Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has organized its third Tawasul Forum for 2018 in Al Ain, in the presence of Khalifa Fund’s members, local partners, and entrepreneurs, as well as representatives from government and private entities. Tawasul is an ongoing initiative launched by Khalifa Fund aimed at establishing constant conversation between members and various local partners and supporters towards promoting a culture of entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation among citizens and SMEs in the UAE.
The forum, which was held at the Ayla Bawadi Hotel in Al Ain, witnessed a series of discussions and presentations from entrepreneurs being supported by the Fund. Several local and strategic partners of the Fund also highlighted their services, experiences and projects for entrepreneurs to help them market their ideas, receive the required local support and create new opportunities that contribute to the development of their career and success. The forum is geared towards enhancing knowledge sharing and communication among the Fund's members in Al Ain and become a platform for sharing of ideas and experiences. It also provides opportunities to help entrepreneurs identify projects, products, services and marketing through an effective network of members.
Mouza Al Nasri, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Development, KFED, said: “The third edition of Tawasul this year is part of Khalifa Fund's efforts to enhance communication between UAE entrepreneurs and various government entities, in line with ‘Ghadan 21’ plan launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The plan seeks to lead the development of Abu Dhabi by stimulating business and investment, generating knowledge and innovation, and enhancing the lifestyle of the society while supporting the country's economic, developmental and social progress. The Khalifa Fund continues to support and encourage entrepreneurs to invest their creative and innovative ideas in successful SMEs that will benefit them, enhance the UAE’s economic competitiveness and contribute to building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.”
During the forum, Al Nasri, honored the members and strategic partners from local and federal government entities for their continued support and further commended their patronage in boosting entrepreneurship, which is essential in strengthening the national economy and increasing regional and global competitiveness. Several entrepreneurs supported by the Fund also introduced their projects on various vital sectors including tourism and hospitality.
The event also witnessed various presentations by organizations supporting the Fund regarding services which entrepreneurs can tap and benefit from in line with its efforts to increase awareness and develop a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Mr. Hamad Saif Bilmahina from ADNOC presented the In-Country Value (ICV) strategy, as well as how to develop the necessary skills, raise awareness and explore innovation. His presentation also included identifying tender categories in which the participation is limited to the local SMEs; providing a clear view of ADNOC future expenses to motivate and encourage suppliers to enhance their local investments.
Capt. Adel Askar Al Mazmi from Abu Dhabi Police delivered a presentation on the importance of registration in the Abu Dhabi Police General Suppliers Registry, and exemption from registration fees and tenders. He also discussed the number of registered suppliers supported by Khalifa Fund, as well as their contracts for the development of partnership and cooperation frameworks.
Mr. Mohammed Khalid Abdullah from Emirates Flight Catering informed attendees about the procedures and requirements of the company and how to benefit from its services, highlighting the company’s minimum standards that must be met to work with them. He also emphasized on their desire to work with flexible and innovative suppliers that act more like business partners than suppliers.
Tawasul concluded with a discussion session to enhance communication between Khalifa Fund members and other supporting entities. The attendees also discussed various topics related to entrepreneurship such as suppliers’ role in providing services and marketing products made by entrepreneurs. It also explored ways on how to market ideas, products and services to KFED’s local partners which are supportive of SMEs and are keen towards strengthening the national economy.