Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Google and Dubai Internet City to Host Workshops on Leveraging Web Opportunities


Designed to Promote Online Presence and Enhance Business
for NGOs and Women Entrepreneurs

Dubai-UAE: 21 June, 2011 – Dubai Internet City, a member of TECOM

Investments, in conjunction with technology major Google, will host two workshops

aimed at enabling NGOs and women entrepreneurs in the technology sector to

strengthen online presence, increase exposure and enhance their business.

Themed ‘Google Serve for Not-for-Profits’ and ‘Google Serve for Women in

Technology’, the workshops are scheduled to be held on 23 June at the Dubai

Knowledge Village Conference Centre.

During the first workshop, professionals working for not-for-profits in the UAE

will have the opportunity to participate in discussions on topics such as ‘Online

advertising’ and ‘Making use of the web for your NGO’. The second workshop will

be directed at women engineers, students, entrepreneurs and business-owners

interested in building a successful online business in the field of technology.

Majed Al Suwaidi, Director Business Development, Dubai Internet City, said: “DIC

is particularly delighted to support Google’s initiative to host these workshops.

These are commendable initiatives by technology leaders who are committed to

knowledge sharing. In the current scenario, the digital age has reached its zenith,

making web communications and strategies a driving force in the success of a

business. Given the essential role and the array of available opportunities it offers,

it is important to be equipped with the appropriate skills.”

Google will also host an array of ‘breakout pods’ where participants will have the

chance to interact with Google executives and experts. During these one-on-one

sessions, they can obtain crucial advice about online strategy, available tools and

the opportunities offered by the web.

A special focus will be made on demonstrating and assisting participants with

Google's suite of products that are driving innovation in technology and business

across the globe and in the Middle East region.

Mohammad Mourad, Gulf Regional Manager for Google, said: “In a region with such

vast and dynamic approaches to business, it is imperative that people are educated

on opportunities that the web has to offer. The workshops aim at addressing the

needs and growth potential of NGOs and women in the field of technology who

immensely contribute to the development of the diverse sectors of the Middle East.”

According to statistics released by worldwide internet market research firm

Miniwatts Marketing Group, while internet usage in the Middle East has grown more

than 10-fold since 2000, most markets are still in the early stages of adoption.

There is much to be achieved in the region with only 29.8 per cent of the population

now internet friendly, the report says.

At the forefront of the region's ICT industry, Dubai Internet City remains committed

to supporting emerging technology trends in the region and continues to play an

instrumental role in developing the industry while contributing to Dubai's drive for

creating a knowledge-based economy.

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