Dubai Chamber to digitally help 50,000 firms

Dubai Chamber president and CEO Hamad Buamim said it is no longer enough for a business to build a website. "Utilising online search, analytics, e-commerce platforms, mobile apps and social media channels are now necessary in order to stay relevant and competitive and have seamless access to a wide range of customers," he said at the Grow Stronger with Google webinar organised along with the Ministry of Economy.

Dr Ahmad bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises, was a keynote speaker at the webinar.

Buamim said SMEs in the UAE are fortunate to work in a sophisticated business environment which offers a world-class digital infrastructure that stimulates growth and innovation in the business world.

He said the Covid-19 crisis has produced a new generation of entrepreneurs which used these challenges to create broad digital solutions for many private sector companies.

Dr Al Falasi said investing in technology, innovation and digital transformation is an imperative to ensure continuity of competitiveness.

"Adapting to the new reality is a key factor in accelerating the pace of recovery of economies," said the minister, who stressed the need to continue investing in modern technologies to enhance the effectiveness of responding to the repercussions of the pandemic.

"The challenges that the world faces today have proven that investing in technology, innovation and digital transformation is no longer an option, but rather has become imperative to ensure the continuity of competitiveness," said Dr Al Falasi.

Karan Bhatia, head of global government affairs and public policy at Google, said online tools and digital skills for everyone will be a catalyst for the comeback.

"Through Grow Stronger with Google, we are pledging to help one million businesses and individuals in Mena learn digital skills and grow their businesses by the end of 2021. Together with governments and local partners, whose contribution to the economy can have a profound impact, we'll build on the rapid acceleration of tech adoption we've seen during the crisis."