• The tie-ups reflect Dubai and the UAE’s proactive approach to supporting SMEs and strengthening its resilient economy through partnership and collaboration
  • District 2020’s innovation ecosystem will evolve after Expo 2020, carrying forward its mission of stimulating lasting economic benefits in the UAE

Dubai – District 2020, the innovation ecosystem and future of Expo 2020 Dubai, has signed strategic partnerships with Dubai SME and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) to support its global entrepreneur programme, Scale2Dubai.

In line with Dubai and the UAE’s proactive approach to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the important role they play in bolstering the country’s resilient economy, both organisations will provide District 2020 with a pipeline of high-potential start-ups and small businesses by helping eligible companies join Scale2Dubai. They will also provide the start-ups and small businesses with the guidance, connections and funding they need to continue their growth as part of the Scale2Dubai programme.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Pavilions and Exhibitions Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “These milestone agreements with Dubai SME and MBRIF will further bolster the continued growth of the UAE’s start-up ecosystem and contribute to a stronger and resurgent economic environment.

“The advance towards a more connected future continues to gain pace, and new opportunities will emerge from the current set of global challenges that SMEs and start-ups currently face. Through the combined efforts of partnerships with both these organisations, Scale2Dubai and our wider District 2020 ecosystem support a crucial sector of the UAE economy and complement other accelerators and incubators around the country.”

Expo 2020, which will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, will showcase the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world and help reinvigorate the global economy as it gathers some of the greatest minds from around the world to seek solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time.

District 2020, with a mandate to support industry growth, will evolve over a nine-month transition period after the event ends, during which more than 80 per cent of Expo’s built environment will be repurposed. It will transition into a mixed-use community and innovation ecosystem that will contribute to Dubai’s position as a leading innovation hub. It will also carry forward Expo 2020’s mission of stimulating business opportunities and continue to support start-ups and SMEs that are integral to the UAE economy.

The new agreements mark an important step towards District 2020’s vision for a curated innovation ecosystem. The partnerships will enable start-ups and small businesses to be part of the Scale2Dubai programme and access the District 2020 platform from which they can expand locally and internationally, while also offering them the opportunity to connect with large enterprises and receive access to funding and other growth enablers.

HE Abdul Baset Al-Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME, commented: “Since its launch in 2002, Dubai SME has launched several programmes and initiatives to support entrepreneurs and promote the innovation ecosystem in the UAE. As we are an institution dedicated to supporting the establishment and development of innovative start-ups, our vision closely aligns with that of District 2020.

Al-Janahi added: "We will work on qualifying innovative national projects from the members of our Hamdan Innovation Incubator as well as from the different countries participating in our ‘Innovation Attraction Programme,’ to strengthen District 2020 as a platform for start-ups to grow regionally and access international markets."

Launched in 2016 by the UAE Ministry of Finance, the MBRIF initiative was designed to support innovation in the UAE while elevating the growth potential of inventive start-ups already shaping the future of the UAE’s economy.

Fatima Yousif Al Naqbi, Chief Innovation Officer at the Ministry of Finance, said: “We recognise just how influential start-ups and small businesses are in sparking innovation among an economy. Fledgling businesses with an eagerness to scale up are also a key source of job creation. That’s why we’re determined to provide financing solutions supporting local and international start-ups and small businesses looking to grow in a challenging and competitive environment. Joining an innovation ecosystem such as District 2020 will expedite the progress of these businesses, encourage collaborative innovation across industries, and drive up competition in the wider economy.”

Successful applicants to the Scale2Dubai programme can expect benefits such as two years’ free working space, support in visa and business set-up, two years’ subsidised urban living and access to funding. Additionally, District 2020 will also offer an unrivalled physical and digital infrastructure, a strategic geographic location, and a unique work and living ecosystem.

The programme builds on Expo 2020 Dubai’s aim to support the SME and start-up sector, a vital sector of the UAE’s economy. As of the end of March 2020, Expo 2020 had awarded more than AED 4.6 billion to SMEs. SMEs account for nearly 50 per cent of all businesses registered with Expo 2020, and 56 per cent of all Expo contracts have been awarded to the sector.

Scale2Dubai is currently accepting expressions of interest in the programme through the District 2020 website: www.district2020.ae. The application and short list process will follow in 2021, with successful applicants announced during Expo 2020 Dubai. Those chosen to be part of the programme will be able to move into their workspaces at District 2020 once it opens, shortly after Expo 2020 ends.

-Ends-

About District 2020

District 2020’s vision is to become a mixed-use community and innovation ecosystem that directly contributes to the growth of Dubai’s innovation economy. A diverse and inclusive urban community in the heart of new Dubai that attracts the largest organisations, budding young enterprises, and families to live and work. A place to Connect. Create. Innovate.

Following the six months of Expo 2020 Dubai, District 2020 will transition into a smart and sustainable global destination, carrying forward the spirit of the World Expo. District 2020 supports the UAE’s vision for sustainable economic development and is focused on driving growth in key industries and technologies including: travel & tourism, logistics & transport, education, and construction, internet of things, artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain.

District 2020 is integrated, with purpose-built smart infrastructure designed to cater to the needs of future workers and residents. It combines an innovation district with contemporary residences, education facilities, entertainment venues, and a range of social attractions. Designed to provide the perfect balance of convenience, connection and community.

  • District 2020 will retain more than 260,000 sqm of GFA of LEED Gold structures from Expo 2020 Dubai. These will be transitioned into residential, commercial, and cultural neighbourhoods.
  • 80% of the Expo 2020 Dubai site will be re-purposed, retaining the iconic structures including Al Wasl Plaza and Terra - the Children and Science Center, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), and three main districts, in addition to cutting edge digital and physical infrastructure.
  • Located within Dubai South, near Al Maktoum International Airport, District 2020 is ideally connected and easily accessible from all of the UAE’s air and sea ports.
  • District 2020 will be the global headquarters for Siemens AG global logistics operations, and other key anchor tenants.
  • It will be a holistic community with several neighbourhoods made up of multi-use residential, commercial, and green open spaces, world-class social and cultural platforms, education facilities along with a varied hospitality, retail, and F&B offering.
  • A connected and tech-enabled urban community, District 2020 will have advanced digital connectivity through its adoption of 5G technology, and other smart systems and technologies.
  • District 2020 will be ready for occupancy by October 2022 following a six- to nine-month period of re-purposing and transition from Expo 2020.
  • The development will grow over phases, and at full capacity will be home to 145,000 residents and workers.

For more information, please visit www.district2020.ae  and to connect with District 2020 via LinkedIn, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/company/district2020 , via Instagram on https://www.instagram.com/district2020/  and via YouTube on  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTm8zZK7j5WWjqhFSqasz4A? 

For media enquiries, please contact:
Amanj Nouri
Memac Ogilvy, PR & Influence, Dubai
Email: amanj.nouri@ogilvy.com  

About Dubai SME

Dubai SME, an agency of Dubai Economy (Department of Economic Development - Government of Dubai) aims to foster an entrepreneurial culture and develop a competitive SME sector for the Emirate of Dubai. The key strategies adopted by Dubai SME are: advocate a pro-business environment for developing entrepreneurship and SMEs, seed innovative start-ups and groom promising SMEs.  Dubai SME’s vision is to make Dubai the centre for innovative SMEs to start, grow and expand their businesses, thus adding greater value to the economy of Dubai. 

For further information, please contact:
Faisal Shamsudheen,
Tel: (971 4) 445 5927,
Email: faisal.pathiasseri@dubaided.gov.ae

About the MBRIF:

The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) is a federal initiative launched by the Ministry of Finance. Since its launch in 2015, the MBRIF has supported innovators through its first program, the Guarantee Scheme, operated by Emirates Development Bank. The Guarantee Scheme program offers innovators access to funding through a government-backed credit guarantee that helps to accelerate their growth and scale their business.

The MBRIF’s second program, the MBRIF Accelerator, was launched in December 2018. Aligned with the UAE National Innovation Strategy, the initiative aims to enhance growth potential of innovative businesses shaping the future of UAE’s economy, operated by EY (Ernst & Young). The Accelerator program offers world-class services and coaching to innovators to accelerate their business, elevate capabilities, unlock value and achieve scale.

Additionally, the MBRIF’s partnerships with the public and private sector will help facilitate growth, provide support, create opportunities and pave the way to success for its member companies in the UAE.

For press enquiries, please contact:
Mirna Hammoud
asda’a bcw
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-4507633;
Email: mirna.hammoud@bcw-global.com 

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