• The technology company plans to support the Majid Al Futtaim Launchpad Program by providing access to a range of digital solutions to startups, as well as other benefits, such as mentoring and go-to-market avenues.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – As part of its ongoing commitment to support entrepreneurs, Microsoft today announced that it plans to join forces with Majid Al Futtaim to empower regional startups and SMEs through the Dubai-based retail giant’s Launchpad Program. As a partner in the Majid Al Futtaim Launchpad accelerator initiative, Microsoft intends to commit resources and expertise to startups and SMEs across the Middle East and North Africa.

“The MENA region has one of the most unique and inspiring homegrown entrepreneurial communities in the world. Through Majid Al Futtaim Launchpad, we aim to nurture this ecosystem, provide expertise, tools and create opportunities for SMEs and startups in strategic sectors to scale their growth plans and support the overall economic development of our Markets” said Joe Abi Akl, Chief Corporate Development Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding. “With Microsoft as a key partner in our Launchpad Program, we hope to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and lay the groundwork for a prosperous future, not only for the UAE, but for communities across the region.”

Announced in June, the Majid Al Futtaim Launchpad initiative is aimed at assembling partners to support startups and SMEs in strategic sectors in their growth journeys, thereby bolstering the innovation ecosystem and spurring economic development. As a strategic partner in the Launchpad scheme, Microsoft intends to provide a range of benefits for participants.

“Microsoft is proud to stand with Majid Al Futtaim in its efforts to empower start-ups and SMEs and foster economic growth,” said Naim Yazbeck, General Manager, Microsoft UAE. “Every business has the potential to be disrupted, and the fast-moving retail industry is on the frontline, serving an ever-growing number of discerning consumers. We look forward to supporting innovative enterprises on their journeys by offering technology and knowledge as they turn their ideas into reality.”

Through the Microsoft for Startups Founder’s Hub Program, the company intends to provide technology resources that allow startups to build their products. This includes access to Azure, and use of Visual Studio Enterprise and GitHub Enterprise. Other technologies planned to be provided by Microsoft for day-to-day business operations include Microsoft 365 and within this Teams, and Power Platform as well as Dynamics 365 Sales and Customer Service platforms. Eligible Launchpad participants may also have an opportunity to get go-to-market support from Microsoft through the company’s Co-Sell Program, as well as benefit from Azure Marketplace. Furthermore, Microsoft plans to offer industry mentorship and one-to-one technical consultancy sessions for B2B startups.  

In its first phase, the Majid Al Futtaim Launchpad will focus on supporting 3 core growth areas, including Homegrown Brands to attract startups with a unique and fascinating story, focusing on culture and heritage, sustainability, and innovation; Health and Beauty to identify and elevate startups with innovative products and tech solutions designed to elevate the customer experience; and Proptech to target startups that offer innovative and sustainable solutions to help optimise the efficiency of construction, digitise property development, residential communities and hotels spaces, and enhance the experiences in the shopping mall.

Applications for participation in the Majid Al Futtaim Launchpad Program close on Friday 22nd of July 2o22. For more information, or to apply now, please click here http://majidalfuttaimlaunchpad.com.

-Ends-

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Microsoft opened its Dubai-based headquarters in 1991, which, today, oversees operations across the region.

For more information (Press only):
Magdalena Stepien, Microsoft UAE
E : mastepie@microsoft.com
Husain Gandhi, ProGlobal Media
E: h.gandhi@proglobal.ae

About Majid Al Futtaim

Founded in 1992, Majid Al Futtaim is the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

A remarkable business success story, Majid Al Futtaim started from one man’s vision to transform the face of shopping, entertainment and leisure to ‘create great moments for everyone, every day’. It has since grown into one of the United Arab Emirates’ most respected and successful businesses spanning 17 international markets, employing more than 43,000 people, and obtaining the highest credit rating (BBB) among privately held corporates in the region.

Majid Al Futtaim owns and operates 29 shopping malls, 13 hotels and four mixed-use communities, with further developments underway in the region. The shopping malls portfolio includes Mall of the Emirates, Mall of Egypt, Mall of Oman, City Centre malls, My City Centre neighbourhood centres, and five community malls which are in joint venture with the Government of Sharjah. The Company is the exclusive franchisee for Carrefour in over 30 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, operating a portfolio of more than 400 outlets including City+, the region’s first checkout-free store, and an online store.

Majid Al Futtaim operates more than 600 VOX Cinemas screens as well as a portfolio of world-class leisure and entertainment experiences across the region including Ski Dubai, Ski Egypt, Dreamscape, Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFLY Dubai. The Company is parent to a Fashion, Home and Specialty retail business representing international brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, AllSaints, lululemon athletica, Crate & Barrel, LEGO and THAT, a Majid Al Futtaim fashion concept store and app. In addition, Majid Al Futtaim operates Enova, a facility and energy management company, through a joint venture operation with Veolia, a global leader in optimised environment resource management.

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