Thursday, 3 October 2013

@Khalifa_Fund Overwhelming demand for participation in Abu Dhabi Entrepreneurship Forum 2013 surpasses expectations



Forum solidifies its reputation as the leading platform for discovering innovative business ideas

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has revealed that an overwhelming volume of applications and enquiries have been received from a broad range of institutions, governmental agencies, SMEs, influential decision-makers and numerous others seeking to participate in the Abu Dhabi Entrepreneurship Forum (ADEF) 2013. According to the latest figures, over 1,000 applications have so far been received, but this number is constantly on the rise.

ADEF 2013 will be held on the 8th and 9th of October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. The much-anticipated high profile event is held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development, is scheduled to officially open the forum and deliver a speech in the presence of distinguished guests who will include Their Highnesses, senior officials, dignitaries, top decision-makers, business experts and leading institutions in the region’s entrepreneurial sector.

His Excellency Abdullah Al Darmaki, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, commented: “We are delighted to receive such a massive level of demand from interested participants, as it proves that our forum is resonating with all those who pursue excellence in business. As a platform for the most innovative business ideas and high level networking, this forum will inspire all participants to collectively march towards the next level of entrepreneurial excellence.”

HE Al Darmaki added: “This forum is the best possible way to gain years of experience in just two days, by learning from globally respected experts and discussing international best practices in entrepreneurship. Participants will be equipped with all the innovative ideas they need to make a quantum leap and adopt higher standards of excellence, which will greatly advance entrepreneurship across the UAE.”

He pointed out that the topics on the forum’s agenda will revolve around empowering the youth for leadership in business; financing SMEs and micro-enterprises; strengthening the role of women in business; and launching a new generation of innovative SME owners who can raise the UAE’s competitiveness even further in the regional and global economy.

The leading public and private sector participants at the forum will include the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Economic Development, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, the Women's Fund of Jordan, Bayt.com, LinkedIn Middle East and the International Finance Corporation of Egypt.

According to HE Al Darmaki, various events, workshops and panel discussions will strive to find new ways of instilling the concepts of smart entrepreneurship in the youth, motivating them to play a constructive role in the UAE’s transition towards a more knowledge-driven, sustainable and diversified economy. Solutions will also be discussed for the challenges facing the entrepreneurship sector, as well as proposed mechanisms to accelerate the spread of entrepreneurship across the Arab world.

Some of the internationally renowned participants include Lord Mandelson, who served in a number of positions in the UK Cabinet, and is now Chairman of Global Counsel and Chairman of Lazard International; Chad Hurley, co-founder of global video-sharing giant YouTube; and Abdullatif Alsayegh, CEO of one of the region’s leading media agencies, Alsayegh Media.


Union National Bank is a gold sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Forum 2013, while each of British Petroleum, the Offset Program Bureau, and Senaat General Holding Corporation provide platinum sponsorship. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Abu Dhabi is a silver sponsor, while Mubadala Development Company is a bronze sponsor.

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