Dubai SME announces timeline and guidelines for contestants in ‘Young Entrepreneur Competition 2012’ exhibition

Dubai SME, the agency of the Department of Economic Development mandated to develop the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, has issued conditions of participation and timelines for students in the eighth Young Entrepreneur Competition (YEC 2012) exhibition, taking place at WAFI from the 28^th to 31^st March 2012. 

The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on all days except Friday, when the duration will be 4 pm to 10 pm. Participants will have two days – 26^th and 27^th of March – to arrange their displays in the pre-installed kiosks. Over 700 kiosks are being set up on the ground and first levels of WAFI for YEC contestants to display their business projects to visitors at the mall. 

“The YEC team has made all arrangements to ensure that participants in the exhibition can showcase their ideas and skills in the best possible way. The exhibition has already grown to become the widest and most diverse showcase of budding entrepreneurial talent in the region,” said Nisrin Safar, General Co-ordinator of YEC. 

Failure to operate the kiosks during the official timings, selling fake products, selling products outside the kiosk area, indecent attire and improper conduct are among violations that can lead to disqualification of the contestants. 

“Our team will be present at the venue throughout the exhibition, assisting participants and ensuring full compliance to the rules and regulations of the competition. We have already conveyed the rules and regulations for participation to all contestants,” said Abdelaziz Al Mazam, Head of YEC Supervising Committee. 

Participants are neither allowed to change or remove any of their team members nor to change their activities or business name during the competition. 

A ‘Participant Pack’ comprising a receipt book, price tags, calculator and stationary, is also being given to each contestant to facilitate the process of buying and selling and create a competitive spirit and enthusiasm among the students. 

The exhibition will feature a range of projects spanning fashion, fine arts, handicrafts, traditional or heritage products, health products excluding medicines, environmental awareness products (recycling, renewable energy), educational material (games, tools, modern teaching aids), interior design, cultural activities, and information technology. 

du, a major promoter of entrepreneurial development initiatives in the UAE and sponsor of the Young Entrepreneur Competition for the third year in a row, will be a major presence at the exhibition. The telecom operator will set up its own kiosks to allow university students to have a first-hand experience of telecom retailing. 

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the annual Young Entrepreneur Competition aims to instill and nurture entrepreneurial spirit among the younger generations in the UAE. The exhibition is part of enabling contestants to test their skills in a real world of competitive business.