Catalysing social enterprises in the UAE

While the concept of 'social enterprise' is relatively nascent in the Middle East, the UAE has played a particularly significant role in supporting it, not only by hosting various platforms that support networking and sharing best practice but also driving forward the discussion on enabling environments. Research indicates that social entrepreneurs need support from multiple sectors if they are to be successful including the government, private and even education sectors. Governments play a particularly important role by providing a suitable enabling environment. Collaboration from the private sector is also vital because social entrepreneurs borrow so much from the principles of successful businesses. And, even the education sector serves a purpose by providing incubators, academic programmes and research. Ultimately, it takes an entire ecosystem of players to construct a viable environment for the successful growth of social entrepreneurship. In order to build and enhance this eco-system in the UAE, the centre for responsible business at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Industry (DCCI) is working closely with Al Ahli Holding Group. Speaking at the recent Emirates Foundation Philanthropy in Transition Summit, Lina Hourani, the CSR Division Director of Al Ahli Group announced the launch of an online platform for social entrepreneurs to be activated in 2014, as part of the ongoing activities of the Al Ahli-driven Social Enterprise Task Group (SETG). Speaking at the event, Hourani explained that the initiative provides an opportunity for conventional entrepreneurs in the UAE to connect and be inspired to start a social enterprise. The platform will provide comprehensive guidance and support to any budding social entrepreneurs and explain how to about establishing a successful entity. The SETG is building not merely a website, but an interactive digital space through which to empower organisations in the social enterprise ecosystem while providing them with support services. Based on its users' interaction with the platform, the SETG will also present key findings related to the state of social enterprises in the UAE. In addition, the platform will unite organisational stakeholders together to aligned support mechanisms across the country and promote stronger advocacy. Establishing social enterprises is even more challenging than establishing a successful conventional enterprise, with a need to focus on building strong governance and operational systems that can achieve a realistic balance between their social outcomes on the ground and their efficiency as a business. Many summit participants noted that while this sector is growing rapidly in the UAE there is still a strong need to share ideas, best practice and create an enabling environment that promotes innovation and creativity. Hourani noted: "Social entrepreneurship is needed for both economic and social development as it creates new jobs and sources of income, while at the same time encouraging innovation. It can also bring new unconventional products and services to market that can contribute to solving societal problems such as illiteracy, health and poverty." Believing in the power of partnership, the SETG has united actors from government, academia and business in the belief that collaboration is key. Feeding the educational and research inputs into this platform will be the American Universities of Beirut and Dubai who have both agreed to share their research and knowledge on social entrepreneurship. The DCCI has also brought on board additional partners including CCC, Intercoil, Desert Group, DP World, du, Majid Al Futtaim, PepsiCo and Emirates Foundation. During her speech at the summit, Hourani called upon relevant stakeholders for to support the platform through sponsorship, technical delivery (for example as media partners) or by providing content through speakers and relevant material. "Social enterprise is a powerful tool for entrepreneurship in the region," she noted, adding that "it can amplify the development of sustainable breakthroughs for social and environmental problems without having to rely on charity or public funding. Catalysing social enterprises in the UAE will provide unique social value and we believe this platform is well positioned to help."