DED workshops for national SMEs draw overwhelming response

The workshops, titled UAE Investor Project, were aimed at raising the efficiency of national investors and encouraging them to benefit from available opportunities. The workshops also equipped national entrepreneurs to handle the challenges of the modern market.

Over 500 UAE nationals keen to launch their own projects and learn the basics of managing a project registered for the five-day event. The workshops also attracted nationals from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and other emirates.

"The Dubai Government supports UAE nationals in setting up Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The government has launched a number of training programs and finance plans to encourage UAE nationals to manage their own private businesses and benefit from the economic growth recorded by the UAE across different sectors," said Khalid Al Kassim, Deputy Director General for Planning and Development at DED.

"The workshops are part of the strategic plan of DED's Small and Medium Enterprises Section, and were organised to keep abreast of the continuous development in the business environment," added Al Kassim.

The workshops showed UAE national entrepreneurs how to identify feasible new business opportunities and develop them successfully in a competitive environment. Special segments also focused on identifying target markets, customers and audiences; developing sales and administrative skills; the benefits of investing in franchise operators; and estimating small-project sales volumes. The workshops also contained a media component, teaching participants how to develop the right media message and the best media contacts.

"The DED will continue to organise more workshops, programs and training courses for UAE nationals to cope with the increasing demand for setting up SMEs," added Al Kassim.

The Business Development Division at DED has been proactive in organising several training programmes, workshops, SME Diploma courses, conferences and seminars for the benefit of national entrepreneurs.