Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Etisalat will work together to unlock opportunities for businesses in Abu Dhabi by introducing companies to their extensive networks and strengthening cooperation across the economic system.
The partnership combines ADIO’s support services with Etisalat’s innovation capabilities to deliver opportunities for businesses in the emirate, they said in a statement.
It builds on individual initiatives of ADIO and Etisalat to deliver value to companies through commercial and investment opportunities. ADIO’s $545-million Innovation Programme provides incentives to businesses in high-growth areas to expand in Abu Dhabi, while Etisalat Digital’s open innovation program, FutureNow, invites innovative technology companies to accelerate their businesses in the UAE and partner with Etisalat to bring new solutions to market.
The statement said Abu Dhabi has been ranked the smartest city in the Middle East and leads the region’s digital transformation because of its significant investments in cutting-edge infrastructure and smart technologies.
“At the heart of Abu Dhabi’s technological advancements is Etisalat, one of the world’s leading telecom groups in emerging markets that provides innovative solutions and services to 156.1 million subscribers in 16 countries across Asia, the Middle East and Africa,” the statement reads.
The partnership ensures that the private sector can access growth opportunities and serves as a launchpad for growth-stage technology companies to access the MEA region, the statement said.
Monira Al Kuttab, Executive Director at ADIO, said, “Abu Dhabi has invested heavily into creating a technology sector that empowers the growth of the private sector. ADIO is building on this with our mission to ‘turn sand into silicon’ by partnering with innovation-driven ICT giant Etisalat to support businesses.”