Dubai SME, the agency of the Department in Dubai mandated to develop the small and medium enterprises, and The University of Manchester-Middle East Centre in Dubai have signed a ‘Strategic Talent Partnership’ agreement.

The deal is aimed at promoting innovation and leadership among entrepreneurs and across the SME sector in Dubai, said a statement from Dubai SME.

The agreement will create professional development and career opportunities for the university’s community of current part-time Masters students and alumni in the region, and Dubai SME’s staff and members, it said.

The partnership will also create privileged access to both organisations’ services and mutually beneficial networking opportunities, it added.
 
Under the new agreement, Dubai SME and The University of Manchester will work together in three main areas in Dubai – professional development and business education opportunities, including talent management and careers services, with access into university programmes; cross-promotion of services including research, and career openings; and professional networking across both communities, said a statement.

Professional development and executive education opportunities will be shared across the two communities with preferential and fast track access to learning and development opportunities offered by the university.
                                                                                                                      
The comprehensive SME support system of Dubai SME includes licensing and regulating business incubators and accelerators in Dubai to ensure the necessary guidance and mentoring support to SMEs, streamline the functioning of business incubators and accelerators, as well as to create an appropriate environment for creative entrepreneurs, it added.
 
Ibtihal Al Naji, the director at Department of Entrepreneurs Capabilities Development, Dubai SME, said: “We are delighted to have the university as our partners in enabling entrepreneurial talent to evolve into strategic leadership in knowledge and business.”

“It’s indeed a significant addition to the partnership network Dubai SME has created, and continues to expand, through a diversity of talent and business development initiatives aimed at the entrepreneurial and SME community in Dubai and the UAE,” she added.

Randa Bessiso, director, The University of Manchester Middle East Centre, said: “We have a large regional community of talented students and alumni, who are all experienced working professionals and many of these are increasingly interested in more entrepreneurial career paths.”

“Collaborations with professional bodies such as Dubai SME help to develop our presence and impact for the benefit of both our communities,” she said.
 
“Dubai SME is the pre-eminent body for entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs in the country and, as an organisation committed to transforming people and careers through business education, there is a very natural mutual interest,” she added.

“We both recognise the value and need for the development of talent, leadership and innovation in the SME sector, as Dubai transforms rapidly into a knowledge economy. We look forward to working together with Dubai SME’s vibrant community of professionals,” she added.-TradeArabia News Service