The Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 (MESA) conference and exhibition is set to take place on 17-18 January 2024 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This event will bring together innovative technology start-ups and SMEs from eight countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Lebanon. With the aim to celebrate the region’s tech-based startups, MESA is part of the Global Startup Awards, the world’s largest independent startup ecosystem.
The Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) has announced the participation of these startups and SMEs for the prestigious award ceremony. Prof. Hassan Hamdan Al Alkim, President of AURAK, expressed the university’s support for international award programs like MESA, which contribute to the growth of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He believes that such initiatives bring visibility to the university and help promote a startup culture among students and the community.
Tarek Al Saman, Secretary of the Board at Emirates Angel Investors Association, emphasized the significance of events like MESA in creating investment opportunities for new technologies and business models. He acknowledged that these events play a crucial role in enhancing the early stage investment ecosystem through their strong network of investors.
MESA, being the second edition, takes a sector-agnostic approach to recognize and celebrate the region’s tech startups and SMEs. The event will feature renowned country ambassadors, experienced jury members, and valuable business partners. It aims to provide these innovative companies with an opportunity to showcase their solutions, connect with potential investors, and strengthen their presence in the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Middle East.
Dr. Tahseen Anwer Arshi, Director of Associate Professor at AURAK, highlighted the reputation of MESA as a prestigious awards event in the region. He expressed that the AURAK Centre for Entrepreneurship will leverage this opportunity to foster and promote a vibrant startup culture among students and the wider community.
Sagarika Sahoo, Co-Founder of Middle East Start Up Awards, shared the success of the 2021 Launch Premiere. This event was conducted under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy (MOE UAE) and supported by prominent organizations like Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Emirates Angel Investors Association (EAIA). The regional finalists had the privilege to showcase their solutions at the Global Start Up Awards in Copenhagen, Denmark, alongside some of the world’s top entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.
Organized by Commerce Connect Events Exhibition and Management, the Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 (MESA) aims to celebrate the region’s tech-based startups without limitations on sectors. It aims to recognize and reward the outstanding achievements of startups and SMEs and provide them with a platform to gain exposure and attract potential investors.
With its focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, MESA is set to be a key event on the region’s startup calendar. The conference and exhibition will bring together the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem, inspiring collaboration, growth, and success in the Middle East’s ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the Middle East Startup Awards 2022-23 (MESA) conference and exhibition on 17-18 January 2024 in Ras Al Khaimah. Join us in celebrating the innovative startups and SMEs from the Middle East and be part of the region’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.