Designed to Promote Online Presence and Enhance Business for NGOs and Women Entrepreneurs

Dubai-UAE: 15 June, 2011 - Dubai Internet City, a member of TECOM Investments, in conjunction with technology major Google, will host two workshops aimed at enabling NGOs and women entrepreneurs in the technology sector to strengthen online presence, increase exposure and enhance their business.

Themed 'Google Serve for Not-for-Profits' and 'Google Serve for Women in Technology', the workshops are scheduled to be held on 23 June at the Dubai Knowledge Village, Conference Centre from 10am to 2:30pm.

Professionals working for not-for-profits in the UAE will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on topics such as 'Online Advertising' and 'Making use of the web for your NGO'. There will also be sessions directed at women engineers, students, entrepreneurs and business-owners interested in building a successful online business in the field of technology.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Director Business Development, Dubai Internet City, said: "DIC is particularly delighted to support Google's initiative to host this workshop. These are commendable initiatives by technology leaders who are committed to knowledge sharing. In the current scenario, the digital age has reached its zenith, making web communications and strategies a driving force in the success of a business. Given the essential role and the array of available opportunities it offers, it is important to be equipped with the appropriate skills."

Google will also host an array of 'breakout pods' where participants will have the chance to interact with Google executives and experts. During these one-on-one sessions, they can obtain crucial advice about online strategy, available tools and the opportunities offered by the web.

A special focus will be made on demonstrating and assisting participants with Google's suite of products that are driving innovation in technology and business across the globe and in the Middle East region.

Ari Kesisoglu, Regional Managing Director, Google MENA said: "In a region with such vast and dynamic approaches to business, it is imperative that people are educated on opportunities that the web has to offer. The workshops aim at addressing the needs and growth potential of NGOs and women in the field of technology who immensely contribute to the development of the diverse sectors of the Middle East."

According to statistics released by worldwide internet market research firm Miniwatts Marketing Group, while internet usage in the Middle East has grown more than 10-fold since 2000, most markets are still in the early stages of adoption. There is much to be achieved in the region with only 29.8 per cent of the population now internet friendly, the report says.

At the forefront of the region's ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai's drive for creating a knowledge-based economy.

The workshops are free but due to limited space, you must register to either one of the two workshops as soon as possible on bit.ly/Gservedubai.

-Ends- 

About Dubai Internet City
Dubai Internet City (DIC), a member of TECOM Investments, was established in 2000. It is currently regarded the Middle East's largest information and communications technology (ICT) cluster. Built as a strategic base for companies targeting emerging markets in several neighbouring regions, DIC's core focus area extends from the Middle East to the Indian Subcontinent, and from Africa to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), covering nearly three billion people with a GDP of over US$10 trillion. As a knowledge-oriented business model, DIC has created a dynamic international community of IT companies hosting business partners that include most of the Fortune 500 brands, as well as a number of small and medium enterprises and ventures. In 2009, 135 new companies joined the DIC cluster. For more information, please visit: www.dubaiinternetcity.com

© Press Release 2011