du Announces Dubai Silicon Oasis as Strategic Partner for 'The Entrepreneur'

Top Six Front-runners of UAE's First Reality TV Show for Business Upstarts to Receive Support from Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai, UAE, 17 June 2012 - du, today announced a strategic tie-up with Dubai Silicon Oasis ( DSO ), the integrated free zone technology park, for 'The Entrepreneur', the UAE's first business reality TV show featuring business upstarts in a competition to identify the country's most promising SME entrepreneur. The show will be aired on television channel Dubai One later this year.

Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, through its wholly owned technology incubator 'The Silicon Oasis Founders' will offer the show's top shortlisted entries an unrivalled boost in business including the winner and the following top 5 competitors. The winner of the show will be entitled to office space for one year at the SOF facility while the top 5 runner-ups will receive the office space for six months.

Shahla Abdul Razak, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said: "Encouraging technology-based entrepreneurship is vital for achieving sustainable growth for the economy of the UAE. We are proud to partner with du for this exciting, innovative and inspiring initiative. We are confident that 'The Entrepreneur' will encourage aspiring businesspersons and enhance their performance and commitment."

"The director of SOF will assess the proposals of the winners and the top 5 finalists to select the most promising ventures for funding," Shahla added.

Hala Badri, Executive Vice-President, Brand and Communications, du, said: " Dubai Silicon Oasis ' generous partnership with us on 'The Entrepreneur' has enabled us to offer meaningful prizes to our most talented contestants. DSO 's participation, will allow our top contestants to gain invaluable support that will mold them for success in their future business endeavours."

Other strategic partners for du's 'The Entrepreneur'; which is set to be aired on Dubai One includes Dubai One, as the official broadcaster, Sony Pictures Television Arabia as the production partner, Wamda as the knowledge partner and Ernst & Young as the exclusive advisor.
A wholly-owned entity of the Government of Dubai, Dubai Silicon Oasis operates as a free zone technology park for semiconductors, microelectronics and other electronics-based companies looking to set up their regional headquarters and R&D divisions in the MENA region.

-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae

Posted on: Jun 17 2012

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Telecommunications

http://www.du.ae
Country: UAE

du, the integrated telecom service provider in the UAE, launched mobile telecommunication services in February 2007 across the UAE, in addition to internet and pay TV services that du provides in some of the free zones of Dubai. Call Select, du's nationwide fixed line services for voice telephony, was launched in July 2007. By the end of 3rd quarter of 2010, over 4 million people in the UAE had chosen to become du mobile customers.

Among du's many firsts is its historic Number Booking Campaign for both individuals and business, Pay by the Second billing system, Mobile TV, Mobile Payments, first of its kind 'WoW' recharge card (which offers customers the choice between 'more credit', 'more time' and now the 'more international' recharge option with additional credit on international calls) and Self Care.

For business customers, du business offers include Closed Business User Group and preferred International Destinations. du Broadcast Services division brings scalable media technology platforms and telecommunication solutions to the broadcast community through its world-class teleport (Samacom) and Master Control Room (MCR) facilities.

du products and services for consumers and business are available through du's retail network, currently numbering 37 du shops located in strategic locations across the UAE, including the recently opened flagship store located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. In addition, customers can access du products and services at more than 3000 authorised dealers or through the du e-shop, accessible at http://shop.du.ae du shops are a one-stop-shop for mobile service, carrier select and the payment of service bills.

du is 39.5 per cent owned by the UAE Federal Government, 19.75 per cent by Mubadala Development Company, 19.5 per cent by Emirates Communications & Technology Company LLC and the remaining stake by public shareholders. It is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and trades under the name du.

For further information, please contact:
Saugat Chatterjee
Public Relations Manager
Brand & Communications
du
Mobile: +971 55 9367045
Email: saugat.chatterjee@du.ae

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