Demand for entrepreneurial skills growing in Dubai

The Dubai Entrepreneurship Academy (DEA), the educational arm of Dubai SME, saw a 57 per cent increase in the enrolment of trainees in its various programmes during the first half of 2016, compared to the same period last year.

As many as 1,100 trainees were enrolled in 44 programmes being offered by the academy during the period, to support the strategic plan of Dubai.

“The entrepreneurs enrolled during the first six months of 2016 are equal to the total enrolments for 2015, which shows the growing profile of DEA among the SME community and entrepreneurs,” said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME.

“We inspect the market quarterly to evaluate the SME position and potential in various economic sectors as well as the supply and demand situation relating to training. We then design skill development programmes that support aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into feasible projects. Of them, 30 per cent of the trainees have launched their own projects, which speaks of the success of our programmes,” he added.

Ibtihal Al Naji, director of the Enterprises Development Department at Dubai SME, said that the academy worked together with various partners including the Community Development Authority, Dubai Foundation for Women and Children, Public Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare and the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, to design and develop its programmes.