Start-ups: Changing the Arab World

This week I had the opportunity to attend the STEP Conference 2016 here in Dubai, as well as the privilege to mentor a few start-up companies. I must say I was blown away with the energy, passion, and spirit of all attendees. They are all there, alive with ideas and with the right focus to bring them to life. What a time to be here in this region, and to be a part of it all!

Youth consist of over 32% of the population of the Arab region, and they are hungry for new online content. The market remains highly untapped, presenting large opportunities for start-ups to fill this gap. This is where technology, the disrupter to everyday life, can bridge this gap. I got to see many truly unique examples of websites/Apps here in the region, from selling live stock (a young 2-year old camel, anyone?) to using the services of “Um Khadija” to find a husband/wife.  

With youth unemployment in the Arab region among the highest in the world, I believe that allowing this start-up spirit to grow and evolve is the key to actively engaging this youth and reducing the unemployment rate. And after what I saw this week, I am optimistic that today’s generation of young Arabs will be the ones to truly bring forth this change. These new entrepreneurs are not only innovating or making money, they are doing real social good, making a meaningful and lasting impact on their communities. We all owe it to them to success, by providing guidance and support.