Sheikh Hamdan unveils new crowdfunding platform in Dubai for youth entrepreneurs

Sheikh Hamdan unveils new crowdfunding platform in Dubai for youth entrepreneurs

A new integrated digital platform called Dubai Next has been launched in the UAE to allow youth innovators and entrepreneurs of any nationality in the emirate to secure funding to launch their projects. The platform (www.dubainext.ae) was launched on Wednesday, May 19, by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. Dubai Next offers crowdfunding solutions, enabling the community to participate in supporting emerging projects and in turn promotes growth of enterprises. It is being touted as an ideal platform for students and innovators to present their projects to potential investors. Dubai SME will provide a package of incentives for those who obtain financing via Dubai Next. The package includes incubating the idea in the Hamdan Innovation Incubator (HI2) or in one of the 14 certified incubators in Dubai. The incubators provide varied services as well dedicated work environment, allowing these projects to grow and providing an ecosystem that allows it to compete in the local market and expand. “The Dubai Next platform will contribute to stimulating positive competition and encouraging youth to put forward innovative ideas as well as obtain community support through crowdfunding. It will also empower a