du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has partnered with DIFC Innovation Hub to launch the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme.’ This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs and start-ups focusing on innovation in the UAE’s business ecosystem. Based at the DIFC Innovation Hub’s ‘Innovation One,’ the ‘Entrepreneurship Hub’ provides a professional centre for SMEs and start-ups, featuring workshops aligned with entrepreneurial goals.
The programme helps SMEs scale operations and improve digital literacy with communication, marketing, and cybersecurity training. It promotes the integration of technologies like AI to enhance competitiveness and streamline operations, guiding SMEs through digital transformation processes.
“This initiative is a part of our mission to bolster the regional economy through the empowerment of SMEs and start-ups,” said Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du. “The du Business Entrepreneurship Programme is primed to serve as a catalyst, offering a suite of resources, expert mentorship and dynamic networking conduits.
This partnership includes collaborative efforts leveraging du’s telecom expertise and DIFC’s financial hub status. Participants in the programme will have access to the Dubai AI Campus, supporting AI businesses and talent.
“DIFC is already home to over 1,000 FinTech and Innovation companies and an ever-evolving ecosystem driving the future of finance,” said Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority. “The next generation of leaders taking part in the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’ will benefit from access to this growing community of world-leading talent as they come together to unleash their growth potential.”
Aligned with the D33 agenda’s SME scale-up programme, the ‘du Business Entrepreneurship Programme’ will offer specialised workshops on AI transformation, customer acquisition, CRM systems, emerging technologies, and operational efficiency. The programme also provides innovative workspace solutions within DIFC Innovation Hub’s Innovation One building, accessible to du customers via the “Letswork” app.
