Dubai Is Serving as a Springboard for Global Business Expansion

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Is there such a thing as the ideal location for global business expansion? Dubai’s transformation from a regional business center to one of the world’s most dynamic startup hubs is accelerating fast, and the ripple effects are now being felt far beyond the Gulf. With capital, talent, and regulatory support converging at speed, the city is no longer just attracting founders; it is serving as an international springboard for breaking into new overseas markets.

Here, three Dubai-based entrepreneurs shared some insights into their burgeoning global expansion journeys.

Dubai Government's $136 Million SME Push to Help Small Businesses Globalize

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The Dubai government’s $136 million SME push to help small business to globalize will trigger an immediate influx of entrepreneurs and top talents from around the world to either expand or set up new businesses in the emirate, before taking them global, because of the inclusivity of the initiative, experts and industry players said.

The new initiative is also expected to ignite a flurry of expansions and new product launches by existing small and medium businesses and marketplaces by taking advantage of the interest-free loans to gear up for their regional and global plans. 

The move should attract a wide array of talent.  Is this something you should consider for your global small business?

Become an International Player in Dubai

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If you are considering opening a new business in Dubai, or moving your existing operations there, now is a good time to start such a process and journey for Dubai in 2020 is the first city to host a World Expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, increasing its presence as an international player in the business.

While we are already specialists in tourism, hospitality, and retail, the upcoming global exposure will boost other sectors as well. Not only at the Expo, but across the city, visitors will see us pushing boundaries in everything from construction, sustainability to finance and cutting-edge communications. And, they will get a feel for how we are uniquely positioned to host a truly global business.

Learn more about how Dubai is becoming a growth catalyst for global small businesses through Dubai's 2020 expo.

Dubai Discounts Freight Rates for SMEs

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The agency of Dubai Economy mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, Dubai SME, has signed an agreement with DHL to launch the ‘Global Expansion Initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises’ program.

As per the new initiative, DHL will offer discounted freight charges and also provide access to workshops and training programmes on international expansion to Dubai SME members and companies rated under the SME RATE Framework.

This initiative instrumental to achieving the goals of the UAE Vision 2021 goal to building a diversified and sustainable economy, and aligns with the Dubai Plan 2021 goal of increasing the share of SMEs in the emirate’s GDP.

Read more ...

Promoting Innovation in the United Arab Emirates

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai have long been considered the gateway to global markets, especially with entrepreneurs who inherit or can tap into some serious money.

The D.C.-based startup incubator and seed fund 1776 signed an agreement to open an outpost at the Dubai Museum of the Future Foundation, a new organization formed to promote innovation in the United Arab Emirates.

The campus will showcase museum exhibits, host events and incubate startups.

Read more:  1776 to open first international campus in Dubai

Globally, Why Would Anyone Follow You?

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Why would anyone follow you?  That is the question Cari E. Guittard, Principal, Global Engagement Partners and Professor of Global Management, Hult International Business School asked her students during a class she taught on women's leadership at the Hult International Business School in Dubai.

Before we get to how that question was handled (don't want to let the cat out of the bag here), she defines global leadership.

Take a look:  Our World Demands a More Effective Global Leader

And by the way, Why would anyone follow you?  Let me know and we'll post your answers here. Meanwhile, need some help?  Explore the Global Mindset Inventory tool.  And read:  Leading With a Global Mindset.

English the Language of Choice in Dubai?

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Erin Burnett shares experience in visiting the American University in Dubai:  Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Communication.

According to Burnett, English is fast becoming the only language of a new generation of educated Arabs.

Literacy in the Gulf States is 98%, according to Unesco. But that literacy is increasingly in English, not Arabic.

Read the entire article here.

FIRDAWS In Dubai Goes Global

Learn more here. 

Today We Bring You: The World

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The World is a collection of private and commercial islands that form a singular expression of exclusivity. Located off the coast of Dubai and created by Nakheel, Dubai's premier developer, The World wants to become Dubai's exclusive island destination.

Learn more here.

Island Paradise: Dubai World

Home Alone or Abroad

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Whether it's Dubai, Beijing or Cape Town, Americans abroad know how to make a home for themselves.

Read more here and take a tour of three homes for expatriates here.

Dubai International Financial Centre

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The Dubai International Financial Centre is considered one of the fastest growing international financial centers in the world -- along the likes of Hong Kong, London and New York (pre-global financial crisis).

Doing business in the free zone in Dubai requires you do some homework and hire an expert who knows the ropes to help you avoid any pitfalls. Alternatively, you can start on your own here by contacting these folks listed (notice that their email addresses are governmental) and ask specific questions based on your intent so you know where you stand when you do connect with an expert.

Start exploring now so you can be first up when opportunities abound.

Is There A Sweet Spot Overseas?

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For Chocolate Bar, there is. And welcome Wall Street Journal readers! We are so pleased to have been included in this article and that you found us. While you are here, explore. Come back again as often as you like.

Dubai: Sandcastles in the Sky

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Have you looked at Dubai for business? It is considered the financial mecca of the Middle East.

AlwaysOn has a pretty comprehensive writeup about the author's experience visiting there -- here.

Explore what it's like to do business in the U.A.E. -- here.

Find trade opportunities here.

Additional market research here.

Local travel information and city guide Dubai City.

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

My favorite ... Burj Dubai.

And for fun ... I'll throw this in ... Ski Dubai (virtual tour).

Doing Business in Dubai

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I am really excited over the opportunity to speak March 8 at the WOIBEX: 9th Global Businesswomen and Leader's Forum in Dubai. Before I make my way there, I am learning as much as I can about this great city -- where there is a lot of ground-breaking work taking place.

And while researching, who do I see blogging about his recent trip to Dubai and other fabulous places the world has to offer? The master of global management, Tom Peters. Check it out. You'll learn what works, what doesn't work, or hold up for that matter, on international travels.

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