São Paulo – The United Arab Emirates has recently launched a series of initiatives to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the country. In Abu Dhabi, the country’s capital city, the Khalifa Fund has partnered with eBay, a global e-commerce company, aiming to help businesspeople to export, the state news agency WAM reported.
The partnership is part of the e-Empower initiative, under the Abu Dhabi Inspires program. It aims to further enhance the emirate’s e-commerce ecosystem, while also diversifying the local economy and increasing non-oil exports to international markets.
The partnership will see Abu Dhabi-based SMEs gain a tool box with a guide and best practices to selling on eBay as well as 200 free listings. Medium-large enterprises will be eligible to receive other benerfits.
In Dubai, Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZ) discussed how to facilitate opening business bank accounts for SMEs. The Dubai Media Office reported that, during the last meeting of the DFZ, the discussions explored actions for brands based in Dubai’s free zones, especially those that are facing difficulties, in collaboration with the UAE Banks Federation.
Attracting talents
Earlier this month the Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZ) launched the ‘Talent Pass’ license (pictured) for freelance work. The new license will be available for from around the world, the Dubai Media Office reported. The initiative aims to attract global talent and professionals in the fields of media, education, technology, art, marketing and consultancy.
The ‘Talent Pass’ qualifies its holder to obtain a residence visa for three years, in addition to renting office space. License holders will have access to the network of DAFZ customers, ranging from international companies to SMEs and entrepreneurs. The creatives will also have access to the free zone’s digital platform that allows them to contact customers for easier access to work, contracts, and services. DAFZ is home to more than 1,800 companies in more than 20 vital economic sectors, with multinationals making up more than 30% of those companies, 31 of them being Fortune 500 companies.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
