Ro’Ya 2015 opens registrations for UAE female entrepreneurs

Now in its second year, MasterCard and DBWC launch Ro’Ya 2015 to empower women entrepreneurs through expert mentoring

Dubai, U.A.E, and Thursday 19th of March 2015: Following the success of the first year of the Ro’Ya initiative, launched in January 2014, MasterCard and the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) are continuing their joint focus on driving entrepreneurship in the UAE by welcoming applications for a second year. 

Ro'Ya, which means ‘vision’ in Arabic, aims to empower women in the UAE by offering mentoring and coaching to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs who are keen to set up new businesses in the UAE. The initiative also rewards the top three winners with funds to be used towards their initial start-up costs. The top prize winner will receive the equivalent of USD 50,000, with second and third prize winners taking home the equivalent of USD 30,000 and USD 20,000 respectively. 

According to latest figures, SMEs today represent 95 per cent of businesses in Dubai, 42 per cent of the labor force and 40 per cent of the Emirate’s GDP. 

“Ro’Ya 2014 made us realize the potential of female entrepreneurs in the UAE and we are extremely pleased to announce that Ro’Ya will continue to support, empower and enrich our community of budding female entrepreneurs,” said HE Dr. Raja Easa Saleh Al Gurg, President of DBWC. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to launch this initiative again and look forward to meeting new inspiring women, guiding them throughout their growth and building a network of women who will support the UAE’s growth and economy.” 

"SMEs are vital to driving a country's economy,” explains Eyad Al-Kourdi, Country Manager – UAE, MasterCard. “By creating and running businesses, entrepreneurs can enrich the lives of others, contribute to the national economy, create social change and even inspire community development. Women, in particular, are keen to start their own businesses and continue to play an increasingly important role in driving the economy. We had an extremely successful inaugural year for Ro’Ya and look forward to an even more successful year ahead.”

Submissions will be accepted until May 30 and the competition is open to all budding female entrepreneurs who are citizens or residents of the UAE. Participants are encouraged to submit their business proposals through the Ro’Ya website (www.royadubai.ae), which also contains additional information on criteria and judging. Submitted entries undergo a thorough screening process by a panel of experts from MasterCard and DBWC.  Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to present their ideas to judges at a closing gala event. 

All applicants will also have the opportunity to learn from a team of experts during workshop and seminar sessions that focus on how to create and manage a successful business. More details about these sessions are available on the website. 

"Since its inception, the DBWC has committed itself to nurturing leadership, offering information, identifying challenges and encouraging positive action amongst women in the UAE, and Ro'Ya is an extension of that commitment. Productive networking and the exchange of ideas and information is what leads to breakthroughs, and our vision for Ro'Ya is for it to become a premier platform for women to launch successful business ventures," added Al Gurg.

Last year’s winner, Nadia Wehbe, is the founder of Baby Arabia, which is a children’s creative language programme offered in Arabic, Spanish and French. 

Commenting on her experience Wehbe said: “You only gain by being part of Ro’Ya. I encourage all women to apply and be a part of it. The workshops, the leadership and the friends you meet on the way will change your life and your business beyond your wildest dreams.”

Ro’Ya 2015 is supported by  a number of think-tank partners including Grow.me, emblem, RUA Digital, VentureFin and Action Coach.