Today's story continues our series on start-up scenes across the Middle East,

this time looking at the United Arab Emirates, the UAE, and more specifically one of its fastest growing emirates or cities, Dubai.

Dubai is my current hometown, and, like any other major international city, is fast-paced, full of tall buildings, and a broad

mix of 200-some-odd nationalities walking its streets. The UAE itself formed in 1971, so as a new

city, Dubai has done a tremendous job developing its brand and status as a global player in such

a short time. It ranks among cities like Tokyo, London, Paris, New York. And one angle to

this marketing is the perception that Dubai is a city of opportunity. Anything is possible here.

You see this in droves. Many people are moving to Dubai to try their hands at entrepreneurship

and starting companies. And this is intentional. Entrepreneurship and innovation are

national priorities, wherein the government aims by 2021 to rank number one in the world in ease of

doing business and among the top 10 countries in global entrepreneurship and innovation indices.

So the question for today's show, is Dubai the next Silicon Valley of the Middle East?

This is Hibah Fisher, and you're listening to Kearning cultures.

Ladies, gentlemen, we're approaching the international airport in Dubai.

Local time is a quarter to 11 in the evening.

To pass your seatbelt, back on your seat to the offline position and snowing on train. We have a quarter to 11 in the evening. To pass your seatbelt, back on your seat to the upper-end position and snow your train.

We have a few stories for you today, each we hope, shining a little more light onto the dynamics of building a startup in the UAE.

Let's start with an individual who moved to Dubai two years ago from Paris to start what is now one of the most active angel investment networks

in the region.

So what is your story?

We all got stories.

You got to tell me which one you want to hear.

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