News

NEOM Launches Accelerator To Support Saudi Entrepreneurs

The program will support small to medium enterprises and innovative businesses.

Published

2 years ago

March 28, 2023

Nour Nasir

NEOM

A new accelerator program called Seven Senses has been launched by the social responsibility department of NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s hyper-futuristic city development.

The program will support SMEs, as well as craftsmen and other professionals, with the aim of driving innovation and change in the NEOM and Tabuk regions.

نسعى لنترك أثرًا ونغيّر واقعًا ونبني مستقبلًا بجهودٍ مشتركة ومواهب شابة وأفكارٍ لا حدود لها، لنلهم بها غيرنا ونضع بصمتنا في يوم #المسؤولية_الاجتماعية #نلتزم_بمسؤوليتنا_الاجتماعية #نغير_الحاضر pic.twitter.com/EoOXPIDy9m

— المسؤولية الاجتماعية في نيوم (@NEOM_CSR) March 23, 2023

The accelerator program is welcoming applications until May 14. Although the Seven Senses program is open to anyone, officials are keen to encourage media, arts and culture, food, clothing, and new media projects.

The program will begin with a two-day entrepreneurial boot camp on May 28, where 150 entrepreneurs will receive training in business building, marketing, and attracting investors. After that, participants will present their ideas to an expert panel to compete for a place in the accelerator, held between late May and August.

Also Read: How To Create An Effective GPS Tracking Solution In The Middle East

“The idea of the NEOM accelerator program Seven Senses, which was designed after extensive studies of the market reality, came to support entrepreneurs and owners of emerging companies in the regions of NEOM and Tabuk through scientific and practical paths that contribute to developing their capabilities,” says Meshari Al Mutairi, Executive Director of Government Affairs at NEOM.

After completing the program, participants will enjoy priority access to entrepreneurial opportunities in the NEOM area, as well as lucrative investment opportunities.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

21 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.