UABC Panel Moderator 

Intro:

Mindset is the way a person thinks, interprets situations, and approaches decisions and actions. It is the mental framework that shapes how you see opportunities, handle challenges, and respond to growth.

Our mindset determines:

• How we react to problems
• How we make business decisions
• How we see opportunities

Two people can be in the same environment like UAE, but their mindset will produce different results:

• One sees the UAE as too competitive → stays small
• Another sees it as full of opportunity → build partners, and scales

Examples of Mindset in Business

Limited Mindset:

• “I’ll just manage small, it’s safer”
• “This market is too difficult”
• “I cant trust anyone”

Growth/Strategic Mindset:

• “How do I position myself better?”
• “Who can I partner with?”
• “What structure do I need to access this opportunity?”

Our theme this evening is:

- The Mindset Shift Every African Entrepreneur in the UAE Must Make.”

 - The Dubai AED 1 Billion Economic Support Package, 

Welcome the guest again

Mr. Muhammed, 

Mr Ejike, 

Mrs. Preeti

🔹 1st: Let Understanding the Current Reality (5–7 mins)

Let’s begin by setting the context.

Question 1:
Many African entrepreneurs operate in the UAE, yet a lot struggle to scale or access opportunities.
In your view, what are the key challenges they face? (My Ejike)

Question 2:
Would you say the current reality of African business in UAE is problem is more about mindset, structure, or access? (Muhammed)

Question 3:
How are African business owners currently perceived in the UAE business environment? (Preeti)

Question 4:
What needs to change, and how can African entrepreneurs build stronger credibility and trust?

🔹 2: The Mindset Shift (10–15 mins)

Question 5:
What mindset shift is required for African entrepreneurs to truly succeed in the UAE? (Mr Ejike) (Mr. Muhammed) Mrs Preeti

I Put Down These Practical Mindset Shifts for African Businesses in UAE

1. Get Structured
   Move from hustle to business—register properly, keep records, use a business account.
2. Think Long-Term
   Stop focusing only on daily income—build for growth and sustainability.
3. Be Professional
   Improve how you present your business—branding, communication, and credibility matter.
4. Follow the System
   Understand and comply with UAE regulations (tax, licensing, documentation).
5. Build Relationships
   Don’t operate alone—collaborate, network, and form strategic partnerships.
6. Use Data, Not Assumptions
   Track your numbers and make informed business decisions.
   
   Do anyone what to emphasis any of the points? (All Panels)

🔹 3: Understanding the AED 1 Billion Package (10 mins)

There’s a lot of conversation around the AED 1 Billion government support package.
Which comes in form of :

• Reduction in government fees – lowers cost of doing business
• 0% Corporate Tax (for eligible SMEs) – increases profitability
• Easier access to financing – loans, working capital, trade finance
• Access to government contracts – real business opportunities
• SME support programs – advisory, growth, and market access

Question 6:

Can you help us break down what this actually means for businesses? (Mr Hammed)

Question 7:
How can African businesses access the opporunities? (Mr Hammed)

Question 7 (Legal/Compliance Focus):
What are the key legal and structural requirements businesses must meet to access these opportunities?

Question 8 (Business/Strategy Focus):
How can entrepreneurs position themselves to benefit—from financing, partnerships, or government contracts? (Mr. Muhammed)

🔹 Audience Engagement (20 mins)

Let’s take some questions from the audience.

Closing (3–5 mins)

Thank you to our esteemed panelists for your valuable insights.

If there’s one key takeaway from today, it is this:

The UAE is full of opportunities—but access is not automatic.
It requires the right mindset, proper structure, and strategic positioning.

At UABC, we are committed to ensuring that African businesses are not just present in the UAE—but are visible, credible, and competitive.

I encourage everyone here today:
Don’t just listen—take action.
Don’t operate alone—connect and collaborate.

Thank you all for being part of this conversation.