Ashraf Zeitoon, Director of Corporate Communications & Research with Aramex Corp, said once that “the future of the Gulf is the Emirati woman.”

In the events that Shelter has held honoring and supporting young entrepreneurs, it  becomes clear that Emirati women have the drive and talent to fulfill Mr. Zeitoon’s forecast. Emirati women are tackling projects from fashion to mobile technology with remarkable passion and are determined to make their mark.

I set out this morning to track down the various networks that offer support for “women entrepreneurs in Dubai,” a place where these young women can meet, network and get the advice they need to launch and maintain successful businesses. After pouring through Google search results, I discovered these three great opportunities for the Emirati female entrepreneur.

Studio 9

Studio 9 is a newly launched project from Dubai Ladies Club supported by the Dubai Women Establishment and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders.  Studio 9 will a business incubation center for UAE national women that will provide support services in business planning, business idea development and customer acquisition. Incubation periods last for three years with ongoing support throughout the program.

Dubai Business Women Council

The Dubai Business Women Council is a not-for-profit organization supported by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as other Dubai Government institutions. The council offers memberships access to meetings, networking events, workshops and industry-based forums to further support women in business in Dubai. Membership is open to women business owners or partners, professionals or managers and graduates from the Higher Colleges of Technology or any Government University. (Non-Emirati women are also welcome and encouraged to join).

Arab Women’s Entrepreneurship Program

The Arab Women’s Entrepreneurship Program, AWEP, is a yearly business competition supported by Citi Bank and AMIDEAST for female entrepreneurs from Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco and the UAE. Selected women will attend a 13 day conference on business planning skills, marketing strategy, managing cash flow and other business-related topics, as well as visit with local, successful female entrepreneurs and develop a vibrant network of mutual support.

Hats off to these organizations for creating opportunities for Emirati women in business. Who else is supporting Emirati women? Please share below!

- Mary Ames
Educational Programs Manager//Shelter Dubai

Image available under CC License by Francois Schnell