The lure of entrepreneurship is growing in the GCC countries, as the region plans ahead for a future less dependent on oil. Diversification plans for the Gulf economies involve not only investing in the growing non-oil sectors but also getting people back into business activities.

The GCC’s tech startup sector has grown tenfold over the past four years, thanks to the development of the region’s venture capital ecosystem. Now international actors are starting to notice. The Washington, DC based startup incubator and seed fund 1776 recently signed an agreement to open an outpost in Dubai. Two of the startups competing in its upcoming Challenge Cup, MUrgency and SDB (Smart Detection Bra), are based in Dubai and Riyadh, respectively.

On June 9, AGSIW hosted a discussion with the founders of MUrgency, SDB, and 1776 showcasing the evolving startup landscape in the GCC and the challenges that remain.

Speakers:

Nermin Fawzi Sa’d, Founder of Smart Detection Bra

Sweta Mangal, Director of Global Emergency Response, MUrgency

Brandon Pollak, Director of Global Affairs at 1776

Raymond E. Karam, Director of Program Outreach and Communication at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (Moderator)

Biographies:

Nermin Fawzi Sa’d is the founder of SDB (Smart Detection Bra), a private and safe option for early breast cancer detection, based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Sweta Mangal is the director of global emergency response for MUrgency, a worldwide, decentralized emergency response network that can be accessed by one tap on a smartphone.

Brandon Pollak is the director of global affairs at 1776. Part of the founding team of 1776, he leads strategy and outreach to influencers, including policymakers at the federal, state, local, and international levels, embassies, and industry leaders across 1776 verticals.

Raymond E. Karam is the director of program outreach and communication at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Prior to joining AGSIW, Karam served as the EastWest Institute’s Washington, DC representative. In his capacity, he directed the institute’s outreach to members of Congress, congressional staff, various federal departments, foreign embassies, and international organizations.