Mid East culture encourages innovation, says leading UAE businesswoman

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'The Middle East's business culture makes it easier to innovate,' said Homayoun, speaking ahead of her participation in 'Entrepreneurs in Dubai' - the world's biggest gathering of self-made tycoons and corporate leaders, taking place next week. 'Having a trading, as opposed to a manufacturing, heritage local people have had to be more innovative to get goods, and to re-distribute them to difficult to reach places.'

Homayoun also identified the support of the Dubai government as a positive influence on encouraging start-up business, but says yet more could be done to assist small-to-medium-enterprises.

'Most governments hinder entrepreneurs because they introduce a lot of red tape and high business set-up fees. Dubai has taken the lead and has alleviated a lot of the red tape. I think fees are still quite high, and one place the government should interfere to help businesses is to bring down the ever escalating high costs of rents and utilities,' she said.

At Entrepreneurs in Dubai, which runs from 23rd to 25th May at the Dubai International Convention Centre, Homayoun will be involved in a panel discussion on 'Empowering Youth Entrepreneurship'. It will discuss the barriers for young entrepreneurs in the Middle East and how young Arabs can be encouraged to think in a more entrepreneurial way.

Homayoun, whose business portfolio includes two restaurants and a florist retailer, will be sharing the Entrepreneurs in Dubai stage with a host of international and regional business leaders including some of the world's biggest business names, such as: real estate king, Donald J. Trump, who will address the gathering of more than 1,000 via video cast; easyJet founder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou; and former US Senator, John Edwards.

Jessica Sutherland, General Manager of IIR Exhibitions Middle East, which is co organising the event with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders, said: 'Anita's experience of living and working in Dubai as a successful corporate player and business woman gives her a fascinating perspective which will be shared at Entrepreneurs in Dubai and which will also give our overseas speakers an insight into opportunities within our local and regional business community.

'Anita's success will also serve as a spur to the many young entrepreneurs, both indigenous GCC nationals and expatriates on how hard work and determination can be rewarded within our regional environment.'

Other Gulf based speakers due at 'Entrepreneurs In Dubai' include: H.E. Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nehayan, Founder and Chairman of the Bin Zayed Group of Companies; Abdul-Aziz Abdulla Al-Ghurair, Chief Executive Officer of Mashreqbank and Director of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Group of Companies and Faisal Bin Juma Belhoul, Founder and Managing Parner, Ithmar Capital LLC.

Running alongside the forum will be a specialised exhibition of products and services aimed at the SME sector. Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge.

'Entrepreneurs In Dubai' will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Chairman of Board, Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.

The headline event is endorsed by the United Nations Conference On Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Young Arab Leaders, while oil giant Shell Markets Middle East, management software experts Computer Associates, IT leaders HP and business solutions and services consultancy, Deloitte, are key sponsors.

The Middle East's leading on-line business resource AME Info, Flip Media, BBC World, Gulf Business, Arabian Radio Network and Dubai Radio Network have signed on as media partners for 'Entrepreneurs In Dubai.'