The Arab Business Angels Network (Aban) and the British Business Group in Dubai and N.Emirates (BBG) have announced an alliance pooling resources and knowledge to promote entrepreneurialism, innovation and knowledge creation in the region.

The duo recently signed an agreement to cement their mutual commitment to building future business leaders at the Aban office in DIFC.

The announcement comes on the heels of the BBG’s partnership with Young Arab Leaders (YAL), and further demonstrates the British Business community’s commitment to the growth and success of entrepreneurialism and SME’s in the region.

The BBG, which recently celebrated 20 years in region, will use its expertise and knowledge to support Aban’s goal of developing the entrepreneurs of today into the business leaders of tomorrow, said a company official.

“The BBG has been actively committed to the development of business leadership in the UAE for the past two decades,” said BBG chairman Mark Beer.

“Through our alliance with Aban, we continue to support the growth of entrepreneurialism, innovation and local knowledge creation.”

“This partnership will encourage a collaboration of ideas and experience, as well as a transfer of knowledge, and both are crucial to developing knowledge and innovation in the UAE."

"The Aban – BBG alliance will combine its ability to find entrepreneurs the capital to explore and realise their creative ideas, while BBG members can provide the advice and wisdom needed for young business leaders to flourish and prosper," Beer noted.

Aban, a UAE government initiative, was conceived by YAL at the Clinton Global Initiative in 2005 to specifically advance entrepreneurship in the Arab world.

"Aban provides a platform for investors to identify entrepreneurs with strong business propositions and high investment growth potential. Equally, Aban serves entrepreneurs with advice, training, and support, as well as a means to source capital for ventures," said Walid Hanna, Aban chief executive officer.

"We are delighted to join forces with the British Business Group to link British investors and entrepreneurs with peer Aban investors and entrepreneurs residing in the UAE.”

“Through this exchange, Aban will expand its reach within the business community to better serve the regional economy by matching the elite entrepreneurs residing in the Arab world with smart money from Angel investors in the country.”

The British Business Group was set up in 1987 to encourage the development of British business in the UAE and to strengthen ties between the UK and the Emirates.-TradeArabia News Service