Destination Dubai

"Network with policy makers, key government officials and business leaders. Identify new trade and investment partners and take away business leads,” reads the promotional literature for Enterprise Dubai, the three-day event that will be held at Dubai’s Crowne Plaza Hotel from December 19-21, 2014. "Connecting the leaders of today with tomorrow,” is the theme of this initiative that promises "multiple opportunities, wonderful sightseeing, lots of entertainment and roaring fun — once in a lifetime event for Zoroastrian community, especially for our youth.”
The focus areas for Enterprise Dubai being trade, communication, innovation, technology, medicine, culture, youth and community development, among the speakers who have confirmed participation are Lord Karan Bilimoria of Chelsea, UK who will speak on "The global economy and road to leadership,” Nadir Godrej, managing director of Godrej Industries, on "Nurturing a legacy and positioning a winning India,” Minoo Shroff, international president of the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce on "Staying ahead of economic currents and building enterprises during uncertainties,” Ronnie Screwvala, CEO and founder of UTV Group on "Venture capitalism and social philanthropy.”

Whilst the panel discussion on "Corporate social responsibility and good governance” will be chaired by author and entrepreneur Nozer Buchia, another one on "Women in the lead” will be chaired by columnist Bachi Karkaria. The panel discussion on "New technologies and cures” will see participation from ophthalmic surgeon Dr Cyres Mehta, heart surgeon Dr Zubin Nalladaru and gastrointestinal surgeon Dr Sabrena Noria.
A business competition "Idea, Innovate and Implement” was expected to generate a good response as the first and second prize winners were promised a sum of AED 30,000 (Rs 5,00,000) and AED 12,000 (Rs 2,00,000) respectively. While a 10-member jury will select the winners, Yazdi Tantra, managing director of Onlyne Computers will chair the session. Other delegates can participate in competitions like "Masters of the Home Kitchen,” "Who wants to be a Millionaire,” "Fitness Health Show” and "Cricket Quiz.”
Zoroastrian Ratna Awards will be presented on the second day. Visits to the world’s largest malls plus evening entertainment in the form of gala fashion and comedy shows are the other highlights.
Day three will begin with a scrumptious breakfast at the Burj Khalifa Park, downtown Dubai. Thereafter the delegates will have the option to visit the Free Trade Zones, hold B2B Meetings or do sightseeing. The sightseeing tour will include visits to landmark locations including the glittering Gold Souk. This will be followed by a Dhow cruise during late afternoon when they can enjoy a lavish buffet whilst admiring the splendid architecture of old and new Dubai.
An exhibition on trade and culture will be held at the venue when leading companies will showcase their products and services. Traditional Indian costumes with garas, jablas, coatees, ijars, embroidered shawls, kurtis and more will be on display.
Registration costs for those who opt for the first two days will be AED 815 (Rs 13,040) and for the three-day package, AED 970 (Rs 15,520). Children between four and 12 pay AED 500 (Rs 8,000) for two days and AED 680 (Rs10,880) for three days that includes all meals, sightseeing and entertainment programs. Hotel tariffs start upwards of AED325 (Rs 5,200) for double occupancy per day. For further details visit www.wzcongress.org/enterprisedubai or write to enterprisedubai2014@gmail.com
Meher Bhesania, who had chaired the Ninth World Zoroastrian Congress in Dubai in 2009, gave an overview of Enterprise Dubai in her presentation on the third day at the 10th World Zoroastrian Congress in Bombay on December 29, 2014. As Dubai grew "from a fishing village to a cultural hub of the Middle East, the community had two options: to be participants or observers,” she mentioned, referring to the contribution of Parsis to Dubai that has been named as the World Expo City 2020. "If 1,200 Parsis have prospered here, why not another 1,200, thereby making the community richer?” she enquired. Elated that "Zoroastrian culture will be exhibited one more time,” Bhesania was keen that the international delegation "take a look at this city with a new pair of lenses.”