Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) recently organised the ‘Tajribty’ Forum at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the emirate’s Department of Culture and Tourism and the Department of Economic Development. The forum aimed at enhancing communication and dialogue among Emirati entrepreneurs supported by the Fund, professionals within the tourism sector in the UAE, and the Fund’s strategic and local partners.

The ‘Tajribty’ Forum was aligned with the Fund’s vision to enhance the communication and convergence among Emirati entrepreneurs for them to exchange experiences, transfer knowledge, and promote the spirit of innovation and creativity.

Mouza Al Nasri, Acting Chief Executive Officer, KFED, said: “Tajribty showcased the tourism sector’s projects and supported the sharing of experiences among UAE entrepreneurs. It aimed to enhance the interactive communication between owners of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the local and strategic partners of the Fund. It was organised to support our drive to enhance the spirit of entrepreneurship among citizens and increase the competitiveness of the SMEs in the tourism sector to help them grow.”

Al Nasri added that the event was organised to instil an entrepreneurial culture in society designed for the young people in support of their innovative ideas in the field of tourism. By hosting the event, KFED sought to positively and directly contribute to the tourism industry by helping attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE. She further pointed out that the Fund is keen to promote freelancing and other creative activities among Emiratis, in line with the wise leadership’s directives to achieve economic diversification, support the youth in their pioneering projects, and stimulate the sustainable growth of local SMEs, in keeping with the country’s socio-economic development.

During the forum, Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Senior Manager of Entrepreneurship Development, KFED, highlighted the UAE’s distinguished status as a global tourist destination and major achievements, including its advanced and integrated tourism infrastructure, over the past two decades. He emphasized the country’s position and accomplishments, fuelled by the national government’s efforts to attract investments to the sector and build a strong tourism industry by optimising all its potentials.

Another major highlight of the event was the ‘lessons learned’ initiative, which addressed the reality and the future of the tourism sector in the UAE. Ali Al Saloom, Cultural Expert and TV Presenter of the famous ‘Doroub’ programme, shared his experiences in travelling around the world with the entrepreneurs who participated in the forum, pointing out the most prominent places that left positive impressions on him. He also answered the questions and queries raised by the forum’s participants about the different customs and cultures of people around the globe.

Meanwhile, Saeed Rashed Al Saeed, Destination Marketing Director, Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), gave a presentation on ‘Investment and Potential Projects in the Tourism Sector.’ He talked to UAE entrepreneurs about the opportunities available within the tourism sector and how to invest successfully, pointing to the sector’s needs that can be exploited to boost its sustainability and growth.

For its part, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) presented the rules and licensing procedures adopted by the emirate’s tourism sector. Mohammed Ali Al Marar, Director of ADDED Trade Licences Department, explained the local tourism licences and regulations.