Google and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry have announced a long-term partnership to help businesses across Dubai get online during the 11th World Retail Congress, which recently took place in the emirate.
The partnership aims to help local businesses across different sizes and industries harness the power of the web, get discovered more easily and win more business.
The agreement will launch with a pilot program that will extend for three to four months, and will see both partners gather data of businesses and verify and list them on Google Search and Maps via Google My Business, a free tool.
Listings include information for consumers, such as a company’s phone number, hours of operation, and business description. The collaboration will also involve future digital training which will help businesses better understand the value of being online, growing a business, and acquiring new customers.
According to the Consumer Connected Study, the UAE’s Smartphone and Internet usage is one of the highest in the world. Research also shows that 63 percent of consumers in the country use their smartphones to look for local businesses. Yet, only 18 percent of businesses have any online presence.
H.E. Hamad Buamim, president and CEO, Dubai Chamber, said, “We are delighted to partner with Google on such an important initiative, as it will help local businesses boost their global profile and reach, and give them access to a much bigger consumer base. This partnership falls in line with our strategy to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s private sector, promote smarter business practices locally, and improve ease of doing business in the emirate.
“Considering the rapid pace at which technology is evolving, it has become critical for businesses to invest in building their brand reputation online, target consumers through digital channels, and keep up with the changing needs of their tech-savvy customers.”
Lino Cattaruzzi, Google’s managing director the Middle East and North Africa region, said, “For most people in the UAE, the internet is their first point for information. We wanted to make the process of businesses getting online easier and help them find their customers in the moments that matter. We decided to partner with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, who understand the challenges faced by local businesses better than anyone—and they recognise the value of getting businesses online.”
Cattaruzzi added, “This is just the beginning. There is more to do to help businesses take advantage of the vast opportunities yielded by the web which in turn will help the local economy benefit. We are starting with a pilot program and hope to scale it further in the future.”
