DSOA to host first-of-its-kind Islamic lifestyle mini bootcamp

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, is set to host the UAE’s first Islamic Lifestyle Mini Bootcamp at DSOA’s wholly owned Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Centre (Dtec), the largest hub of its kind in the Middle East, with the support of the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC).

Set to be organised from 12 to 16 November, the mini bootcamp will be run by Rainmaking Innovation, the umbrella company of Startup MENA and Startupbootcamp, the global network of industry-focused startup accelerators.

Designed for ambitious early stage entrepreneurs engaged in Islamic arts and culture, Islamic architecture and design, family-friendly and halal tourism, as well as digital Islamic economy, entertainment, communication and media, the intensive five-day programme is being organised at a time when Islamic economy is quickly becoming one of the most recognised and fast-growing economic models globally.

As part of the agenda, international trainers and serial entrepreneurs will provide early stage startups with the right knowledge, skills and hands-on tools to accelerate their businesses.

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Economic Development Centre, said: "Dubai has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive infrastructure to develop the Islamic economy ecosystem and DIEDC is keen to accelerate and manage the development of different kinds of sectors within the Islamic economy model. This priority is in line with our efforts to realising the vision of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, through creating and supporting innovative initiatives that stimulate the Islamic economy - particularly the halal industry - locally, regionally and internationally."

He added: "DIEDC’s redefined strategy dedicates our resources to the development of sectors such as art, culture, architecture, trade, fashion and tourism. We believe these sectors have great potential given The State of Global Islamic Economy Report 2016 forecasted that Muslim expenditure on fashion and tourism is expected to surge to 16 per cent and 18.6 per cent respectively of the global expenditure. Such projections make it imperative for us to focus on startups engaged in these sectors."

For his part, Bader Buhannad, Executive Vice President Strategy, Business Services and Risk Management at DSOA, said: "Since the launch of the Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy strategy, DSOA has been actively supporting startups and entrepreneurs working in the digital Islamic economy and Arabic content fields. We are pleased today to announce the first-of-its-kind Islamic lifestyle mini bootcamp, which reiterates our commitment to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, and we look forward to welcoming them to learn first-hand from established startup founders on how to grow and expand their business."

Bader added: "We are committed to continue organising events that will support entrepreneurs and boost their business know-how, especially those that contribute to the Islamic economy. We are confident that the event will serve as an important value addition and positively impact the businesses of the participants."

Carsten Kolbeck, Partner and CEO of Rainmaking Innovation, said: "It’s a pleasure for us to foster our partnership with DSOA and DIEDC and contribute to the goal of empowering entrepreneurs in the flourishing Islamic Lifestyle sector. As part of our collaboration, we will bring in international expert facilitators and share our knowledge and experience in entrepreneurship education, which we have gained from accelerating hundreds of startups through Startupbootcamp and Startup MENA.