How Microsoft lights up the Gulf startup scene

During the last few years, the Gulf countries have witnessed the rise of the technology startup scene. Providing foundations for growth through national programs and local initiatives, these countries have recognized the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in realizing their visions and enriching the region’s economic landscape.

Small and medium enterprises in the UAE alone contribute to more than 60% of the country’s GDP, yet the startup ecosystem in the Gulf region is still emergent and not well-rounded. Microsoft is helping to change that by supporting local technology initiatives and launching programs that boost growth and development of new companies.

So far, we have helped over 4,000 startups across the region – and we have entered into partnerships that will prove crucial to our commitment to boosting innovation through the MENA region.

Supporting early-stage tech startups in the GCC region

The beginning is always the hardest, so early-stage startups usually struggle, lacking the capital, as well as the industry and operational know-how. Dubai-based BECO Capital is an example of a regional Venture Capital firm that provides technology companies in the MENA region with help in all these aspects.

By becoming BECO's exclusive technology partner, Microsoft aims to help the company to support innovators by exposing their ideas to a targeted audience of investors and ensuring that they find a place among the larger tech ecosystem in their locations. For example, Microsoft will support BECO in the organization of the next edition of BOOSTMENA, the company's annual signature conference that brings together founders and investors for two days of learning, collaboration, and networking.

Microsoft also joined Bahrain FinTech Bay as a founding partner to support financial technology startups in Bahrain in line with the country’s 2030 vision to accelerate innovation and increase economic competitiveness. 

At Microsoft, we believe that cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable digital transformation, bringing the benefits to entire societies. That’s why we aim to help innovators launch and grow products using these advancements. Examples of startups empowered by access to our tools and services include TeachMeNow, an online platform for teachers who sell classes online, and KinTrans, a Dubai-based venture which took advantage of Microsoft Kinect to develop software that translated physical sign language.

Microsoft also cooperates with regional agencies and local institutions promoting entrepreneurial opportunities for startups. We recently signed an MoU with Dubai Future Foundation’s AREA2071, this new partnership is led by Netways, a Microsoft AI Ventures Lab Partner, continuing Microsoft’s commitment to providing a comprehensive mentorship program and assistance for new businesses planning international expansion.

Investing in local technology skill sets

Fostering innovation requires the right set of capabilities and knowledge. As the hiring market of the Gulf region has become more specialist focused, local organizations suffer from the skills shortage. Over 35% of employers point to the lack of technical experts as the primary reason behind the current recruitment challenges.

Microsoft is dedicated to bridging this gap by focusing on educating the younger generations to help them transform into innovation-seeking entrepreneurs and technology-literate drivers of economic growth. The Microsoft Cloud Society program has gathered over 100,000 members within one year of operation, enabling further skills-building across the region to prepare it for the future.

Another significant initiative we’re proud to support is the AI Summer Camp. It’s a series of training sessions aimed at knowledge transfer and building a generation of innovators able to use advanced technology to develop solutions for future challenges. This initiative opens the way to educating younger specialists who may potentially become startup founders.

We hope to continue contributing to this effort to help these innovators make the most of these new technologies, accelerate innovation and boost the region's economic competitiveness.