Microsoft Gulf partnership seeks to help startups “create a vibrant business landscape in the Arab world”

Microsoft Gulf signed a memorandum of understanding this past week with The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for the Dubai-based education group to become a network partner for the software firm’s BizSpark program, which is currently available to privately held startups building a software-based product or service that have been in business for less than three years and generate less than US$1 million in revenue. Per a news release, “in addition to helping accelerate the success of early stage start-ups with BizSpark, the Foundation and Microsoft Gulf will use the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Community Learning Curriculum to build essential technology skills within the local community for creating jobs and advance career opportunities. The Foundation will also facilitate an internship program to host young Arabs at Microsoft Gulf.”