The Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) is proud to announce the official appointment of Dr. Khaja Abdul Mutalib and Mr. Ahmed Waqar Mohsin as GEN Global Leaders for the United Arab Emirates.
This dual appointment marks GEN’s commitment to the UAE – now made urgent by war – to help protect and build on all that has been accomplished over the years since GEN hosted its first Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Dubai in 2010, and organized the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in partnership with the White House in UAE.
"The GCC countries have accomplished so much in embedding innovation and entrepreneurship into their economic policies and establishing world class startup cities. With the recent unrest in the region, GEN is keen to double down on its investment in the gulf nations and to preserve and support the historical rise of these startup nations."
~Jonathan Ortmans, President of the Global Entrepreneurship Network.~
Operating from the regional hubs of Dubai and Sharjah, these leaders bring a wealth of expertise to the task. As GEN Global Leaders formally representing the global non-profit organization, Dr. Khaja and Mr. Waqar will focus on expanding GEN's work in the area by catalyzing new relationships with leading organizations and government representatives. This includes driving participation in signature global initiatives such as the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), Global Entrepreneurship Week and Startup Huddle, and ensuring that the UAE's unique entrepreneurial voice is heard on the world stage. By aligning local efforts under the “One Global Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” vision, they will serve as a strategic bridge between national stakeholders and GEN’s global ecosystem during these challenging times for the ecosystem.
A key priority for this new leadership team is building a strong delegation and engagement at GEN’s next GEC scheduled for later in the year in Doha. The team will also focus on strengthening digital platforms to reflect the UAE’s robust entrepreneurial work. Through media engagement and the coordination of annual gatherings for program leaders, they aim to ensure investors, accelerators, and policymakers collaborate effectively within the region and with the rest of the world.
This new chapter in GEN's work in UAE reflects its deep trust in the nation's community of innovators and its commitment to building a lasting impact. As Dr. Khaja and Mr. Waqar begin their engagement, the global community looks forward to the renewed energy and collaboration they will bring to the Middle East’s entrepreneurial landscape.