Dubai Are Back With Smartpreneur Competition Smartpreneur invites entrepreneurs based in the UAE to contribute to the transformation of Dubai with their technology innovations.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Dubai Chamber
HE Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber, at the launch of Smartpreneur

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in association with the Smart Dubai Office have launched the second edition of the Dubai Smartpreneur competition. Aiming to transform Dubai into a "smart" city, a vision in line with that of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Smartpreneur challenge invites entrepreneurs based in the UAE to contribute to this digital transformation with their technology innovations. H.E. Hisham Al Shirawi, 2nd Vice-Chairman, Dubai Chamber, Essa Al Zaabi, Senior Vice President - Institutional Support Sector, Dubai Chamber, and General Coordinator, Tejar Dubai, launched Smartpreneur in the presence of entrepreneurs and other members of the UAE's business community.

According to a statement on the launch, those interested to apply are required to submit their business ideas, which must belong to the following areas covered under the Smart Dubai mandate: "smart economy, smart living, smart mobility, smart governance, smart environment, and smart people." The ideas will then go through an assessment process by a jury panel, and participants who qualify will then attend a two-day workshop on building relationships, and developing a full business plan, in relation to the sector to which they belong. Cash prizes worth AED150,000, and the opportunity to join a year-long Tejar Dubai entrepreneurship program await the top three winners of the Smartpreneur contest. The challenge is being held this year with the support of Dubai Start Up Hub, and in collaboration with IBM. Partcipants can apply for the challenge and submit aplications by March 28. For more details about the competition, check out the official website.

Related: Follow The Leader: H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Technology

OnePane Empowers Enterprises to Build Cloud and Business Resilience

With 83% of CIOs reporting cloud overspend, OnePane offers Middle East businesses a clearer path to sustainable transformation

Growth Strategies

UBQT Partners With UAE Ministry of Economy To Enable Purposeful Community Connections

With the Ministry hosting events worldwide, UBQT's technology will help ensure that entrepreneurs and professionals stay effortlessly connected.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Thought Leaders

Why Dubai Is the Next Global Haven for Entrepreneurs and the Ultra-Wealthy

I moved to Dubai 16 years ago to build something real. Here's my journey and the city's role in shaping my success.

Side Hustle

She Started a Creative Side Hustle While Working 'Dead-End' Jobs — Then Grew It From $10,000 to Over $50,000 a Month: '[It] Became Magnetic'

Alyssa O'Toole, 35, juggled "mismatched uniforms and odd hours" to turn her passion into a business.

News and Trends

UAE's Business-Centric HR Podcast -HR Sisters Podcast- Rebrands with a Fresh Local Voice

Unlike typical HR conversations that focus solely on employees, this podcast tackles HR through the lens of business growth, structure, and compliance.